Planners Question Council Request

Tue., Feb. 9, 1999

From Staff

An overburdened Spokane Plan Commission says it is disappointed and frustrated about a City Council decision two weeks ago directing them to conduct an annual review of the existing comprehensive plan.

Plan commissioners say they are already consumed by their work on the new comprehensive plan.

In a formal letter sent Friday to the City Council, members of the commission asked “in the strongest possible terms” that the decision be reconsidered.

Council members have agreed to discuss the decision again during their retreat Monday.

Advertisements have already been published asking for developers to submit their projects under the current plan.

The new comprehensive plan has already been delayed because of legal challenges.

Some council members said it is unfair to keep developers on hold, waiting for the new plan. Others say it’s equally unfair to the planning commission and neighborhood groups trying to move forward with the new comprehensive plan.

“I don’t have the foggiest idea when it is supposed to be done,” said Councilman Orville Barnes. “Are we supposed to wait forever?”

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