Cougar Bay Developer Wants Answers Commission Nears Decision On 92-Home Plan

The developer who wants to turn 118 acres of forest overlooking Cougar Bay into homes asked the Kootenai County Commission to finally settle the seven-year ordeal.

Mike McCormack asked the Kootenai County Commission to approve for the third time his plan to build 92 homes at The Ridge at Cougar Bay.

McCormack has weathered a spirited fight by neighbors, who formed the Rural Kootenai Organization. That group’s legal challenges have locked the project in the courts, including a decision in December by the Idaho Supreme Court that voided McCormack’s attempt to use public land as open space for the development.

“Trying to uphold what the commission originally approved has caused me not only emotional grief, but it also cost me a lot of money,” McCormack said.

About 70 people attended the hearing Wednesday, at which nine people spoke in favor, nine spoke in opposition and one woman was neutral.

The commission took the testimony under advisement and is expected to make its decision at a July 12 deliberations hearing.

“Why are we still here after seven years? I guess I’m sort of dedicated to something I started,” McCormack told the commission.

He admitted that he has stopped paying the previous owners of the land - six members of the Johnson family - until the county either approves or denies his request.

“I would be foolish to pay any more money without knowing what was going to happen” with the project, McCormack said.

First District Judge Charles Hosack in May sided with the former owners of the property to foreclose on all but 40 of the 118 acres planned for houses.

Pending appeal, McCormack has until July 20 to come up with $835,000 in cash or ownership reverts to the Johnson family.

“They just want their money,” he said. “I understand that. We are not just going to walk away because this is going on.”

Commissioner Dick Compton asked McCormack if he had the financial backing to proceed if the commission approves the subdivision.

McCormack said yes, adding that he will need other investors, partners and lenders.

Chuck Sheroke, the attorney for the group of neighbors, complained about McCormack’s attorneys, Steve and Dana Wetzel, offering new exhibits regarding the land’s ownership on the day of the hearing.

“It makes a sham out of the public hearing process,” Sheroke said. “I would like the opportunity to strike those exhibits or ample opportunity to rebut that evidence.”

Rick Gunther spoke in favor of the project and mentioned Sheroke by name in describing the legal battle the neighbors caused.

“It is really an embarrassment, especially when he had the approval to move forward,” Gunther said. “We need these types of properties in the Kootenai area.

“I hope you look favorably at this and go for it.”