RATHDRUM: No more developments

In June the Rathdrum City Council voted to change the zone for the Aristad property from an industrial zone to a mixed residential zone. Hayden Homes now has the go ahead to build 491 homes on the property behind Quail Ridge Street and Myer Road. What is the benefit of building this many houses in Rathdrum? With Hayden Homes being built up and down Myer Road, it is no wonder that Rathdrum could change its name to “Rathdrum by Hayden Homes.”

The good news is that on July 9, the Rathdrum City Council voted to deny an annexation of 30 acres to build more houses. Meanwhile, the hundreds of children that these developments bring only add to our infrastructure problems without schools ready to accommodate such growth. Who is responsible to be sure another elementary school will be built in the near future? 

Wednesday, Aug. 20 the Planning and Zoning Commission had a public hearing on a new proposed rezone to add high density condominiums on Ohio Street. The public needs to be aware of future proposals and understand the process that the city uses to limit property size and the process to limit the city council from voting on annexations. On Aug. 27 the Ohio Street rezone may be voted on by the Rathdrum City Council. 

Since last December the Rathdrum City Council has been hearing public opinions regarding all the homes being built. A healthy, sustainable population growth is 3%, not 9-10% that our city planners have encouraged. It is no wonder that some of the residents of Rathdrum are pursuing a recall of one of the current Rathdrum City Council members who has continually voted in favor of large scale, high density housing despite his constituencies being against these latest proposals. To date over 450 people have signed the petition to recall him, and they have expressed concern about his voting record. Water pressure is already a concern along Lancaster Road, schools are not prepared, and the traffic problems still loom in the future in spite of a plan widening the roads at Boekel and Myer Road. The deadline for the notarized petitions is Sept. 24. Pass or fail, the petition is a signal that our residents are not happy with the immense growth of Rathdrum when our infrastructure does not support such projects. 

DIANE WINSLOW 

Rathdrum