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GROWTH: There's an answer, you know

| July 26, 2019 1:00 AM

“Californication” of Kootenai County. This isn’t from all the Californians moving here. This is because this has already happened there, and I have seen it happen elsewhere.

Post Falls is not becoming, it has become the Orange County of Kootenai County. A sprawling mass of quickly built homes, increased crime, traffic and an overall unsightly mess. Rathdrum is following Post Falls lead and true to “Orange County” form, it will soon be a huge sprawling mass of ugly homes.

Overnight growth puts a strain on existing infrastructures; roads, schools and emergency services. Locals are being penalized by this catastrophic growth with tripled taxes and utilities. Graduates cannot afford rent or a first home since the housing prices have skyrocketed.

Highway 41 and I-90 are solid cars. People speeding, totally ignoring posted speed limits and disrespecting neighbors. Farmland is disappearing, Fragmentation of wildlife habitats and migration trails is causing wildlife loss and movement to other areas. More houses, more pressure on the environment.

People who live in housing developments do not identify with their cities, people are already saying “I live in ‘The Meadows,’ instead of I live in Coeur d’Alene. It breaks apart the community. Community beyond their HOA isn’t important. Many HOAs also prohibit or limit kids playing outdoors. This increases childhood obesity and juvenile crimes.

Attend city and county meetings! Save Kootenai County!

AL WALLACE

Rathdrum