Commercial services coming to Hawk's Nest

Two plots of land just south of the Hawk’s Nest subdivision could soon pave the way for commercial opportunities on the western outskirts of Coeur d’Alene.

During Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, representatives of Tri-State Consulting Engineers, on behalf of applicant John Hern, requested the City of Coeur d’Alene annex two Kootenai County parcels just south of Hanley and due west of Atlas Road. The plots, totalling 11.73 acres, will be developed for commerical use, opening the door for retail services like mini-storage, a service station and other businesses.

Chris Clark of Tri-State testified the annexation would benefit the City and the public at the same time.

“We see this as an opportunity to bring this piece of in-fill into the city,” Clark said. “All the [utility] services are there. It’s more than ripe to become a part of the City of Coeur d’Alene. And at the same time, it can become a benefit to these neighborhoods…[It’s] an awesome piece of property, a great development and a benefit to the adjacent neighborhood.”

The two parcels, located along the 6200 block along North Atlas, will be zoned C-17, allowing for mixed-use commercial development. While no plans are finalized, Clark said he believes at least a gas station will be included in the properties’ future.

“I can confidently say,” Clark said after the meeting, “a gas station will be part of the project.”

Council members expressed support for the proposal, including a reminiscent Woody McEvers.

“This used to be my favorite place many, many years ago,” McEvers said. “This was out in the country ... The first recycler I ever saw was out there. They did some of the coolest things, the stinkiest things. You could always tell you were in the industrial park, and it’s nice you seem to be salvaging it.”

“I’m pleased you’re bringing commercial to the area,” Council member Dan Gookin said, “because right now, there isn’t any.”

Clark said bringing commercial property to the area will allow residents a quicker commute to goods and services.

“When you’re surrounded by residential on that many sides, and with the expansion we’re looking at and how much that corridor is going to grow, if we can bring some services and some small businesses, maybe a market or something like that ... those people aren’t going to have to make those extra trips and those extra travels. They’re going to stop right there on their way home. It’s a win-win for everybody.”

The vote to approve the proposal passed unanimously, 6-0. Clark said his hope is to break ground as early as next month.