170 Acres In Projects Before Planners Initial Approval Possible Tuesday At Planning And Zoning Meeting

Nearly 170 acres worth of industrial and commercial development could get the initial OK at a planning and zoning meeting Tuesday night in Post Falls.

Jacklin Land Co. is seeking preliminary approval to proceed on a 110-acre extension of Riverbend Commerce Park north of Interstate 90.

The site is east of Beck Road between Jacklin Road and the freeway.

The property had been part of the proposed International Expo, a destination mall and entertainment center that since has been scaled back. “International” has been dropped from the name.

Watson and Associates, Expo’s developer, had an option to purchase the property. The option is due to expire in April.

“We had understood from Mr. Watson that he would not be exercising the option,” said Denny Davis, Jacklin’s attorney.

Riverbend’s manager, Pat Leffel, would not explain what plans were in store for the site, called Riverbend North.

Jim Watson submitted a letter to city planners opposing the plan to extend Expo Parkway to serve Jacklin’s project.

Watson has his own request before the Planning and Zoning Commission for preliminary and final plat approval of four additions in Expo, totalling 29 acres. Some of the lots are for businesses to serve freeway traffic, and others are for industrial use.

The commission will hold a third hearing for preliminary approval of Alan Park East, Alan Park West and Alan Park Business Center near Quad Park.

Two of the proposed subdivisions are residential, including both single family and multifamily housing.

The proposed 35-acre business center would be located between Mullan Avenue and I-90 south of Quad Park.

Public hearings are scheduled for all three projects Tuesday. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall.

, DataTimes