Spokane County considers 354-unity complex at Wandermere

While Spokane County commissioners weigh arguments over a proposed 354-unit apartment complex at Wandermere on the North Side, they’re also looking over three other proposed land-use changes that are being sought for commercial and residential development in unincorporated parts of the county.

All three of the proposals won the endorsement of the Spokane County Planning Commission and are awaiting action by the commissioners, said Planning Director John Pederson.

None of the three smaller proposals has generated the kind of neighborhood opposition that the Wandermere proposal has, which led to a pair of packed public hearings.

In all four cases, property owners are seeking changes in land-use designations in the county’s comprehensive plan, which the owners would need to pursue their potential projects.

Here are the three proposals:

• The Josie Bucknell Living Trust is seeking a land-use change for 1.25 acres at the southwest corner of Argonne Road and Wellesley Avenue from low-density residential to neighborhood commercial use.

The property is close to a large apartment complex on Argonne Road.

Nearby residents have voiced objections in letters submitted to the county.

“We do not need another gas station/convenience store, grocery store or pharmacy in our area,” said David and Tiffani Hyde in an email. They said they are raising a family at their home adjacent to the property being proposed for commercial use.

• The Craven Co. LLC is asking for a land-use change from low-density residential to community center commercial with zoning for mixed residential and commercial uses on the north side of 57th Avenue, about 400 feet west of Regal Street.

The three separate parcels have a single-family home currently.

The proposed land-use amendment does not include a specific project.

• Fruitvale LLC is seeking to convert 2.58 acres of light industrial property to medium density residential property that could hold up to 30 units.

The property is on Aero Road just west of Fruitvale Road in the West Plains area.

The county’s light industrial zoning designation does not allow for residential development. However, much of the nearby property is being developed for residential use, according to a county staff report.