Letter: Plan incompatible

I am writing concerning a recent letter from Jerry Swilla. It is based on misinformation and assumption. The issue before the Spokane Valley City Council is zoning and land use affecting a historic residential neighborhood – not low-income senior housing or religion.

This proposed development of a 40-unit housing complex on a one-acre parcel next to the church parking lot will affect the physical environment, the open space, and adversely impact community facilities including roads, public transportation, parks, and schools. The development is incompatible with this old, historic neighborhood and on adjacent land uses on the surrounding areas. It does not benefit the neighborhood, the city of Spokane Valley, or the region, as well as the projected population density in the area.

This is all further impacted because the property is listed as collateral in the Diocese bankruptcy. Catholic Charities will seek to form an LLC (limited liability corporation) at the very time that this land will be used for the proposed development. Therefore, separate the land and the development from the church and Catholic Charities, which raises substantial questions about the whole project.

The individuals who stand to gain the most from the approval of this zoning, are not residents of the Spokane Valley. The neighbors of St. John Vianney do not have issue with the parishioners of St. John Vianney Catholic Church. This is not a personal attack on Mr. Swilla. The neighborhood is simply attempting to preserve the historic nature of the neighborhood. This zoning adjustment would allow for increased density within a residential neighborhood and regardless of whom is living there, it will affect the environment. That is the reason for our neighborhood green signs opposing this development.

Shelly Stevens

Spokane