CHENEY – The Clover Street Rezoning Project was moved to a third reading after an outpouring of support from neighbors at last Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
Nearly a dozen concerned members spoke or wrote in favor of the ongoing effort to redesignate an R-2 multi-family zone to an R-1 single-family zone within the Clover Court/West Sixth Street area.
Those in favor the redesignation raised concerns over the introduction of Eastern Washington University students – and the associated issues resulting from parties and noise – to a location predominately occupied by families. The change, according to the inhabitants, will alter the character of the area. “The purpose of the application is to preserve the single family, quiet residential nature of the neighborhood. Right now, it’s a great place to raise children. We recognize that development is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be at the expense of existing families,” said resident Doris Munson. “The area in question is largely owner occupied and fits more closely with the R-1 Zone.”
The residents against the redesignation forwarded the argument that R-2 multi-family zones will provide more adequate housing to supplement the growth of the university with the implementation of duplex structures. The other concern raised related to relegating low-income residents – primarily students – to less desirable locations away from school. “I oppose the rezone request application,” said Benji Estrellado. “When I moved here 14 years ago, into this house, I knew I was moving into an R-2 zone property and neighborhood. I knew that duplexes were going to be built and that it’s a university town. I was expecting that. There is a need for R-2 lots in Cheney, it’s becoming an affordable for non-student people . . . We have to have a balance in Cheney.”
Legal concerns were put to rest by the city attorney, who revied the ramifications of the rezone.
The main issue raised at the previous meeting related to the city allowing neighbors to dictate the use of private property – and possibly decrease property value – through zoning actions. It was compared to a “taking,” in which the government seizes private land for public use.
“As far as a ‘taking’ is concerned, it’s important to note that any kind of zoning issue is going to affect property value,” the city attorney said. “That’s the nature of zoning. Whenever limitations are placed on somebody’s ability to use their property, for any kind of purpose, that’s going to affect value.
“In Washington State, that does not constitute a ‘taking.’”
Community member Stephen Miller spoke in favor of the rezone.
“This is not about the Folsoms. This is not about the Millers, or any other residents in the area,” he said. “This is about a community of neighbors who are observing and watching the single-family character of our neighborhood slowly, but steadily, being eroded.”
Near the end of public comment, Mike Folsom, the owner of the lot, delivered a passionate speech against the rezone.
“I’m not a speculator. I’m not a developer. I’m a retired school teacher,” he said. “Ten years ago, when Judge Mags retired and left the community, we had an opportunity to buy that parcel of land. It was pretty tight, but we did.”
He continued:
“Five years ago, I retired from Eastern. Three years ago, my wife was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
“We don’t want that ground anymore; our life has changed. I didn’t buy it to make a profit, I bought it to protect my retirement. What the citizens are attempting to do it attack the integrity of my retirement. I played by the rules. I haven’t gone around the end of anything. It’s very sad what had happened in the neighborhood because of this.”
A final ruling will be made Sept. 28, following the third reading.
Scott Davis can be reached at [email protected].
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