Coeur d'Alene council approves University District for NIC

COEUR d’ALENE — The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a new zoning district for land located in and near the North Idaho College campus. 

The move pleased NIC instructor Kathleen Miller Green. She said the designated University District will provide students with security in knowing the college will be there for years to come.  

The college is thriving, with some of the top programs in the state, Miller Green said. 

“We need to look at that with pride,” she said. 

The public hearing on the proposal lasted about an hour. About 10 people spoke in favor of the new zoning district and of a need to safeguard NIC from development.  

“We need to protect the college, just like we need to protect all things important to Coeur d’Alene,” said Geoff Harvey. “This step will do it."

“Please, please make NIC a university district,” said Dave Hoskins. 

According to a staff report, “The proposed ordinance is in support of the mission of North Idaho College and the partner institutions and provides further guidance and clarity to the allowed uses.” 

The draft ordinance also said, “The district is established to support and enhance the educational environment of public institutions of higher education in the City of Coeur d’Alene and to allow flexible, creative development for public educational purposes.” 

In January, the City Council tasked staff with investigating the need to update the comprehensive plan to allow the city to rezone NIC’s campus.

Planning and zoning commissioners said in August that the proposal is compatible with the city’s comprehensive plan and noted that university districts exist throughout the country and elsewhere in Idaho. 

Under the new zoning district, industrial and commercial activities “not directly associated with educational functions” are prohibited, as well as residential developments not intended for student or faculty housing.   

Teresa Borrenpohl of Post Falls said NIC provides training for teachers, nurses, mechanics and more. She called it an amazing resource that was close to home. 

“It's truly visionary what you have the opportunity to do tonight,” she said. 

Christa Hazel, speaking on behalf of Save NIC, said current trustees couldn’t be counted on to protect the college. 

“You're the last line of defense right now,” she said. 

Councilman Dan Gookin asked if the city had the authority to rezone property even though it was not requested by NIC, and also asked if they were changing the use of the property or taking property via eminent domain. 

“Are we restricting anything they can do as a higher education through our actions tonight?” he asked Hilary Patterson, community planning director. 

She said they were not, but only adding restrictions that it can only be used for higher education “and not be sold off for development and a loss to community.” 

Councilwoman Christie Wood said it was a long process to reach this point, and a goal was to focus on student opportunity and achievement. 

“We don’t want to hinder our higher education partners,” she said. 

Councilman Dan English said NIC's trustees can still consider public/private partnerships.

“I trust they will make good decisions,” he said.