Subdivision, Resort Get Green Light Despite Neighbors’ Objections, Commissioners Approve 160-Acre Development Near Worley

A destination resort and housing development can be built on 160 acres near Worley despite neighbors’ objections.

Kootenai County commissioners unanimously approved Wednesday a 75-acre commercial resort accompanied by an 85-acre subdivision west of Heyburn State Park. The resort is to include an indoor pool, tennis courts, a lodge and hiking trails. The subdivision is to have 16 housing lots, averaging two acres apiece, and 55 acres of green space.

“I think it was the correct decision, and we have been concerned about the neighbors,” developer Tom Janson said after Wednesday’s meeting.

The complex is planned 3.7 miles east of U.S. Highway 95 on Conklin Road. It is to be a members-only gated community.

Neighbors opposed the plans at two public meetings, citing concerns about water quality, traffic and damage to the rural landscape. The county’s hearing examiner recommended in March that the project be denied.

“I can’t say I’m very happy about it,” said Rick Keaveny, who lives nearby on Little Squaw Bay Road. Keaveny, who moved to the area about a year ago seeking privacy and a rural lifestyle, opposed the development at the public hearings.

“It’s just not what I expected when I moved out here. I really considered it more of a farm community,” Keaveny said. “I just don’t like the idea of the city moving out here to the country.”

Largely because of neighbors’ concerns, commissioners approved the project conditionally.

They will require that the project’s wastewater treatment system be run by a state-certified operator and that the Jansons build an 8-foot-high wire fence around the wastewater lagoon. Ground-water monitoring also will be conducted if required by the state Division of Environmental Quality.

Janson said he has no problem with any of those requirements.

Commissioner Dick Panabaker said the project is well-conceived and complies with zoning laws. That’s why, he said, he supported it despite neighbors’ opposition.

“People have gotten used to a lifestyle and don’t want other people moving in. We understand that,” he said.

Commissioner Ron Rankin said it was tough to decide between the rights of the neighbors to enjoy their rural lifestyle and the rights of the Jansons to develop their land in accordance with existing laws.

“The difficulty is trying to balance property rights with property rights,” Rankin said.