Hayden Meadows hearing tonight

HAYDEN — The final verdict on a subdivision that would replace the Hayden Meadows Soccer Complex is anticipated tonight by the City Council.

The Hayden Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended the Hayden Meadows Estates project on June 21. If approved by the Council, the project plans to construct 53 single-family residential lots on 16 acres.

Of the 10 individuals who participated in public comment, eight opposed the subdivision, and two were neutral — however, they expressed similar concerns to those against the project's density and traffic.

Located south of Hayden Meadows Elementary School, east of Maple Street, and west of Finucane Drive, the subdivision could impact Honeysuckle Avenue and Government Way traffic, citizens said.

Andy Dux, a neutral speaker who lives on Finucane Drive, said he's worried not only about the two nearby roadways, but the impact traffic would have on his street — which already has its share of issues.

"I've noticed a lot more traffic on our street over time. Finucane is increasingly being used as a travel corridor for folks who don't live in our neighborhood,” Dux said. “I've had two incidents of property damage on my property of drivers who have gone off the road."

Project 212 in the Hayden 2040 Transportation Strategic Master Plan, adopted in January, lists improvements on Maple Street from Honeysuckle Avenue to Hayden Avenue in need of an upgrade by 2030. According to the plan, completion of project 212 includes the widening of lanes, striping and curbing, with gutter and sidewalk amenities.

Multiple comments from the public addressed the importance of the Hayden Meadows Soccer Complex that local youth sports teams have used for decades. Those fields were sold by the previous landowners, the Coeur d'Alene School District, last October to aid other district finances.

Michael Draeger, another Finucane Drive resident, lamented the loss of the complex.

"It's not just a soccer field. It's used for a lot of things. It's used for Junior Tackle, flag football, softball, basketball, rugby, local tournaments, regional tournaments. It's not just a soccer field. It's a great thing to have in your city," Draeger said. "This isn't complicated. This is a place for kids to play.”

No improvements to road frontage are expected if the council approves the project. Instead, the project developers — Kulka Land LLC and McArthur Engineering — opted to install an 18-foot sewer line that aligns with the needs presented in the 2020 Collection System Master Plan Update.

Community and Economic Development Director Melissa Cleveland said the sewer improvements will relieve a significant burden for the city of Hayden.

"I know there are issues with traffic, losing green space, and all that. It comes up in every decision that we make," Planning and Zoning Commissioner Corey Anderson said at the June hearing. "I think there are improvements that will be made down the road, but that's a decision that we get put in front of us every single time there is a development."

It is the sole purview of the Hayden City Council to approve or deny the subdivision. The Hayden City Council meeting starts at 5 p.m.