More homes in Harrison?

HARRISON — The town of Harrison could hit a growth spurt in 2017 with a 100-lot subdivision planned to come online. But to do so, it will have to be revived from a false start 12 years ago.

The residential project, called Stonegate and overlooking Lake Coeur d'Alene, is just south of Highway 97 and O'Gara Road on the south side of the city.

"One hundred lots in a town of 264 people is a lot of change," said Joe Cornell, a city council member. "I'm hopeful that it will bring more of a workforce and people to the town, and we need that. I'm looking forward to it."

But Cornell said with the site dormant for 12 years, seeing is believing.

"From my point of view, it's a slow process," he said. "I know it's coming, but I still can't smell the turkey dinner. It's not exciting until something starts happening."

Rand Wichman, a land-use consultant who represents the property's owner — Ed Benoit, a real estate broker from California — said he expects the lots to be marketed this spring and summer and understands the frustrations of some.

"Originally, some were quite thrilled at the prospect, but it's been a difficult development because of the ownership changes and challenges," said Wichman, who lives near Harrison. "I think that soured some.

"It caused some in Harrison to think twice about development, but it's far enough in the process that it's not going back. Moving forward, once there will be homes, I believe it will be embraced."

Wichman said the infrastructure is expected to be buttoned up this spring. The site already has roads, sewer, water and street lights.

"Ninety eight percent of the infrastructure is completed," Wichman said.

Lots will be a quarter- to half-acre. No parks are planned.

Wichman said the value of the homes may be in the medium-level range, perhaps around $300,000. He said he expects the project to be attractive to those who are seeking a second home and are retired, or those who work from home.

"I wouldn't expect a lot of young families," he said. "That's not the demographic in Harrison."

Wichman said the site was originally approved for 137 lots in 2005 before the recession threw it into dormancy.

"It's gone through a couple different owners and Ed purchased this as an investment after it went into foreclosure," Wichman said.

Wichman said he doesn't expect any stumbling blocks between now and marketing the site this spring.

"The last remaining step is getting the infrastructure turned over to the city," he said. "The most complicated approvals are done. Then it's a matter of selling the lots and building homes."