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

‘Pitch And Putt’ Course Construction Ok’d

The city hearing examiner has approved a special permit to allow construction of a nine-hole “pitch and putt” golf course in the Latah Creek Valley.

Terry Kelly and Chris Becker want to build the Latah Short Course on 5.8 acres of land just west of U.S. Highway 195 on Meadowlane Road.

The location is a short distance from the city’s full-size Creek at Qualchan Golf Course.

The Latah Short Course would have holes ranging from 60 to 100 yards long. Plans call for a 600-square-foot clubhouse and 23 parking slots.

Several neighbors questioned the project when it went before the hearing examiner. They voiced concerns about fertilizers and pesticides getting into Latah Creek.

They also said the course should be screened with landscaping to prevent golf balls from being hit onto adjacent property.

Hearing Examiner Greg Smith said in his recent decision that the owners must provide screening and contain runoff on the property.

Smith also said the parking lot must be enlarged if golfers end up having to park on Meadowlane Road when the lot is full.

Scott Brown, the development manager of the nearby Eagle Ridge subdivision, wrote a letter asking the city to make sure the golf course doesn’t create a lot of noise or glare from parking lot lights.

Smith said lighting must be shielded, and the course can operate only during daylight hours.

The city’s comprehensive plan designates the property as country-residential, which allows for the development of a golf course by special permit from the city.

The current land owners were identified as J.L. and C.L. Scrivner.

, DataTimes