Developer: Panel Hindering Natural Growth

Thu., Oct. 26, 1995

Bruce Krasnow Staff writer

Developer Harley Douglass seldom speaks publicly about his projects, but he gave an earful last week to the Spokane County hearing examiner committee.

After being turned down on two proposed projects - an apartment building near Whitworth College and a ministorage complex in Colbert - Douglass rose to speak on behalf of a third proposal, a 16-unit apartment complex along Hastings Road, which later was rejected as well.

Douglass said the citizens panel was not allowing growth where it should naturally occur: on major arterials where there is a sewer line.

“Let’s just cut the process out,” he told the panel. “We won’t do anymore rezones, … Let’s close down the Planning Department. Let’s turn down Fred Meyer. Let’s get rid of Momentum and we’ll all turn gray together.”

Serving on the citizens hearing panel were Mike Schrader, John Roskelley and Verona Southern.

Douglass told them he has developed more than 2,000 lots in Spokane and never once has anybody wanted any type of growth in their back yard.

He said no one wants change, but it already has come to north Spokane.

“You don’t want me to build apartment houses. You don’t want me to build houses. These people who move out into the country - they’re close to arterial and sewer is coming. What do they expect?”

Schrader then asked why Douglass doesn’t propose apartments on land already zoned for higher densities.

“You tell me where I can build apartment houses, and I’ll buy the ground in that area,” he said.

Douglass added that he’s trying to give young people a choice of where to live rather than force them into large apartment buildings.

“Let’s try something different for a change,” he said. “I’m just trying to give people an option. Maybe somebody wants to live in the Mead/ Hastings school district and not be surrounded by 2,000 other units.”

Roskelley later asked Douglass if he ever proposes a zoning change on property he plans to develop at less than maximum density.

“I don’t think this is the maximum now. I think I can pack eight more on there,” said Douglass.

Responded Roskelley, a county commissioner candidate: “Well I’m sure you could.”

, DataTimes

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