Neighbors argue against complex

Several dozen residents from the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood turned out before the Spokane Plan Commission last week to argue against a land-use change that would allow an apartment complex near 35th Avenue and Cook Street.

Property owner Konstantin Vasilenko is seeking to change the land-use designation from single-family to apartment use. The 2.3-acre property borders Southeast Boulevard, but does not have driveway access to the arterial.

Neighbors said the apartments would put additional traffic on their residential streets, which are already busy.

“I am not opposed to infill, but I am opposed to that density on this property with access to 35th,” said Rebecca Smith, one of the neighbors.

City planners had given the proposed land-use change a determination of environmental non-significance, which is being appealed by neighbors to the city hearing examiner in a separate action.

Architect Glen Cloninger, who represented the property owner at last week’s hearing, said the apartments would have brick exteriors and would add character to the neighborhood.

The City Council is expected to take up the land-use change later this year.