Rathdrum URD project calls for housing, retail

Rathdrum City Council will discuss a new possible venture for growth in city at tonight’s public hearing: the 40-acre Silverado Urban Renewal Project.

The project proposed by the Rathdrum Urban Renewal Agency would designate a 40-acre parcel north of Boekel Road and west of Meyer Road for development.

Urban Renewal Districts intend to improve public infrastructure and other assets by creating an opportunity for development, the plan said. Through the Silverado Project, a spread of multi-family residential homes and recreational facilities, retail stores, office buildings, gas stations, convenience stores or restaurants could move into the parcel.

Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce officials recently reported an uptick in interest from businesses looking to relocate to the area.

Boekel and Meyer Road would also be improved. The Silverado Urban Renewal Project also outlines possible additions to pedestrian facilities, intersection improvements and traffic signals.

Possible infrastructure improvements are water management and distribution systems, sewer system improvements, power and gas facilities, and stormwater management.

Part of the project would include updates to utilities in and around Rathdrum to support growth.

In the Silverado Urban Renewal District Economic Feasibility Study by the Rathdrum Urban Renewal Agency, anticipated future development will comprise 7.57 acres of multi-family residential use, 1.67 acres of gym, retail, and office space, 1.62 acres for gas stations or convenience stores, 1.02 acres for restaurants, 1 acre of professional offices, 1.01 acres for medical offices, and 5.59 acres of light-industrial space.

“The development will be phased over seven years with each phase estimated to take approximately two years to be completed,” the study said.

The hearing is scheduled 6 p.m. at City Hall.