'Agrihood' plan hits snag in Hayden Lake

The proposed 155-lot "agrihood" community in the Hayden Lake area, the largest residential project in the rural part of Kootenai County in the past decade, has hit a roadblock in the approval process.

Hearing Examiner Steven Frampton recommended that the English Point Heights proposal at the corner of Lancaster and Hayden Lake roads be denied.

"The proposal ... may result in significant degradation of surface or groundwater quality and quantity," Frampton wrote in his recommendation. "Proposed roads, sidewalks and trails do not establish or adequately contribute to a transportation system for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians that is safe, efficient and that minimizes traffic congestion."

County commissioners will decide on Thursday whether they want to hold a public hearing on the plan. The board typically agrees to hold a hearing in such cases.

Leo Simpson, who lives near the property and is part of a citizens’ group called Hayden Lake Coalition for Responsible Development, said he hopes the project will be stopped for good because of environmental concerns the sloping site pose to the lake. He was among more than 20 residents who spoke in opposition at a recent public hearing before the examiner.

"This development is literally along the steep downhill shoreline of Hayden Lake directly above Rockaway Bay," Simpson said. "The public needs to know Hayden Lake waters will be forever damaged by the salts, pesticides and chemicals in the surface and sub-surface runoffs of this development."

Of the 95 acres, 20 would be a farm owned and maintained by the homeowners' association. One of the ideas is to have a neighborhood farmers' market in which residents can purchase produce from the farm.

The family of sister applicants KayDee Steele and Jeneen Steele Espe homesteaded on the property — often referred to as "Steele corner" — for more than 100 years.

"Our vision is to encompass family values and a sense of community," Jeneen told The Press earlier.

Steve Syrcle, of Tri-State Consulting Engineers, who represents the sisters, said the farm subdivision concept is part of a national trend. Instead of a having a golf course or clubhouse as an amenity, overlooking rows of veggies will be a benefit. He said there have been soil and wetland studies done on the property and he's worked with regulatory agencies on the proposal. However, opponents believe the environmental and groundwater studies are inadequate.

Proponents said the project could have as many as 212 lots under county code, and some lots are half an acre to blend in with adjacent rural properties. But Simpson calls the proposal a "disaster waiting to happen," also citing traffic concerns entering and exiting the development onto Lancaster.