Public may speak on land-use changes

Thu., Feb. 17, 2005

By Mike Prager mikeprager15@gmail.com (509) 459-5454

The Spokane City Council is taking up a series of proposals to increase commercial and office uses at four neighborhood locations around the city.

Public testimony on the changes has been scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. at Council Chambers at City Hall. A vote on each change may take place. The proposals are being considered as amendments to the city’s comprehensive land-use plan.

Brian Layton of the Latah Creek LLC is seeking a commercial land-use designation for 9.5 acres of land at 4200 S. Cheney-Spokane Road. The property is zoned for residential use, but currently holds a mini-storage facility that was approved by the city several years ago. The Plan Commission did not make a recommendation on the amendment. City staff endorsed the change. Neighborhood representatives have opposed the change.

Harlan Douglass is seeking a change from office to general commercial for one parcel of land at 7404 N. Division St. at the northeast corner of Division and Cozza. The area has become mostly commercial. City staff and the Plan Commission have endorsed the change.

Edward and Jinny Cho are seeking a commercial designation for a parcel at 1809 N. Ash St., which currently holds a convenience store with gas pumps. The store is considered a nonconforming use, which creates difficulties for selling or financing the property. Also, a nonconforming use cannot be rebuilt if it is destroyed by fire. The property was “downzoned” in an effort years ago to limit development area north of the Maple Street Bridge. Staff endorsed the change. The Plan Commission made no recommendation.

Jason Sheldon is seeking an office designation for a single lot at 3124 E. 29th Ave. in an area surrounded by a variety of office, commercial and residential uses. The Plan Commission and staff endorsed the change.

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