Some citizens oppose Post Falls subdivision

POST FALLS — The City Council unanimously approved a controversial subdivision Tuesday night despite heated opposition from residents concerned about traffic and population growth.

At issue was the North Place East Subdivision, which could house up to 1,400 people over the next 20 years. The council upheld an Aug. 13 Planning and Zoning Commission decision to allow multifamily housing on parcel seven near Penrose Avenue and Idaho Road.

"We put you there to be our voice," resident Holly Hatcher told the council, saying she felt "betrayed and angry" at city officials. She argued the area's resources are already strained, stating that "we are feeling the impact every day."

Legal Services Director Field Herrington explained that restricting multifamily development would violate the city's 2021 agreement with the developers, the Schneidmiller Brothers. That agreement already limits multifamily structures to two stories.

Seven residents spoke at the hearing, with nine more submitting written comments. Traffic concerns dominated the discussion.

City engineer Rob Palus assured residents that even with new development, Syringa Street would see approximately 3,000 vehicle trips per day, well below the street's 4,000-trip threshold to avoid major wear and tear.

Resident Julie Hensley challenged those figures and called for a traffic study. She cited dangerous driving patterns near a railroad crossing. 

"Someone is going to get killed," she said.

Some residents questioned why the hearing was scheduled on election night. Mayor Ron Jacobson dismissed allegations of ulterior motives. 

"Folks, we have city council meetings scheduled for every election night and we schedule just based on what's coming down the pipe. We have business to do and even if it's election night, we'll do the business," he said.

City Councilors Samantha Steigleder, Joe Malloy, Nathan Ziegler and Randy Westlund voted to approve the subdivision, citing strict approval criteria. Councilor Josh Walker had briefly joined by video to ensure a quorum following Kenny Shove's resignation last week, but logged off before the public hearing after a quorum was attained without him.

    Developer Kevin Schneidmiller spoke about the North Place East Subdivision after residents in the area triggered an appeal to Post Falls City Council.
  

    The North Place East subdivision plan from the Post Falls Planning and Zoning Commission staff report.