Council discusses future growth
POST FALLS – Though not yet an official unveiling, a land-use map for future development of the Rathdrum Prairie was presented to the public at the Post Falls City Council meeting Tuesday evening.
More than 40 people gathered at City Hall where the color-coded map, the forerunner to the town’s potential Smart Code plan that envisions Post Falls’ future growth beyond its current northern border at Prairie Avenue, was revealed and discussed by council members and some residents in attendance. The land-use map shows how future growth areas would be managed by sector designations, which discourages sprawl and promotes mixed-use centers on the prairie – though how far north remains unclear.
“I know this raised some concerns today,” said city administrator Eric Keck prior to the meeting, adding that he heard from several worried citizens throughout the day. “It’s not a ‘We’re open for business, free-for-all land grab for the Rathdrum Prairie.’ It’s more so to help define; to let everybody know how we are going to grow out there.”
Called the Smart Code Sector Plan, the map outlines current city limits and expected growth areas into six defined segments: infill growth, traditional suburban development that includes most of the existing city limits; limited growth, areas most rural on the prairie; controlled growth, mixed-use areas that make up the bulk of the prairie; intended growth, commercial areas; reserved open space, areas that possibly could be developed; and preserved open space, areas protected from development. The Smart Code is part of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, the official policy guide for the future.
“One of the first elements that we need to do is to establish a future land-use map,” said senior planner Collin Coles, referring to the city’s possible adoption of the Smart Code’s sector plan that forecasts a mixing of land uses. He explained that the new set of sector definitions, unlike existing land-use designations, avoids assigning one specific land use type, such as residential and commercial.
Coles added that the land-use map includes the ability to establish special districts, such as a medical complex or industrial park, in expected growth areas. “What this does is give you a recipe for determining boundaries.”
Much of the evening’s discussion centered on the intersection of Prairie Avenue and Highway 41, where the developer Phillips Edison and Co. purchased a 50-acre plot that sits just beyond the River City’s border. Under current definitions, the site restricts some of the developer’s plans for a regional, commercial shopping center. Their request for annexation will be reviewed by the City Council, as well as how to incorporate the proposal into the overall Smart Code.
“It looks like what I’m hearing is there would be no action from the council now,” said Mayor Clay Larkin, as the land-use map was put on hiatus until it is further pieced together.
While no one expressed direct opposition to the plan, which Coles called the “first building block” in kicking off the Smart Code, some council members voiced their approval for the map, which has been recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
“I think this is a step in the right direction,” said Councilman Ron Jacobson, adding that he hadn’t been an advocate for expansion beyond Prairie Avenue. “I have long been an advocate for limited growth.”
The future land-use map will next be evaluated and refined, and Coles said he expects it to be approved by the council within the next few months. “I think we’re moving ahead,” he said.