PC443_Chad_Sohlberg_11-20-18From:Chad Solberg
To:Lori Barlow
Subject:Proposed Painted Hills Development
Date:Tuesday, November 20, 2018 10:27:24 AM
11/20/18
Re: Proposed Painted Hills Development
I feel it is time to add yet another voice to the ever growing chorus of opposition to this
proposed development. The city of Spokane Valley has the chance to stop this horriblymisguided development and be the champion of reason. I have yet to speak to anyone that
feels a large housing development is a good idea on this particular track of land. As a residentof Painted Hills from 1985 to 1996, I saw this area flood nearly every year - to this day I am
shocked there is a development on the south side of Thorpe (good luck residents!). Now as aresident of Pine Rock Ridge (yes, I recognize this was once a new development as well) for
the last decade, I have seen this former golf course and Thorpe road again flood nearly everyyear. Just because someone CAN change the environment (330,000 cubic yards of dirt!!!) to
fit their needs does not mean they SHOULD.
Development for the sake of development is not always a good idea, either. The "build it andthey will come" mentality is not always sound policy. I have watched many new
developments in the Valley and Spokane County languish for months and prices slashed dueto the now glut of available property in the Spokane area. Homebuilder confidence has
plummeted to the lowest level in two years as demand has stalled, and prices and mortgagerates have increased. But by all means, let's throw up 580 new homes, that could take years to
fill! I fear the city just sees dollar signs rather than what the best use of this property could be. I understand the developer has poured plenty of his money into this enterprise (knowing full
well it may never happen!), but this development - as it currently stands - is clearly not in thebest interests of the city. Increased traffic on Dishman Mica (I can just see multiple accidents
as people pull out of this neighborhood onto a high speed street), capacity issues in the localschools, and an increased strain on public services. Is this really progress?
Allowing this development to continue is folly. The city missed their initial chance at
purchasing this property, but perhaps a compromise or perhaps even another purchase offercan still be on the table. Spokane Valley lacks parks, and proximity to Browns Park would not
be an issue. Can you imagine a crown jewel park of south Spokane Valley? Walking trails,bike paths, etc? I can. Perhaps even a city owned course. Liberty Lake has done wonders
with their city owned Trailhead golf course! What a stamp to make on your city! I guess thefinal question is whether the city has the backbone to stand up for the common good for its
citizens and not cave to the almighty dollar.
I fear my comments and opinions may be all for naught, but I cannot sit idly by and watch thecity of Spokane Valley possibly make a most egregious mistake on its future and the future of
its citizens. I thank you for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely,
Chad R. Solberg3723 S. Pine Rock Ln.
Spokane Valley, WA 99206