City Oks Work-Release Housing

Plans for a work-release facility near the Spokane County Courthouse are a go.

That’s the word from the City Council, which voted 5-1 earlier this week to uphold the hearing examiner’s approval of the project.

Councilman Chris Anderson cast a dissenting vote. He said he thought the decision set a bad precedent.

Allvest Inc., of Granite Falls, Wash., wants to build 12 apartments to house 45 federal prisoners in a three-story building at 720 N. Monroe. The facility’s stated purpose is to provide a transitional environment for individuals soon to be released from prison.

City Hearing Examiner Greg Smith approved the plan May 9, but about 25 people, many of whom own businesses near the proposed spot, appealed the decision to the council.

In his decision, Smith argued that work-release facilities are similar to group homes, “which may be allowed in any zone by special permit.”

Stanley Schultz, attorney for the opponents, argued that such a broad definition could signal disaster for neighborhoods.

Jim Craven, attorney for Allvest, argued that such facilities provide a beneficial public purpose.

In a letter to City Attorney James Sloane, Schultz questioned whether Councilman Joel Crosby should vote on the issue because of a possible conflict of interest.

Crosby is an independent real estate agent for Tomlinson Black, which is selling the property to Allvest.

Sloane dismissed the alleged conflict by saying that Crosby works on commission and doesn’t stand to gain anything from the land’s sale.

“I’m satisfied the situation does not violate City Council rules of procedure,” Sloane said.

“I have no financial interest,” Crosby said. “I have no conflict of interest.”

, DataTimes