Neighbors to fight view-blocking development

VANCOUVER, Wash. (KOIN) — A rock quarry near SW 192nd Ave in Vancouver may be filled in with new development, and some neighbors aren’t happy.

They say their view of the Columbia River and mountains will be blocked by all sorts of development, including nearly 90 homes. The plan is part of the Columbia Palisades project.

Robert Silva lives right above the quarry and the new homes would butt against his back yard. He and his neighbors say the new homes would block their amazing views.

“Pretty much a direct view of the Willamette Valley. You can see there’s a hawk flying down there right now,” Silva said “It’s gorgeous. It’s very serene and that’s all going to go away.”

The City of Vancouver is reviewing the developer’s plans at a meeting on July 26 and a few dozen of those neighbors plan to give their 2 cents and try and stop the project.

“We bought the house because of the view,” Silva said. “We’re very disappointed this is happening.”

John Wagner, senior planner for the City of Vancouver, understands their concerns.

“They’re also worried about their property value,” Wagner said. “Absolutely. I understand completely. I would be just as concerned as they are and I would be looking for middle ground.”

Wagner says the developer has a reclamation permit that allows for bulldozing and land leveling of the area before the approval of the developer’s master plan.

“There’s always problems with change,” Wagner said. “You get used to what you have. If you think about it, almost everybody had a view at one time and then somebody built in front of them.”

The new homes can legally be 35 feet high, but Silva says that doesn’t make it right.

“I hope the city will have some understanding,” Silva said. “All my neighbors up and down the street will lose their views. The whole development to the east side could lose their view as well. It’s impacting a whole lot of people, not just me.”

Neighbors hope they can find some middle ground with the city at the planning meeting Tuesday night.