SPOKANE, Wash. — Residents and business owners in Spokane’s North Hill neighborhood are worried that more development will lead to parking nightmares.
The Garland District will soon be home to over 100 new residential units.
Two large apartment complexes will be built in the area, one behind the Garland Theater, and the other down the street on Walton Avenue.
People in Garland said they are concerned the neighborhood is not prepared for the additional parking needed for these residents.
“We have to have housing for individuals, and we have to accept that, but we have to do it in a safe and welcoming way that answers not only to the growth, but to the individuals who already live here,” said Scott Webb, Chair of the North Hill Neighborhood Council.
Some business owners in the area are worried the increase in apartments will make it difficult for customers to find places to park.
“I want to see people who love coming to Garland come to Garland, not going ‘Ah, we are not going there, it is too crowded,’ and that’s my fear,” said Julie Shepard, business owner and resident of North Hill.
Business owner Cruz Nicacio said it’s hard to know how it will all play out. He said he is excited for the new apartments might bring.
“With two new large apartment complexes that is going to be bringing more money into our little district” Nicacio said. “We do welcome it, but there is always pros and cons to everything.”
Shepard said it feels like decisions are being made without the input of those who will be most affected.
“We have developers coming in and developing Garland, but they are not taking into consideration how we feel about them,” said Shepard.
Others said they are nervous about how emergency services and snow plows will navigate the narrow streets once they are packed with cars.
“It’s just a potential concern that we’d rather answer now before it gets out of control, than when we’re trying to answer for safety concerns,” said Webb.
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