CHENEY — An impassioned debate raged Monday night regarding the Clover Street Rezoning Project, that ultimately culminated in a decision to pass the decision forward to City Council.
The neighborhood under debate is identified at the Clover Court/West 6th Street area and is currently designated as an R-2 multi-family zone. The rezoning plan aims to designate the area from R-2 to R-1 single-family structures.
A high number of community members spoke during the public comment section or submitted letters expressing their opinions on the project. 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,” resident Doris Munson said. “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. The area in question is largely owner occupied and fits more closely with the R-1 Zone.”
The residents against the redesignation argued 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 Cheney Realty owner 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.”
The conflict is indicative of a far more complex issue of continued debate: is Cheney a college town geared to serve the student populace? Or, is Cheney a family-community to be maintained for the year-round resident?
The City Council will take up the rezone consideration at an upcoming meeting. Ultimately, the decision to allow the rezone or to deny it rests with the council.
Scott Davis can be reached at [email protected].
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