Council OKs paving on 27th Avenue

The Spokane City Council approved on Monday a neighborhood paving project that drew concerns from some surrounding residents.

Council members voted 5-2 to pave 27th Avenue between Freya and Rebecca streets by creating a local improvement district. Under the program, which is designed to pave dirt roads, the city surveys nearby property owners to gather their opinions. If enough agree, the city can require all nearby owners to split most of the cost.

The project on 27th is expected to cost $299,000. About $83,000 will be paid through a street bond approved by voters in 2004. The rest will be split by owners of 23 parcels.

The city is allowed to move ahead with the project unless owners representing 60 percent of the amount billed to property owner object. The city said owners representing 21 percent of the total paving bill officially objected.

The action was requested by Nick Mounsey, who owns land on 27th.

Mounsey testified that many of those opposed don’t have to use the dirt road. Most who have to use the street regularly want it paved, he said.

But Clenton Blake said he and many of his neighbors believe Mounsey is getting the street paved on the backs of “hardworking citizens” so that he can develop and sell lots for higher prices.

Council members Bob Apple and Mary Verner voted against the project.

Councilman Rob Crow noted that once the project is complete, property owners can petition the city to pay at least portions of their bills if the values of their properties don’t increase an amount at least equal to their paving costs.