Business plaza planned near Silverwood

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — A commercial center planned across U.S. 95 from Silverwood Theme Park will aim to ride the family-friendly destination's tidal wave of popularity.

Kootenai County commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved a 4.7-acre zone change for a site that would include up to 19 rental bunk-house cabins, a convenience store and gas station.

The parcel, which was changed from rural to commercial and is being purchased by Kelvin Shin from the Dennis Swartout Family Trust, is northeast of the intersection of U.S. 95 and Bunco Road and just south of Silverwood's large parking lot.

"(The project) would complement Silverwood," said Ashley Williams of Welch-Comer Engineers who represents Shin.

Williams said the single-story cabins would have one bedroom and a kitchenette.

A detailed site design proposal will be submitted to the county in a separate application. The property is currently undeveloped.

Silverwood was neutral on the zone change proposal.

Commissioners said they believe the plaza will be a good fit for that area.

"It makes sense with this being a major route," Chairman Chris Fillios said.

Realtor Doug Landwehr, of Bayview, wrote that he believes the proposal will be a good addition along U.S. 95.

"This project will be a nice complement to the growing Silverwood commercial corner and corridor," he wrote.

A hearing examiner and county staff also believe the commercial zoning is appropriate since the parcel is next to a commercial zone and single-family residential and farmland isn't envisioned in the busy corridor.

Eric Shanley, Lakes Highway District director, said a new access to Bunco Road will not be permitted due to the proximity of the property in relation to the U.S. 95-Bunco interchange.

Access to the property will be limited to the existing local access road adjoining the property's east boundary line, he said.

A traffic impact study may also be required to ensure safe access to the site, Shanley said. If a turn lane is required, it would be Shin's responsibility to fund the improvements.