I am writing regarding the proposed development plans and environmental review exemptions currently under consideration. I am DEVASTATED that the council would consider allowing this to be passed, excluding neighborhood councils and allowing for the concerns of developers to be put over residents.
Our city’s slogan is "Near Nature, Near Perfect," this policy suggests a stark contrast from our slogan. Perhaps 'Was Nature, Now Developed" is the theme of this new policy?
The policy also makes it so that no one of low-income, or hardly anyone of low-income will benefit. As the developers interests are aligned with building homes for higher income individuals. So now we are going to out price residents and gentrify our whole city? What a terrible idea.
To ensure Spokane remains "Near nature, near Perfect," I am asking the Committee to address the following five critical areas:
COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY FOR INFORMED POLICY
Spokane has an ambitious 30% tree canopy goal, yet we lack the adequate codes to reach it. We must prioritize a full inventory of our trees, wildlife habitats, and natural lands. Per the Growth Management Act, we have a duty to protect these critical areas, and we cannot manage what we have not measured.
ENFORCEABLE CRITICAL AREAS ORDINANCE
Our current protections are insufficient. As evidenced by the unprotected natural lands throughout the city (ref: Exhibit 3.3-3), we require an enforceable ordinance that specifically protects our water quality, habitat, and existing tree stands.
OPPOSITION TO BLANKET ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW EXEMPTIONS
I strongly oppose the proposed two-phase blanket exemption from environmental reviews for Spokane neighborhoods (ref: Exhibit 7). Removing oversight for wetlands, forests, and riparian areas puts our local ecosystems at significant risk.
TARGETED EXEMPTIONS ONLY
Environmental review exemptions should be reserved strictly for sites that are already 100% disturbed and impervious, as identified in the Draft EIS Exhibit 3.1-3. Protecting the remaining soft surfaces is vital for drainage and heat reduction.
COMMITMENT TO CLIMATE RESILIENCE
I fully support the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board’s recommended Policy LU 2-4. We must treat our urban forests and open spaces as interconnected natural systems that provide essential carbon sequestration and flood protection.
If we choose to develop without transparency, or thorough environmental review, we was creating damage that cannot be undone. Nature is not creating new parks. Nature is not
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creating new wildlife habitat; it is up to the residents of Spokane to create that, to protect that.
Please recall our slogan, think of our beautiful city and the children who will enjoy the canopy in the future. Consider the animals, the trees and why the South Hill is to beautiful. It is because of all the Nature.
Regards Jessica Spurr Glenrose, 99223
~ Jessica~
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" ~Gandhi~
Jessica Spurr
Feb 25, 2026
Local Resident
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Dear City Planning Committee,
I am writing regarding the proposed development plans and environmental review exemptions currently under consideration. I am DEVASTATED that the council would consider allowing this to be passed, excluding neighborhood councils and allowing for the concerns of developers to be put over residents.
Our city’s slogan is "Near Nature, Near Perfect," this policy suggests a stark contrast from our slogan. Perhaps 'Was Nature, Now Developed" is the theme of this new policy?
The policy also makes it so that no one of low-income, or hardly anyone of low-income will benefit. As the developers interests are aligned with building homes for higher income individuals. So now we are going to out price residents and gentrify our whole city? What a terrible idea.
To ensure Spokane remains "Near nature, near Perfect," I am asking the Committee to address the following five critical areas:
COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY FOR INFORMED POLICY
Spokane has an ambitious 30% tree canopy goal, yet we lack the adequate codes to reach it. We must prioritize a full inventory of our trees, wildlife habitats, and natural lands. Per the Growth Management Act, we have a duty to protect these critical areas, and we cannot manage what we have not measured.
ENFORCEABLE CRITICAL AREAS ORDINANCE
Our current protections are insufficient. As evidenced by the unprotected natural lands throughout the city (ref: Exhibit 3.3-3), we require an enforceable ordinance that specifically protects our water quality, habitat, and existing tree stands.
OPPOSITION TO BLANKET ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW EXEMPTIONS
I strongly oppose the proposed two-phase blanket exemption from environmental reviews for Spokane neighborhoods (ref: Exhibit 7). Removing oversight for wetlands, forests, and riparian areas puts our local ecosystems at significant risk.
TARGETED EXEMPTIONS ONLY
Environmental review exemptions should be reserved strictly for sites that are already 100% disturbed and impervious, as identified in the Draft EIS Exhibit 3.1-3. Protecting the remaining soft surfaces is vital for drainage and heat reduction.
COMMITMENT TO CLIMATE RESILIENCE
I fully support the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board’s recommended Policy LU 2-4. We must treat our urban forests and open spaces as interconnected natural systems that provide essential carbon sequestration and flood protection.
If we choose to develop without transparency, or thorough environmental review, we was creating damage that cannot be undone. Nature is not creating new parks. Nature is not
[PDF page 2 of 2]
creating new wildlife habitat; it is up to the residents of Spokane to create that, to protect that.
Please recall our slogan, think of our beautiful city and the children who will enjoy the canopy in the future. Consider the animals, the trees and why the South Hill is to beautiful. It is because of all the Nature.
Regards Jessica Spurr Glenrose, 99223
~ Jessica~
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" ~Gandhi~