Building OK too hasty

The “cottage housing” development at Cook Street and Southeast Boulevard is a classic example of out-of-control government agencies at work.

This property was denied a zone change to build an apartment complex because it was out of character for our single-family neighborhood. The city planning department and developer tried another approach: “cottage housing.” A development plan submitted to the city based upon boundary line adjustments containing two one-acre parcels and a remaining parcel not in conformance to the city’s standards for width and depth for a building site.

All the BLAs are in error as they contain public right of way and city property. The developer’s record plan contains this public property.

The city has no professional land surveyor as a part of the review process. Professional engineers are not licensed to give land surveying opinions. The state of Washington Court of Appeals, Division III, will hear this appeal. However, construction has begun on the site. The city has permitted the construction because the developer may lose federal money for low-income, 20-year rentals.

Your federal tax dollars are supporting a project still being litigated. Does that make sense?

Jim Benthin

Spokane