Post Falls OK's housing plan

To potentially create a small chunk of affordable housing, Post Falls City Council approved a zone change for 3.5 acres Tuesday night.

Currently an undeveloped, vacant property located in the southwest corner of Seltice Way and Creative Way, the parcel would sit directly east of the Woodbridge subdivision.

The medium-density (R2) designation accounts for 2.5% of properties in Post Falls, said Laura Jones, associate planner for the city of Post Falls. However, councilman Alan Wolfe pointed out that one step above R2 — high-density residential zoning — accounts for about 28%.

The two classifications are minimally different, with high density allowing six dwelling units per acre, while medium-density can accommodate single-family developments. Jeramie Tersulli, who spoke on behalf of the applicant Olson Engineering, said the potential units' purpose was to provide more accessible, entry-level housing in the community.

The council supported the idea but were concerned that an investor could swoop in and charge residents more than the developers initially intended. While there's no certainty that won't occur, the council voted in favor of the proposal five to one, with councilman Wolfe dissenting.

In a unanimous decision, the council voted to have city staff revisit the budget to look for about $30,000 for three new sidewalk improvements and pedestrian safety education.

City council also unanimously approved:

• A utility drainage, parking, and access easement and grant from Meadowood Glen II to the city of Post Falls, assisting in the future community garden's parking lot layout.

• A memorandum of understanding with Kootenai County for using the Post Falls City Hall building as an evacuation center during an emergency for the County Department of Motor Vehicles satellite office and County Veterans' Services office.

• The Pradera Subdivision Construction Improvement Agreement.

• Retaining Lake City Law Group as city litigation counsel.