County may give boost to struggling projects

Development projects struggling to finish because of the economy could get more time.

After a hearing on Thursday, The Kootenai County Planning Commission voted to recommend the county commissioners approve an ordinance that would extend deadlines on land use approvals and financial guarantees.

"It's absolutely undeniable that we're in tough times," said Paul Matthews, planning commission member. "It would be understandable if some were having trouble coming through with completion with the economic environment as it is."

The planning commission, which voted 3 in favor with one abstaining, Matthews said, also recommended three conditions: To limit the extension for everything but variances, add a provision for appeals, and add a sunset clause of January 1, 2013.

"Otherwise, you could actually have a major development that had expired in 2010 and it could be 15 years from now and apply for the extension," Matthews said.

Two other members of the six-member group were not present at the hearing. - Alecia Warren