Morgan Acres residents win zoning negotiation

Morgan Acres will again be acres not smaller lots.

The subarea plan, developed by the Morgan Acres Neighborhood Advisory Committee, was approved by Spokane County commissioners on Sept. 13.

“We’re elated. They say you can’t fight City Hall, but you can, and you can win,” said Bob Wormell, co-chair of the neighborhood advisory committee.

An estimated 80 residents attended the public hearing and unanimously urged the commissioners to approve the recommendations of the neighborhood group.

Morgan Acres will go back to its former zoning of one housing unit per acre, rather than one-to-six units allowed under the Comprehensive Plan.

Acceptance of the plan also means that large animals are once again welcome in the area located west of Market Street, and the area will preserve its rural feel.

The neighborhood advisory committee began working on the plan with the guidance of Spokane County Planning and Building Department, in September 2003. During those two years, monthly meetings were held to define topics that were a priority to those in the neighborhood, with land use and zoning being the main concern.

The plan that the commissioners accepted was actually the original plan presented by the neighborhood group, not the slightly revised plan presented by the County Planning Department.

“It’s absolutely gratifying. Going into this thing we knew it was going to be an uphill battle. We had a lot of help from county planners Terry Liberty, Jim Falk and Tim Lawhead, who mentored us, as well as help from the citizenry who put in lots and lots of hours.

“It says that if you have a group of citizens who believe strongly in something and if you go about it professionally you can succeed. Don’t get emotional – do it with passion but do it respectfully. We did that. We channeled those emotions into a productive, positive manner. I’m delighted,” said Wormell.

“These proposals were all well thought out and clearly made sense for the community. We applaud the efforts of the neighborhood planning group and we were in unanimous agreement that the proposed changes will help maintain the unique nature and protect the heritage of Morgan Acres,” said Commissioner Mark Richard.