Library Must Alter Plans To Build E. Central Branch

Tue., Aug. 9, 1994

By Mike Prager mikeprager15@gmail.com (509) 459-5454

Spokane library officials are being dealt a setback in efforts to build a new branch library at the East Central Community Center campus.

The city hearing examiner last week ruled the library cannot seek a special permit for development of the East Central branch without the cooperation of a day-care center at the site.

The Southeast Day Care Center holds a 50-year lease on property at the southeast corner of the East Central campus. The center has been operating there since 1980.

Library officials want to redevelop part of the center’s property to make room for the 6,000-square-foot branch library.

Hearing Examiner Greg Smith last week said the city cannot seek a special permit for construction of the library without the consent of the center.

The land dispute has been going on for more than a year.

Sug Villella, director of the center, said the issue could be resolved if the library would agree to put a new parking lot on the northeast corner of the campus, farther away from the area used by children and their parents.

Under the library’s current proposal, an outdoor play area would have to be moved to make room for the library and its parking.

Day-care operators are unwilling to go along with that idea.

Library Director Dan Walters said he may ask the City Council to rewrite city law so the library’s special permit could be approved without the consent of the lessee. The council also could move to condemn that portion of the lease that is under dispute.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.