SPOKANE, Wash. – Residents of the Pasadena Park neighborhood voiced concerns about how a proposed housing development could impact their water rights during a three-and-a-half-hour meeting with the irrigation board.
“You have this wonderful environment where nature meets a small community that creates just a real synergy of lifestyle,” said Mark Boyer, a neighbor in Pasadena Park.
The plot of land used to be owned by the Inland Empire Paper Company. In June, the property was transferred to the Cowles Company Real Estate Group, which is in the early stages of developing single-family homes over the roughly 100 acres.
“It would bring a whole lot of traffic, a whole lot of construction to our area. And it would obviously impact the serene nature of our bordering property,” said Elizabeth Braun, committee member of Pasadena Park Neighborhood Council.
The land has been undeveloped for years, making for a quiet community with lots of wildlife. According to the Cowles Real Estate Group, this acreage has always been zoned for residential use.
Recent inquiries for water lines are worrying neighbors who may have plans to develop their properties further.
“My sister and my mother live right next door to me, in adjoining lots,” Boyer said. “We’re concerned about water rights. There’s only enough water rights for about 200 more homes.”
Last night, Boyer and his neighbors filled an irrigation board meeting taking place with representatives from the Cowles Company. The meeting was standing room only.
“Over 3 and a half hours where they allowed everybody in the room to be able to voice their concerns about the annexation,” said Braun.
Braun says she, too, wants to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
It was decided that neighbors would get to vote to annex this property for water rights. This vote will likely take place sometime in September.
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