Opponents pan apartment plan

POST FALLS - A proposal that would allow construction of a 33-unit apartment complex has drawn concern from neighbors.

The Post Falls City Council tonight will hold a public hearing on Kim Riley's request involving 1.9 acres of vacant property on the northeast corner of Cedar Road and Maplewood near the Riverside Harbor subdivision.

He wants to change the zoning of the site in the southeast part of the city from single-family residential to multi-family.

Riley believes rental properties in Post Falls are in demand and such a use would serve as a buffer for the industrial zoning across the street on Cedar Road.

But several neighbors have concerns that the project would reduce property values, lead to traffic problems and present child safety issues with a railroad nearby.

"Changing the zoning for the area ... would adversely affect the entire neighborhood," Kimberly and Steven Donald, who live on Portside Court, wrote to the council.

The Planning and Zoning Commission earlier voted 4-1 to recommend denial of the request.

The council will hold three other public hearings, including on:

* Craig Hunter's request to change the zoning of 2.9 acres northwest and southwest of Seltice Way and Spokane Street from limited commercial to community commercial services;

* an amendment to the sign code; and

* a new annexation policy.

City Administrator Eric Keck called the new annexation policy "groundbreaking" for the city. The goal is to help the community grow in a more responsible, sustainable and orderly fashion.

The planning commission and City Council held several workshops on the policy.

On the sign code hearing, Associate Planner Jon Manley said the amendment provides for regulations that will apply in the downtown corridor intended to enhance the aesthetics of that area.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 408 N. Spokane St.