Guthrie Proposing Ponderosa Project In/Around: Ponderosa

Spokane County commissioners are scheduled to decide Tuesday whether a developer can subdivide 120 acres in the Ponderosa neighborhood into 25 large lots.

Neighbors who oppose the project at the south end of Ponderosa Drive say the development’s roads already are too crowded.

There are entrances into the sprawling development west of Dishman-Mica Road, where 15 houses burned on Oct. 16, 1991.

“Having more homes … without their own access could be disastrous in the event of another firestorm,” one neighbor wrote to county engineers.

Larry Guthrie, who developed much of Ponderosa, wants commissioners to approve a certificate of exemption for the project. The action would exempt the development from more lengthy platting requirements.

Most of the lots would be five to 10 acres in size.

County Commissioner Steve Hasson said he’ll oppose the request.

“I don’t think we want any more houses up there with the existing roads,” said Hasson, who toured the neighborhood days after the fire and promised to restrict new development.

Commissioners on May 9 denied an easement request from another developer who wanted to develop three large lots in another area of Ponderosa. Concern about access was one reason given for that decision.