PC390_Mark_Purvine_11-16-2018From:Mark Purvine
To:Lori Barlow
Cc:Sally Purvine
Subject:Information Request/Comment re: Painted Hills Planned Residential Development
Date:Friday, November 16, 2018 6:35:56 AM
Senior Planner Barlow,I write you today for two purposes. First, I would like to know what information about the
proposed Painted Hills Planned Residential Development might be available for my reviewand how I might gain access to same. I live in the near neighborhood and have more than
passing interest in this proposal and any related decisions that may come to pass.
Second, I wish to share concerns about the proposed development based upon my limitedunderstanding of the proposal. If what was reported in the Spokesman Review November 13
is accurate (not always the case, in my experience), the proposal made on behalf ofowner/developers Black and Walker would eliminate issues of flooding a flood plain
essentially by eliminating the flood plain. To be clear, I simply do not agree that altering theflood plain by covering it with 330,000 cubic yards of fill material, placing single and multi-
family homes, some commercial development, roads and sidewalks would represent an“improvement" for the area. Such a proposal represents more than an insult to a fragile but
important environment, it obliterates and alters forever what could and should be managed asa valued natural area for the benefit of the entire community, including the animals who
currently inhabit/migrate through this open space. A flood plain is meant to do just that.
Longtime residents of the Spokane area, my wife and I lived 17 years in the Five Mileneighborhood of Northwest Spokane before moving to the Painted Hills neighborhood three
years ago. We watched the aggressive “development” of the Indian Trail area and the FiveMile Prairie with horror as bit-by-bit, areas of open space similar to the Painted Hills flood
plain were gobbled up in a fashion sickeningly familiar to that which, in this instance, you arerequired to consider. I’d hope neither you nor a hearing examiner would wish to replicate the
rat’s nest of practical issues the Dishman-Mica corridor would be primed to face given thescale of this proposed development-the kinds of issues residents in Northwest Spokane
struggle with daily. Those issues were important factors for my wife and I in purchasing ahome here in the neighborhood.
I agree with another notion expressed in the same article that encourages working toward
transfer of the property from the developers to the city in order that the space be maintainedand “developed” in a manner that will provide for the long-term health of the natural area.
Lessons could/should be taken from work done to enhance Saltese Flats wetland areas andundo at least some of the damage done to this natural area through prior golf course and other
development. Creation of a natural area or “park” on this property could add a significantenhancement to our community simply by providing another open space for all to enjoy, to
learn from and about. A natural area so placed would provide a rich opportunity for thestudents and teachers of our community both through observation but also potentially through
enhancement project development.
It is true that not a lot of 100 acre plots of land exist within the City of Spokane Valley. Weought to recognize that fact through protection of such a resource, not its destruction and
complete alteration. Our goal should not be to cover every square foot of land with pavementand buildings. Such resources immeasurably enhance the quality of life for all those who live
in and visit our community. This potential park area south would prove a tremendous
complement to Mirabeau Park and the Spokane River, north and Dishman Hills Natural Area,west. The city missed an opportunity to acquire this property at the time the current owners
made their purchase. It would seem we have an opportunity to get it right at this juncture.
Simple ideas, perhaps. Doing the right thing need not be complex. Please let me know whatand how I might be able to review any related materials. I appreciate your consideration.
Respectfully,
Mark Purvine
4730 S. Lapwai Lane Spokane Valley, WA 99206
ph. 509.325.2166spurvine@hotmail.com or through my workplace email mpurvine@sjeschools.org