Clagstone deliberations resume

SANDPOINT -Bonner County commissioners are scheduled to resume deliberation today on one of the largest housing developments ever contemplated.

The commission began considering the Clagstone Meadows development proposal last month, but postponed a decision so it had more time to review the written record and ample testimony on the matter.

The board's public hearing is set for 1 p.m. at the Bonner County Administration Building.

Clagstone Meadows LLC is proposing 1,200 dwelling units on 12,000 acres north of Kelso Lake. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposal following lengthy deliberations this summer.

The project has drawn strong opposition from neighboring landowners who question the development's impact on water, wetland and wildlife resources. Concerns over traffic impacts and dense housing in a rural area have also been raised.

The developers maintain their in-depth analysis indicates there is ample water on site to serve the development and the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer could be tapped if need be. Opponents contend the developers are underestimating the amount of water the development will consume and the destruction of wetlands will affect water quality.

A development agreement between the developers and the county will be drawn up to address the timing and type of road improvements and emergency services. The majority of the project currently lies outside a fire district, but the developers said they're working with adjacent fire districts to address the issue of fire safety.