28_-_2021-8-4_Eric_LobdellFrom:Eric Lobdell
To:Lori Barlow
Subject:Comment: Painted Hills PRD
Date:Wednesday, August 4, 2021 12:31:16 PM[EXTERNAL] This email originated outside the City of Spokane Valley. Always use caution when openingattachments or clicking links.
I have been following this project proposal from its beginning. While I no longer live close to the area
where this development is proposed, I do still live in Spokane Valley and have a legitimate interest in
the health of the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. I also spend time in and around the areawhere the proposed development would be and I am very familiar with it.
I would like to voice two concerns, listed below.
1. As it exists in/near a wetland area, with significant seasonal flooding, water management would bea critical situation for any development there. The floodwater management failure mitigations
described in Appendix E of the Environmental Assessment require significant "routine maintenance"
measures as well as other long-term maintenance responsibilities. To whom will these responsibilitiesfall? Will the City of Spokane Valley own this, passing the cost to taxpayers? If not, will there be anHOA responsible for all of the maintenance costs and management? If so, what oversight will exist to
ensure this development is properly handling everything on a regular basis into the foreseeable future?
What public funds will be used for this oversight?
With its proximity to the aquifer and the dry wells proposed, will there be any measures enacted and
enforced to prevent pollutants such as lawn chemicals, petroleum-based products, and other unhealthy
substances from being washed into these dry wells and seeping into the aquifer?
2. Traffic impacts in the 2016 analysis were unrealistic when the report was originally released back in
2016. In particular, predicted increases in traffic on Bowdish Rd. are too low, and the related impact
to the Midilome neighborhood from high school student travel is completely overlooked. This is alreadyan issue today. There is signage in place intended to reduce it, with limited effect. That traffic volumewould grow significantly and presents a true safety concern for the families living in the neighborhoods
between the proposed development and University High School.
There have already been changes in the surrounding area that change the parameters of that outdatedanalysis in the 5+ years since it was completed. These include businesses at Dishman-Mica and Bowdish
and at least one new apartment complex (on Bowdish near 40th Ave.) as well as new homes on
South Madison Road and other nearby areas. At a minimum, a new traffic impact analysis is needed.Will the developer bear the cost of widening roads in the area? Will intersection redesigns be required?If so, who will bear that cost?
Thank you,Eric D. LobdellSpokane Valley