Residents: Development not in their Best interests

COEUR d’ALENE — A proposed development at 15th Street and Best Avenue drew strong opposition from area residents during a Coeur d’Alene Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Tuesday.

“We don’t need another gas station,” said Thayer Hornby, who has called Best Hill Meadows home for 25 years. 

“I do not see how this development is going to add anything to the neighborhood,” said Mark Carlton.

“I don’t need gas pumps out my front window,” said Kim Seely.

They were three of about 15 people who stated their opposition to the project outlined by applicant Anjandeep Singh of Coeur d’Alene and Rex Anderson of Fusion Architecture.

They were seeking a zone change from Neighborhood Commercial to C-17 for a nearly 1-acre piece of vacant land on the southeast corner of the intersection.

The development calls for a small market, quick serve restaurant, electric car charging station and a gas station.

The zone change would have allowed for the gas station, but after hearing from residents, the commission determined it was incompatible with the neighborhood and voted 6-0 to recommend the City Council deny it as well.

Commissioner Sarah McCracken encouraged Singh to develop the property within the current zoning, which allows for several uses, including retail, commercial and professional offices and residential.

Gas stations are prohibited in Neighborhood Commercial zones.

“It will fit better with the neighborhood as it’s currently zoned,” she said.

Singh said the project was based on what is best for the community and would meet local needs. He said it would be similar to his development at Seltice Way and Atlas Road.

He said the store would have fresh produce and products people want at a good price. 

“We’re going to do the right thing,” he said. 

But nearby Best Hill Meadows residents weren’t sold.

Most said the project was unnecessary and unwanted. They cited worries about increased traffic, bright lights at night, more large fuel trucks coming and going, and strangers driving into Best Hill Meadows, which lies just east.

They noted that a Nom Nom store with fuel pumps was kitty-corner to the project and other convenience stores were a short drive west on Best Avenue.

“I don’t see a community need being met,” said Cathy Moehling.

Steve Listman's home backs up to the proposed development and he said if the project was allowed his quality of life would go downhill.

“I don’t care how much fresh produce you have,” he said.

Singh, in response, said he wanted to work with residents.

“There’s going to be a market there no matter what," he said.

He said selling fuel allows him to pay his staff in the $18 to $22 an hour range

“We have better employees,” Singh said.

He said he didn’t believe anyone would do a more responsible job developing the property than he would.

"We’ll be fair and competitive,” he said.

Commissioner Jon Ingalls cautioned people that development would be coming to the property and they should be prepared for changes.

"Thinking it’s going to be a vacant lot forever isn’t realistic," he said.

However, Ingalls said he agreed it should be something “a little less objectionable.”

Commissioner Lynn Fleming said she respected Singh and his plans, but “This is not the right thing in the right place.”

It will go to the City Council for consideration, likely in February.