Equestrian center approved
Horse lovers, feed store owners and saddlemakers around the region say they’re excited the plat map of a proposed 203-acre equine-centered community in Rathdrum won the City Council’s unanimous approval earlier this month.
“There are a lot of horses in the area. But there aren’t too many places you can ride around here,” said Kent Poole, assistant manager of the 32-year-old Feed and Farm Store in Coeur d’Alene.
“I think it’s a good idea,” he said. “And I’ve talked to a couple of customers, and they like it a lot, too” said Poole, adding that about three-fourths of the store’s customers are “horse people.”
Pleasant View LLC, a three-man development company, plans to build a community centering on horses.
At completion, it will feature about 100 homes and 120 multifamily townhouses with equine themes; an equestrian park with stables, arenas, trails and a racetrack; and an RV park and motel, according to company documents.
Rathdrum Mayor Brian Steele said, “The general feeling around town is good. People would like to see something like that.
“And a real good plus to this city of more than 7,000 would be the motel.”
Construction is planned in three phases. It is expected to start in the fall and take at least four years to finish.
Steele said that initially, the city was cautious about approving the proposal, given its scope.
“This is a major, major development,” said Steele. “We took time to make sure what we were getting is what we really want. That’s why we made them go through the process as a PUD (planned urban development).”
Pleasant View Equestrian Park is the single-largest development ever planned in the Rathdrum community, Steele said.
At the city’s request, he said, developers agreed this month to include the track’s construction in Phase 2.
Steele, explaining the council’s rationale, said, “We wanted to make sure we’re going to get the track portion along with the residential – at about the same time. We didn’t want to (grant permits for all the) residential units, and all of a sudden, something happens and we don’t get the racetrack.”
Steele said a track and arenas will generate higher tax revenues for the city than the housing developments will.
In Phase 1, developers plan to build 28 single-family homes, nine multifamily townhouses, two show arenas, barns, a parking lot and the RV lot.
Phase 2 will add the racing component.
“These other venues are easier to get going and produce. And putting together a racing operation is pretty complex. It’s second on the list,” co-developer Ross Yearout said in an interview last spring.
Phase 2 is when construction of the clubhouse and grandstand are planned, along with the tracks, more barns, a veterinary clinic, tack store, restaurant, a swimming pool for horses and additional single-family homes and townhouses.
At completion of the final phase, about 100 homes and 120 multifamily townhouses will sit on 65 acres; the other 138 acres will feature the equine amenities.
Rathdrum has annexed the property, an agricultural area bordered by Wyoming Avenue and Greensferry Road. The move ensures that Pleasant View will hook up to city water and sewer lines.
“The center will provide unique activities that people will come from all over to participate in,” said Rathdrum city Administrator Brett Boyer.
“We’re very excited about the whole thing and hope it’ll provide some jobs. And in the long run, the facilities will make Rathdrum a destination,” Boyer said.