Letter: Complaints over project appalling

I am truly appalled and saddened by the ignorance of the neighbors who surround St. John Vianney Catholic Church and their biases and dislikes toward the poor and underprivileged members of our community.

Comments as noted in the Valley Voice (March 17) include: I wouldn’t want them (low-income) children playing with my children. And don’t turn this neighborhood into felony flats.

St. John Vianney Catholic Parish is trying to reach out to seniors over the age of 62 and has asked Catholic Charities to assist the parish in building a 40-unit “affordable” apartment complex for seniors. This project has not been defined, yet the first part of the process is to request a Comprehensive Plan Adjustment which would allow for a zone change.

The elderly are the fastest-growing segment of our population. In their younger years, these people were the backbone of our community. Due to extended family members living in different communities, the elderly no longer have the support of family and friends. They were our teachers, business leaders, career military, friends and parents. Due to a variety of reasons, seniors are living longer and often have been unable to make their savings last. Medical conditions have often resulted in their inability to maintain their homes.

It is my belief that a residential neighborhood next to a church and school is a perfect place for senior housing. This can create a model community and provide inter-generational activities for both the school children and the seniors in our community. The Spokane Valley has a growing need for independent living for seniors. I ask that the City Council not be directed by the emotionalism of uninformed neighbors and vote with the Planning Commission against senior housing on property owned by St. John Vianney.

I hope and pray that those neighbors concerned about the poor and disadvantaged continue to have good health and the support of family members as they age in place. Therefore, they will not become a “burden” and need assistance from our community.

Marie Raschko-Sokol

Spokane Valley