Palouse planning panel eyes commercial zone changes

The Palouse planning commission is updating its comprehensive city plan and considering some zoning changes for segments of land along Highway 27 as it departs south toward Pullman.

For example, a small parcel of land along Highway 27 within the Palouse city limits could be a great place for businesses if zoned commercial, said Palouse Mayor Michael Echanove. He added the planning commission’s work updating the city plan has been outstanding.

Extending the city’s commercial zoning would open up chances to bring in more businesses, and more revenue, said Corey Laughary, chair of the planning commission.

Laughary said his board has taken a meticulous look at parts of the plan that are old or outdated.

“We do look at where some commercial growth could happen in Palouse that would be healthy and not in the middle of some residential area,” Laughary said.

His board was almost ready to wrap up their results on the comprehensive plan when they heard that the consultants behind the Brownsfield project might have input on city development for them.

Environmental consultants from Maul Foster Alongi have been analyzing the city as part of their work on the Brownsfield project, a Department of Ecology plan to clean up a polluted piece of land in downtown Palouse.

After examining the city, the consultants may have some input for the planning commission. Laughary said they will wait to put together their final plan until they hear more from Maul Foster Alongi.

Once the planning commission finishes the comprehensive plan, it will go to the city council for consideration.