I’m scrambling to get up to speed before tomorrow’s deadline, so here goes. Forgive me if I get it wrong.
Our city is currently doing a poor job of growing in a thoughtful and inclusive manner. Our current zoning for Multiunit housing reflects ONLY the need to increase density and housing. It is a one size fits all approach - all sites in Spokane are considered to be acceptable for development if the zoning allows. There is no public input, no requirements on the developer to consider parking or access to public transportation, no regard for the unique character, design characteristics, historic value, surrounding “natural” areas and topography of the site/neighborhood. The city zoning ordinances focus solely on the building and its construction as though it will exist in an urban void. Despite the lack of adequate existing city infrastructure in some areas to support increased density - the City Planning Department has given the green light and tax exemptions to the developers .
I hope that the new Comprehensive Plan will demand that more attention be paid to the needs of the existing neighborhood and allow for there to be an open flow of communication before green lighting every development. We all want to live in a safe, affordable and livable community with access to local shops and services. Piling more housing into our older (and poorer) neighborhoods won’t accomplish that. There needs to be careful planning NOW to keep this push for density from ruining the character and livability of our city.
Many thanks for the work that you're doing.
Best Regards,
Mardis Nenno
[Personal contact details omitted from the reading text.]
Mardis Nenno
Apr 12, 2026
Local Resident
[PDF page 1 of 1]
Dear Planning Commission -
I’m scrambling to get up to speed before tomorrow’s deadline, so here goes. Forgive me if I get it wrong.
Our city is currently doing a poor job of growing in a thoughtful and inclusive manner. Our current zoning for Multiunit housing reflects ONLY the need to increase density and housing. It is a one size fits all approach - all sites in Spokane are considered to be acceptable for development if the zoning allows. There is no public input, no requirements on the developer to consider parking or access to public transportation, no regard for the unique character, design characteristics, historic value, surrounding “natural” areas and topography of the site/neighborhood. The city zoning ordinances focus solely on the building and its construction as though it will exist in an urban void. Despite the lack of adequate existing city infrastructure in some areas to support increased density - the City Planning Department has given the green light and tax exemptions to the developers .
I hope that the new Comprehensive Plan will demand that more attention be paid to the needs of the existing neighborhood and allow for there to be an open flow of communication before green lighting every development. We all want to live in a safe, affordable and livable community with access to local shops and services. Piling more housing into our older (and poorer) neighborhoods won’t accomplish that. There needs to be careful planning NOW to keep this push for density from ruining the character and livability of our city.
Many thanks for the work that you're doing.
Best Regards,
Mardis Nenno
[Personal contact details omitted from the reading text.]