Mission Springs Permits Blocked Council Wants To Study Impact On Thorpe Road

Despite the likelihood of a court challenge, Spokane City Council on Thursday blocked construction permits for the controversial Mission Springs project.

The council voted unanimously that the city study the impact of the 790-unit apartment complex on Thorpe Road - specifically, its impact on two narrow tunnels that limit traffic to one car width.

“We’ve identified what’s been termed a ‘deficiency,”’ said Councilwoman Phyllis Holmes, who lives near the project. “Even though (the project) does not create that deficiency, it will be further emphasized.

“We need to know exactly where we stand.”

City Attorney James Sloane warned the council not to take that step, saying, “Any interference with the issuance of building permits, when the developer is entitled to building permits, gives rise to a lawsuit.”

Mission Springs coordinator Don Troppman of Sacramento, Calif., refused to comment on the $45 million project planned for southwest Spokane.

The council’s action is only the most recent obstacle to befall Mission Springs - the largest apartment complex ever proposed in the city.

In May 1994, the city revoked all the project’s building permits because developers failed to continue work at the site.

Just two months earlier, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development withdrew $12 million in loan guarantees for the project’s first 193 units.

Mission Springs owner and developer Richard Lugli was seriously injured in a car crash in late 1993, which slowed the project’s progress.

Thorpe-Westwood residents tried for nearly two years to delay construction. They say they never wanted to stop the project - they just wanted their concerns addressed.

Prior to the council’s Thursday vote, Bob Eugene, the city’s top building official, said all issues regarding the development’s first phase had been addressed. His department was prepared to issue new excavation or grading permits as early as today.

That news didn’t sit well with council members.

“The fact is those damn tunnels are an issue,” said Mayor Jack Geraghty.

Eugene responded that the tunnels are a deficiency for the city to address - not the developer.

“Traffic is not enhanced or detracted by the Mission Springs development,” Eugene said.

“So what you’re saying is that everyone admits they’re deficient, but it’s not caused by the project,” said Councilman Chris Anderson.

“The tunnels are adequate to handle the traffic generated by the project, based on the review of transportation experts,” Eugene said.

After the council briefing, Pete Powell, former president of the Thorpe-Westwood neighborhood association, promised Eugene a new car if he could show that “a traffic study had ever been done on the tunnels.”

“I decline,” Eugene said.

The state Department of Transportation is asking the developer to improve the intersection of Thorpe Road and Highway 195 before phase one is completed.

When the project enters phase two, more environmental review will be needed to determine whether there are wetlands in the area.

, DataTimes