Rural clusters or urban sprawl?

Sun., April 5, 2009

The Spokesman-Review

I read Thomas Clouse’s front page article Monday titled “Small rural lots raise big concerns.” I was disappointed that Thomas did not address a major concern of Spokane residents: How will the county’s “rural cluster” philosophy impact proposed developments in the West Plains area?

I am concerned about the area near and around Fairchild Air Force Base. I hope the county planning folks are staying vigilant and sensitive to the requirements of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC).

It seems to me that allowing rural clusters outside the urban growth area is the same thing as allowing “urban sprawl.” Am I missing something? I was hoping the article would provide an explanation and differentiate between “rural clusters” and “urban sprawl.”

Forrest V. Diehl

Spokane

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