Hillside condo proposal reviewed

The city of Spokane is reviewing traffic and engineering studies submitted on behalf of a landowner hoping to build 100 condominiums on a slope near 57th Avenue and Hatch Road.

The site hugs a hillside west of High Drive, below two gated communities.

Dave Compton, of Spokane’s Planning Services Department, expects it will take several weeks for a preliminary review of the two reports. Hahn Engineering Inc. is handling the engineering services for landowner Yong Lewis. Both were unavailable to comment about details of the proposed development.

Compton said although it’s early in the planning process, the city is already hearing from neighbors opposed to the project.

“I have stacks of letters. They’re coming in daily,” he said.

John Lynch, who owns one of 14 houses that sit on a ridge above the proposed development, said neighbors are concerned that removing pine trees on the slope could destabilize the hillside and jeopardize nearby homes. Additionally, Lynch said, the two-lane roads in the area will become even more congested.

“If you add another 200 cars there’s going to be gridlock. It’s a traffic problem right now,” he said.The landowner held a required community meeting last November and recently submitted preliminary information, along with the two studies. One study specifically examines geological components, including slope and erosion. Compton said the city also requested additional drilling and samples.

After reviewing the information and determining whether the application is technically complete, the planning department would have the applicant post information on the project and mail out notices of application. That starts a 15-day public comment period.