Restrictions hurt West Plains
So Spokane County wants to keep Fairchild Air Force Base by freezing development on the West Plains. When we voice our concerns that these zoning changes may affect our home values, we are told that we are mistaken.
So, let’s imagine I put my home on the market and find an interested buyer. Then I tell them that any additional construction will have to meet noise attenuation standards, and they will be subjected to dark sky ordinances, bird mitigation ordinances and electronic activity limitations. Would they still be interested?
But wait, there’s more. I wonder how interested they will be after hearing they may have problems getting a VA, FHA or HUD loan. I am sure they won’t have a problem when they discover no day-care centers, schools, police stations or fire stations nearby.
Will I get my house sold? Sure, as long as I drop my price.
The reality is that these zoning decisions will have a significant financial impact, and the county is ignoring that the Joint Land Use Study Committee recommended programs to offset individual homeowners’ loss of property value. Clearly, the commissioners are ignoring this aspect of the report, and trying to get something for nothing.
Patricia Apregan
Medical Lake