Request was for data quality

Wednesday’s article “zoning on endangered list” regarding Spokane Valley requires a response.

First, it suggests I didn’t know the river’s polluted. The council was to approve the shoreline inventory in preparation of the Shoreline Master Plan. I asked the staff and consultant to give us more documentation about pollutants in the river so we would have a baseline going forward. Do we have high PCB levels or low? What are they? If we’re to make policy, we need quality information to do so.

Second, we’re reviewing the comprehensive plan. Our first public input was for the Gateway Center. There was tremendous turnout, as business owners are now becoming aware of the form-based zone changes which affect setbacks, building design, signage and uses. For example, one owner stated his property lost 48 potential business uses since this plan went into effect. Maximum setbacks are as little as 30 feet in the heart of our car sales district. Full-service restaurants and specialty shops that complement the district aren’t allowed.

We can’t inhibit business while expecting growth and new jobs. We promised to work for the citizens of Spokane Valley. Perhaps that’s why we won the election.

Brenda Grassel

Spokane Valley city councilmember