Neighborhood Groups Will Meet To Study Formation Of Coalition

Thu., April 23, 1998

By Angie Gaddy angieg@spokesman.com

Supporters of a plan to form a new Spokane County coalition of neighborhood groups are holding an organizational meeting on Friday.

“We’ve contacted 40 representatives of different groups,” said Susan Brudnicki, president of the Moran Prairie Neighborhood Association.

The meeting, organized by members of the Moran Prairie group, is a way for neighborhood groups to network with each other. The coalition itself could provide a formal way to have neighborhood voices heard.

Eventually members would like to have a platform to present to county commissioners.

In the past, neighborhood groups have complained that county government is not helpful to the common citizen and that their concerns about development, stormwater runoff and growth management have largely been ignored. They say hearings are during the work day, when they can’t make it or must take time off. They say they also have to hire attorneys to argue their case.

“I think that’s the only chance we’re going to have to organize the masses, per se,” said Cindy Hallett, member of the South Valley Residential Association.

“The county commissioners, the people who we vote for, will see we are against these developments.”

The grass-roots organization has talked about each neighborhood group chipping in monthly dues that would cover an attorney; a land-use planner and lobbyist could attend public hearings when neighborhood groups couldn’t.

Others say they support the move, but question why they need to organize when it’s the responsibility of county government to be looking out for their concerns.

“I think it’s a great idea. I just don’t think idealistically that we should have to do that,” said Rosemarie Bisiar, a member of the Mica View Landowners Association who plans to attend Friday’s meeting if she can make it from work on time.

“I don’t think citizens should have to go hire attorneys to fight for what communities should already have.”

FIRST MEETING The first organizational meeting of Spokane County neighborhood coalition will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday at the Moran Prairie Grange, which is on the corner of 61st Avenue and the Palouse Highway. For more information call 448-5380.

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