Council Will Consider Mixed-Use Proposal Developer Wants Shops, Apartments Near 29Th Ave.

The Spokane City Council next Monday will hold a hearing on a proposal to allow a mix of businesses and multifamily housing along 29th Avenue.

Developer and architect Glen Cloninger wants to build a pedestrian-friendly cluster of shops at street level with apartments and offices above. The development is being called Grapetree Park and already houses Applebee’s Restaurant.

The property near 29th and Martin is one of the last big undeveloped tracts between the Manito and Lincoln Heights shopping centers.

But Cloninger’s proposal cannot be built under the city’s existing land-use laws. The city’s comprehensive plan, as well as the zoning code, do not allow mixed-use developments.

However, that type of development was common earlier this century and is found in the downtown core and older neighborhoods such as the Garland District.

In recent years, some cities have returned to that model of development in an effort to reduce reliance on automobiles and create self-contained neighborhoods.

Cloninger is seeking a change in the comprehensive plan, and his request will be considered during a public hearing Monday at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.

The city Plan Commission deadlocked on the request in a 4-to-4 vote earlier this year. It is sending the proposal to the council without a recommendation.

Residents of the neighborhood have expressed concerns that the project runs contrary to the terms of the existing Lincoln Heights neighborhood plan and would worsen the problem of strip zoning along 29th Avenue.

Currently, the land is designated for residential and office use.

The city is also in the midst of a comprehensive revision of its land-use plan under the Growth Management Act.

Chris Hugo, the city planner heading the citywide revision, said the idea of mixed-use zoning has gotten initial support among 200 citizens involved in the Horizons planning process.

But Cloninger’s site, midway between two large shopping areas, is not the kind of location being contemplated for mixed-use development, he said.

He said mixed-use is more appropriate for places where major arterials come together, places where residents can take easy advantage of mass transit.

The idea of clustering or focusing development could be part of the new comprehensive plan, he said.

“I think the Plan Commission felt this is just premature,” he said.

Cloninger said he is working as an architect to make Spokane a better place to live and he needs the option of mixed-use for smaller sites like Grapetree to make it happen.

During Monday’s hearing, members of the Plan Commission are expected to present reports in favor and in opposition to Cloninger’s proposed change.

Residents of the neighborhood also are expected to testify.

HEARING SCHEDULED Glen Cloninger is seeking a change in the comprehensive plan to allow a mixed-use development at 29th and Martin streets. His request will be considered during a public hearing Monday at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.