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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

County Upholds Denial Of Shopping Center Rezone

Spokane County Commissioners voted Tuesday to uphold a hearing examiner’s decision to deny a rezone for a proposed $5.4 million shopping center at 32nd Avenue and Highway 27.

Farallon Real Estate Services, based in San Francisco, requested a seven-acre parcel be rezoned from residential to commercial. In December, Hearing Examiner Michael Dempsey denied the developer’s request. Developers Alan Roodhouse and Steve Leonard filed an appeal to the county commission.

Roodhouse said he and Leonard have not yet decided if they will file an appeal of the commissioners’ decision to Spokane County Superior Court.

Residents living close to the proposed complex formed the South East Valley Residential Association to fight Farallon.

The 500 members were primarily concerned about the amount of traffic the center, which would have included a fast-food restaurant, a bank and a small shopping strip, would funnel through their neighborhood. The land in question has been used to grow alfalfa for years. Residents said they’d prefer homes be built on the land.

“I’m sure everybody will be happy (about the decision),” said association member Denis Himes. “There are plenty of people who live around me who didn’t want to see it happen.”

Members pitched in money to pay for the hiring of attorney Steve Eugster and to make fliers to post throughout their neighborhood.

“I feel very satisfied that our efforts were not in vain and that we can keep this type of development out of our community,” said Himes.

, DataTimes