Kiwanis Park Plan Clears Zoning Hurdle Group Plans To Sell Land Near River For Subdivision, Build 42-Acre Park

A proposed 45-acre subdivision fulfills Post Falls’ urban development goals, according to the city’s unanimous vote to recommend that the land be rezoned.

Planning and Zoning commissioners recommended that half of the Coeur d’Alene Kiwanis Club’s land, located off Ross Point Road near the Spokane River, be rezoned for a proposed subdivision.

“If at each stage of the game (of the area’s development) we said no, probably most of that land to the east and the south wouldn’t be there,” said Commissioner Mel Palmer. “So where do we say no?”

More than 80 residents filled Post Falls City Hall to voice their concerns about the proposed plan to commissioners.

Last month, Coeur d’Alene’s Kiwanis Club announced its plan to sell part of its 87-acre parcel. In exchange for turning part of the parcel into a city park, the club wants approval to sell 45 acres to a developer for a 141-home subdivision. The club has owned the property since 1927.

Money from the proposed housing development is necessary to fund the waterfront park’s construction, and would also fund community projects, said Alan Wolfe, a former president of the club.

“We’re not trying to do anything bad here, (just) build a park and an endowment,” Wolfe said.

The club is also asking the city to lease the park area for $1 a year for the next 50 years.

The plan still needs final approval from the City Council. “I’m happy,” said Charlie Johnson, the project’s manager, about the decision to go ahead with development plans.

Increased traffic, loss of privacy, reduced property value and impact on local schools were the most common concerns of residents at the meeting.

The residents’ concerns will be addressed as the club gets into the subdivision’s planning level, Johnson said.

The club sent out about 300 questionnaires last month, asking civic groups and residents to comment about the park and subdivision’s design, as well as the rezoning request.

On Feb. 22, the Post Falls Park and Recreation Commission decided unanimously to approve the club’s proposed park plan.

Although the land can now be rezoned, the club must present the commission’s recommendation to City Council members for final approval of the park and subdivision plan.

In the meantime, Johnson said the club’s plans to open the park by the Fourth of July are being “re-examined.”

“We don’t want the target date to get in the way of developing reasonable solutions,” Johnson said.

The club will take its time to choose a subdivision developer with an approach similar to the club’s mission to help the community, Johnson said. The process could take another month while the club plans to keep control over the subdivision’s design.

The plan will go to the City Council in five weeks.

This sidebar appeared with the story:

DETAILS

Deal for a park

Coeur d’Alene Kiwanis purchased 87 acres near the Spokane River at Ross Point Road for park use in 1927.

Vandalism has caused the land to be fenced off in recent years.

A new plan asks 45 acres to be zoned for a 141-house subdivision.

42 acres would become a park.