Rathdrum considers two developments

The Rathdrum Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended a housing development that would include a 20-acre manmade lake.

The commission voted 4-1 to recommend approval of JCAV LLC’s proposal for 210 homes and about 50 condos just inside the city limits. Radiant Lake at Westwood Estates would be east of U.S. Highway 41 off Nagel Lane and is the first proposal of this sort in this region that any county or state official could recall.

Commissioner Carmon O’Donnell voted against the proposal at the Feb. 16 meeting because he wants more studies on issues such as sewer, water and traffic to ensure Rathdrum can support so many new homes. He also is worried about maintaining the water quality of the shallow lake.

The commission also recommended approval of a neighboring proposal for 197 homes in the second phase of Skyline Meadows. Radiant Lake is dependent on the development of the Skyline Meadows property to the east because that’s how the city would extend infrastructure such as roads and water and sewer lines, Rathdrum Planner Robert Brock said.

The Rathdrum City Council will have a public hearing on both proposals during its March 8 meeting. For more information, call 687-2700.