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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Council To Consider Island Development

From Staff And Wire Reports

The controversial Blackwell Island development goes to the Coeur d’Alene City Council Tuesday evening.

Several people are expected to testify at a public hearing on annexing 40 acres of the island, just south of the city limits on the Spokane River.

Developers want to build a recreational vehicle park with as many as 290 slots on 30 acres. The other 10 acres would be used for commercial development.

The Mark Hall family contends the RV park is needed in the area.

If the council annexes the island, it means city water and sewer will be extended to the area. Opponents say that’s a costly way to open the door to major developments south of the river.

In addition, the island is in the flood plain and contains an old landfill that could be more vulnerable to flooding after construction of a RV park, the Rural Kootenai Organization said.

The council voted against the project in March. Mayor Al Hassell cast the deciding vote, saying there were too many unanswered questions.

At the same time, he said development south of the river is inevitable.

The City Council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

, DataTimes