Opponents file an appeal over big-box zoning change

Neighborhood opponents of big-box retail development along South Regal Street and Palouse Highway filed an appeal Friday of a Spokane City Council decision granting key land-use changes for three major projects.

The Neighborhood Alliance of Spokane, the Southgate Neighborhood Association, Futurewise and resident Ginger Patano are teaming up on the appeal to the Eastern Washington Growth Management Hearings Board. The Center for Justice in Spokane is providing legal work for the appellants.

They contend the City Council overstepped its authority by granting land-use changes to developers and property owners without undertaking more comprehensive neighborhood planning as required by the state’s Growth Management Act, according to a news release from the groups.

The changes from residential to commercial uses would allow construction of a Home Depot, possibly a Target store and another big-box retailer.