New Business Helps Neighborhood Groups

While developers, the city and county all have staffs of lawyers and experts to research and plan and defend developments, neighbors have usually been on their own.

Until now.

Scott M. Brown, a former planner for Kootenai County, has started a Spokane business helping neighborhood groups navigate sticky city and county regulations.

His company, Community Development, Inc., helps groups identify key issues and organize their presentations. He helps resolve minor conflicts before the hearings, and even offers speakers tips on public hearing etiquette.

“So many times you see neighborhood groups raise the quality of life issue, and nowhere is it written that it should be a consideration,” said Brown.

He helps groups find experts to testify about noise, environment or traffic.

“The system is so complex and is going to be more complex when the Growth Management Act is in effect, the average citizen won’t be able to navigate it,” said Brown.

Brown helped Karen Barniol’s group prepare for its successful appearance before the hearing examiner opposing Alton’s Tires.

“I give him a lot of credit,” said Barniol. “He really organized us, past the point of just getting us together. He gave everyone assignments and direction.”

Brown said he just helped them clarify their points.

“Too often, community groups come across anti-growth from the start and it turns into a quality of life debate,” said Brown. “All people really want is a say in the way their neighborhoods are developed.”

, DataTimes