Council Keeps Quiet On Work-Release Vote

Each side hired a sharpshooter and, when the smoke cleared, only Spokane City Council members could tell which attorney would win the duel. They’re not saying a word until Monday.

City Hall earlier this week served as the battleground for a spirited debate over whether a work-release facility qualifies as a group home under the city’s zoning code.

Allvest Inc., of Granite Falls, Wash., wants to build 12 apartments to house 45 federal prisoners in a three-story building at 720 N. Monroe. The facility’s stated purpose is to provide a transitional environment for individuals soon to be released from prison.

City Hearing Examiner Greg Smith approved the plan May 9, but about 25 people - many of whom own businesses near the proposed spot - appealed the decision to the council.

Council members won’t decide the issue until next week’s meeting.

In his decision, Smith argued that work-release facilities are similar to group homes, “which may be allowed in any zone by special permit.”

Stanley Schultz, attorney for the opposition, argued that it sets a bad precedent for the city.

“Under this decision, a prisoner work-release facility would be allowed in any zone in the city of Spokane,” Schultz said. “This is clearly too broad.”

Such a facility would devastate the area’s property values and pose a danger to its neighbors and their customers, Schultz said.

Jim Craven, attorney for Allvest, waxed philosophic, telling the council it had to ask itself “one of the most difficult questions our society faces.”

“What do we as a society do with those who have been isolated from society for a period of time? How do we transition them?” he said.

Work-release facilities have a good and beneficial public purpose, said Craven, chastising his rival Schultz for using the word “prisoner” at least 15 times.

, DataTimes