Land-plan opinions sought
Post Falls wants to add acreage to city’s land-use map
The Post Falls City Council is seeking comment on a proposal that would add more than 300 acres of land on the Rathdrum Prairie to the city’s future land-use map.
Right now the 320 acres on the northeast and northwest corners of Highway 41 and Prairie Avenue is not within city limits, Mayor Clay Larkin said.
The City Council, however, has given developer Phillips Edison the OK to move ahead with the annexation process for that property.
Larkin said the land should be included in the city’s comprehensive plan for growth before the land is annexed.
A public hearing on the proposed changes to the land-use map is set for Tuesday. Eventually, the city will also have a public hearing on the annexation proposal.
Phillips Edison is planning a 465,000-square-foot shopping center as part of the Prairie Crossing development.
While 50 acres is slated for commercial development, a majority of the acreage would be zoned residential with the approval of the Post Falls City Council.
Larkin said there may be some questions that need to be addressed before the project is approved.
Some have suggested that the empty lots already included in city limits should be developed before the city expands its boundaries – especially given the slower growth the city has seen.
The city’s rate of development is down 60 to 65 percent since last year, Larkin said.