Council To Consider Annexing Blackwell Island Neighbors Oppose Developer’s Plans For Recreational Vehicle Park

The Coeur d’Alene City Council could settle a simmering community debate on Tuesday by annexing part of Blackwell Island and paving the way for a recreational vehicle park.

A hearing on the issue will be part of the 7 p.m. meeting at City Hall. Council members could approve or reject the annexation, or delay the decision.

The proposed River View RV Park would be built on 40 acres of the Spokane River island. Planning commissioners already approved the project, which includes shopping and convention space as well as a small natural area.

The project is a needed recreational facility that would boost local business without draining services, according to developer Mark Hall.

But some area residents, especially neighbors of the project, strongly object. They say the project is environmentally unsound, in part because it lies on an old landfill; is dangerous because it lies in the flood plain; and will promote undesirable expansion of the city.

Neighbors who oppose the project are planning a protest rally at the Blackwell Island entrance today at 10:30 a.m. and another from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Among other items on Tuesday’s council agenda:

Possible final approval of the Canfield Park Subdivision. One issue that needs to be resolved is the development of a park. Developers have not yet paid $14,200 for initial work at the site, but may do the construction instead of paying the fee. That could require a change in city ordinance.

Possible approval of an ordinance change that would allow city police officers to ticket cars parked illegally in “handicapped” parking spots without waiting for the drivers to show up.

A public hearing on a request to changing zoning at 3324 Government Way, north of Neider Avenue. The property is now zoned residential; owner Chuck Ryan wants it changed to commercial.

The area is considered “transitional” in the city’s comprehensive plan. It features both houses and businesses along a busy traffic corridor.

A hearing on a zone change at 2808 Julia. The property, currently zoned for houses, is vacant; R & R Investments wants to put a mobile home there.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: MEETING Coeur d’Alene City Council meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall.