West Plains warning sounded

The Spokesman-Review’s July 7 editorial regarding Robin and Gary Congdon’s and the City/County Historic Landmarks Commission’s efforts to preserve the integrity of their home, listed on the registry of historic homes, comes up short. The tone of the editorial is: “You are little folks, we have the power, money, and political connections; you will be ignored.” No problem-solving attempt, suggesting of creative solutions, or visioning this area in the next 15 or 20 years.

When Spokane County expanded the light industrial zoning of this portion of the West Plains, they put in motion a situation where, for the foreseeable future, there will be conflicts, hard feelings and distrust between rural property owners and business expansion interests. The county needs to be very specific about creating land environment where there is a smooth and aesthetically pleasing transition between rural property and newly proposed businesses.

They could show leadership in creating a campus-like environment, where people will be anxious to live and work; maybe even bicycle or walk to work. This would be a very beneficial improvement over the usual freeway exit conglomeration of random structures.

Robin, Gary and the Landmarks Commission are sounding an important warning: Listen, do better.

Ron Johns

Spokane