PC097 Steve Schmedding 09-17-2015From:Steve Schmedding
To:Christina Janssen
Subject:Painted Hills Proposed Development
Date:Thursday, September 17, 2015 9:48:35 PM
Attachments:Painted Hills Objection.pdf
Ms. Janssen, please accept my letter regarding the proposed development at the site of the old Painted Hills Golf Course.
I was only notified of this proposition today as I prepared to leave town. I wrote this in my
hotel room and can only email the document to you.
Please feel free to contact me at the numbers provided.
Thank you,
-- Steve Schmedding
To: Christina Janssen From: Steve Schmedding
11707 E. Sprague, Suite 106 3218 S. Bates Rd.
Spokane Valley, WA 99206 Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Re: The painted hills project Date: September 17, 2015
SUB-2015-0011/PRD-2015-0001
Dear Ms. Janssen:
I write you today regarding the subject project proposal stated above. Having lived in the immediate
area adjacent to the subject property for almost twenty years I have intimate knowledge of impacts to
the existing condition if this proposal is receives approval.
For many years I pass three sides of this property as I walk. Over the last five or so I’ve observed an
appreciable increase in the traffic on all three perimeter roads. I attribute this increased traffic to the
newer developments located directly south of the subject property. How does the proposed project
address the traffic impacts of almost five hundred new single family units on the existing infrastructure?
What are the limits and results of the comprehensive traffic study conducted for the proposed
development? How does the SEPA checklist address traffic issue, and what are the resultant
corrections? I’d like to review the traffic study, please direct me to that documents location?
I’ve come to understand that in the past changes to the arterial plan have occurred in the south
Midilome neighborhood area. My understanding is that the proposed arterial that was planned to
connect Bowdish and Pines in/around what would be S. 40th Ave. was eliminated. I have heard that
other existing zoning codes are being considered for modification in support of this proposed
development. Please provide a link to current/proposed changes to zoning in support of this proposed
project.
For many years I have observed wildlife as I walk. This area is a haven for deer, pheasant, quail, hawks,
many ducks and other waterfowl, and coyotes. I’ve even seen a bear and a few cow elk in this area.
Recent housing developments to the east and south have reduced habitat for these populations to the
point that this property is the last refuge on the lower Painted Hills Drainage Plain. How does the SEPA
checklist address the impact to the wildlife in this area? I would request an electronic copy of the SEPA
checklist.
The proposed property exists in the floodplain of the Painted Hills drainage basin. Earlier developments
have already re-shaped the floodplain, and reduced the available area for stormwater/spring runoff
containment. In the last twenty years the golf old course property has flooded many times well into the
late spring, early summer time. Two twenty four inch diameter culvert pipes were recently added at the
eastern end of Thorpe Rd. to alleviate basin flooding and route flow along the eastern property
boundary to attenuate the higher flows. This work was performed years before the most recent sub
division was developed directly south of the proposed site. The culverts were added as a solution to a
problem, then the upstream problem area is further developed? It appears to me that proper floodplain
management methods are not being employed. How does this plat satisfy all elements of the Spokane
Regional Storm Water Manual (SWSRM)? Please direct me to the accepted drainage report for the
proposed development.
The Central Valley School District is faced with an ever expanding student base. Several bond and levy
measures have been presented in the past, some of which were passed. The citizens of the district
desire a good education for the youth but generally are not in favor of poorly planned expansion into
the area. How has the proposed project addressed the impact that this project would have on the
existing educational services and what mitigation is to be provided by the project?
Upon review of the many issues that arise regarding the proposed development, and the lack of
satisfactory mitigation to these impacts it is my opinion that approval for this proposed development be
denied and I request that you consider my decision as the board proceeds.
I can be reached at 509-714-4696 should you have questions concerning my responses to the subject
matter.
Thank you very much,
Steve Schmedding, P.E.
3218 S. Bates Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99206