Annexation nears completion

COEUR d'ALENE - The annexation agreement is nearly complete.

After a year since the roughly 10 acres of property known the former DeArmond mill site was annexed into the city of Coeur d'Alene, conditions to complete the deal are in place.

Development on the property wouldn't be allowed until a Planned Unit Development design has been approved by the city, according to the agreement.

The North Idaho College Foundation also agreed to pay $216,495 in annexation fees, but could reduce that amount by providing property for the city.

It also must provide infrastructure and utility obligations, and constructing Hubbard Avenue, as well as a bike path, between Northwest Boulevard and River Avenue prior to construction of the first permanent building on the site.

An evaluation of the dike wall along the Spokane River must be done within one year to determine if any improvements are necessary to ensure its proper functioning as a flood control device.

Also, a landing area for a pedestrian bridge across the Spokane River to Blackwell Island should be built, and a permanent route for the Centennial Trail along the Spokane River from the Harbor Center connecting into the Centennial trail along Rosenberry Drive should be developed.

The agreement is binding to any developer who builds there.

The city annexed the property in June 2009.

The final agreement will go before City Council at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, in the Community Room of the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.