Lake in Rathdrum proposed

A local developer wants to build a man-made lake in Rathdrum, creating a new waterfront neighborhood with up to 260 homes.

But first, Michael McPhee of JCVA LLC must have the city change its comprehensive plan, the foundation of the town’s land-use decisions, to allow the housing development in the area off Nagle Road that is currently zoned industrial.

McPhee wants to dig a private 20-acre lake for water skiing and non-motorized activities such as canoeing and kayaking. Radiant Lake also would include two man-made islands and four private waterfront parks. The lake would be surrounded by homes and have a peninsula jetting into the center with more lots.

Radiant Lake at Westwood Estates, planned for 118 acres, would have 210 single-family homes and about 50 condos.

The Rathdrum Planning and Zoning Commission is holding a public hearing tonight on the proposed comprehensive plan and zoning changes. If the city approves the changes, then Coeur d’Alene-based JCVA must present specific plans for the lake and housing development.

Rathdrum Planning Director Robert Brock said it’s unusual to have anyone propose a man-made lake in North Idaho. He said tonight’s hearing will deal just with the comprehensive plan and zoning, not the creation of the lake or the housing development.

Plans for Radiant Lake at Westwood Estates show that the lake water would come from an existing irrigation well owned by George Thayer and wouldn’t affect Rathdrum’s water supply. The narrative also states that the developer would use a water circulation and aeration system to prevent insects from breeding in stagnant water.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality recommended that the lake be lined to prevent seepage and that the owner should prove they have sufficient water rights to keep the lake filled.

The 7 p.m. hearing is at Rathdrum City Hall, 8047 W. Main St.

For more information, call 687-2700.