Measure Moderate And Flexible Enough Protect Shorelines Spokane River Needs Stringent Regulations.

Before people get all hysterical about a proposed Spokane city ordinance to prohibit development along the shores of the Spokane River and Hangman Creek, remember that anything that’s already there stays.

So the Opera House, with its steps leading to the river, is safe.

Homeowners who built beautiful homes along the river are safe, too.

The entire river, from its start at Lake Coeur d’Alene to its finish in Lake Roosevelt, is only 110 miles long. The proposed ordinance only applies to the part of the river, and Hangman Creek, within city limits.

Some feel the proposed ordinance, which severely restricts all development within 250 feet of the river and Hangman Creek, is too strict. They worry about the rights of private landowners along the river. They urge lawmakers to make some exceptions for landowners who bought the land intending to develop and now might not be able to use their land as they hoped.

Well, this isn’t the time for exceptions.

First, it doesn’t sound as if the state is open to making exceptions to the Growth Management Act. Cities are required to protect fish and wildlife habitats under that law. The Spokane River shoreline is like a condo development to wildlife. Essential. If the city doesn’t comply with the act it risks losing state trust fund loans, a pot of money the city is eyeing for important street repairs.

Second, even if the management act allowed exceptions, where would that end? Every landowner could make a compelling case for building closer than 250 feet. If city officials grant an exception to one landowner and turn down others, lawsuits will follow. The city has plenty of those going on right now.

A tough development ban within a 250-foot buffer would give the city an effective tool in remaining fair. And there is some wiggle room if landowners can prove that development is the only reasonable use for their land.

Most important, the Spokane River is a treasure, running through the heart - and soul - of town. Gunk it up with pollutants (even fertilizer runoff from grassy areas adjacent to the river endanger it) and lose this precious gift.

The 250-foot, no-development zone is strict. But the Spokane River is worth it. The city should pass the ordinance.