In brief: New hearing tonight on gated development
The Kootenai County Commission will hold a second public hearing tonight on plans for Timber Creek, a gated residential development overlooking Hayden Lake that could include a 36-slip community dock.
The commission also is reviewing the proposed Foxtail housing project where developers first must change the zoning to allow housing on 280 acres of agricultural land on the Rathdrum Prairie east of state Highway 41.
The new Timber Creek hearing comes after Commissioners Rich Piazza and Todd Tondee said they have lingering questions about the proposal by Oregon-based McDougal Brothers Investments to build 46 lots on a basalt bluff overlooking the north side of the lake off English Point Road.
After the initial June hearing and tour of the property, Commission Chairman Rick Currie said he opposed the project.
Neighbors organized as the Hayden Lake Protective Association are fighting the development because of fears of increased traffic and concerns that the luxury development could set a bad precedent because a homeowners association, instead of individual property owners, would control the waterfront.
After rejections by Post Falls, the developers of Foxtail took their plan to the county. In July, a county hearing examiner recommended denial of Hayden LLC’s rezoning request because it would adversely alter the area’s rural character and is inconsistent with the city’s law and the county’s growth plan.
Hayden LLC is suing Post Falls because the city rejected the plan four times.
The 6 p.m. hearings are at the Kootenai County Administration Building, 451 Government Way. For more information, call (208) 446-1600.
– Erica Curless
Hayden
Saterfiel appointed to Hayden Council
Hayden City Council candidate Roger Saterfiel doesn’t have to wait for the November election to get a seat on the council.
Mayor Ron McIntire appointed Saterfiel on Tuesday to replace Councilman Chris Beck, who is moving outside city limits. So far, no one is challenging Saterfiel, the Kootenai County Solid Waste director who served as vice chairman of Hayden’s Planning Commission.
Write-in candidates have until Oct. 23 to file a declaration of interest.
Saterfiel ran against Councilwoman Nancy Taylor and Aryan Nations follower Karl Gharst in 2003. He said he wants to serve on the council because it’s a way to get more involved with the growing town.
Saterfiel said he foresees annexations as a big issue in the coming years, especially with about six proposals planned.
He said growth is a main issue and the council needs to know what residents expect – and what new services they want to fund.
“Can the city afford its own police department or animal control?” Saterfiel said. “Is that what the people want? The first question I have is, ‘Folks, do you see a need for this?’ And if you do, that’s a cost and it’s not cheap.”
– Erica Curless