Letters

Compromise needed for housing project

I am dismayed after reading the letters about St. John Vianney in the Valley Voice on March 24. Our entire neighborhood, including me, believes it’s commendable for St. John Vianney Church to reach out and help people in need. We all need to do our part to help the needy.

However, the issue is not about the needy; it is about zoning. Currently, the zoning will allow a 12-unit apartment complex. This seems reasonable. However, St. John Vianney is asking for a zoning change that would allow a 51-unit, two-story complex. That is unreasonable. A project that large would be a monstrosity. It’s simply too big and oversized for our residential neighborhood.

Perhaps, the church, if they need such a large facility, should investigate the possibility of saving money and renovate the abandoned parochial school at St. Paschal into living quarters for the poor. This seems much more appropriate and could be a winning compromise for everyone involved.

In conclusion, this issue has become very emotional. Statements have been made from both sides that have offended people. I apologize for saying things I didn’t mean. My intent was not to offend anyone. I truly hope we can work together as a neighborhood and team up with the church to reach a compromise which will benefit everyone concerned.

Shelly Stevens

Spokane Valley

Neighbors’ work should be admired

I am writing in reference to the letters I have read in The Valley Voice. Shame on you Maria Raschko-Sokol, Chuck Keiffer and Meg Doherty. You should be ashamed of your words.

 What St. John Vianney neighbors are doing is admirable and you stomp all over them with your appalling words. Your moral outrage should be spent on the problems that exist within the Catholic Church.   I hope and pray that if my neighborhood is ever faced with such issues, we come together in this way.

 If St. John Vianney Catholic Church wants to assist the low income, why don’t they assist in paying the millions of dollars in legal claims owed to the poor children that were molested/raped by Catholic priests.  Why doesn’t their funding assist these poor people. I see weekly ads in The Spokesman-Review for low-income senior housing, I don’t see a need for this but I do see a need for the Catholic Church to get out of bankruptcy.

 On a personal note, Meg Doherty, how dare you refer to being poor as an “injury.” I am low income and do not consider myself injured.  This is a far bigger insult than someone simply wanting to protect their children.

 Great job neighbors of St. John Vianney. My hat is off to you. I drive down your street weekly, and it is beautiful and I, for one, admire what you are doing.

James John-Obde Lesonik

Spokane Valley