GROWTH: Tap the brakes

Slow development down. City staff seems to show a misplaced interest in getting new dwelling units added as though there is an obligation to have housing available for everyone that wishes to live here. The city’s obligation is FIRST to those here now.

Tiny lots, tiny houses, dense development…let’s ask what those here now want while recognizing that property rights do matter.

Post Falls has the smallest “R-1” lot size of any area around at just 6,500 square feet, yet it is often made less by developers taking advantage of a loophole called PUD where lot sizes can be shrunk to 2,900 square feet in return for what is called “additional open space,” yet the open space is not public and the land around each home has been reduced. Somehow that doesn’t count as open space?

Commercial zones imply business development yet dense apartments are allowed if desired. No single family home should have to have their sun and light blocked by tall apartments.

HOWARD BURNS

Post Falls