VOTE: Was not unanimous

The Rathdrum City Council voted to change the Arestad property to a residential zone from an industrial zone allowing Hayden Homes to build nearly 500 homes. I was sorry to see that some people called the vote a unanimous one. Really? One council member was absent and another who usually votes against the proposal was still recusing himself due to a technicality accused by the attorney for Hayden Homes. Mayor Hill had to dig deep to find if he had a quorum to vote on the measure. The measure could have been paused.   

At the beginning of the meeting, we all stood and said the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag which ends with, “and justice for all.” There are laws in place to give due process to those who apply for land deals in our state, but there are few laws to give city council members the right to vote against a measure if the timing for such a large project does not benefit their residents. As noted previously the aquifer, the school district, traffic analysis, and water pressure all raised flags of caution. Many were encouraged to see that Hayden Homes wants to improve five intersections where the flow of traffic will be hampered by the addition of 500 homes. This may be just the beginning of the problems that a large project like this will have. 

Many Rathdrum residents are hopeful that the Rathdrum City Planner, James Agidius will take into account that healthy growth for a city is 3%. Rathdrum has grown by 8%- 9% per year over the past five years. 127 acres gives a contractor space to provide larger lots for fewer homes with sidewalks, a bike trail, free space for a park with basketball hoops, and even a gym.    

The people of Rathdrum are not resisting growth if it is done responsibly. Having 491 homes built in such close proximity to each other is not a win for the community as much as it is a win for Hayden Homes. 

DIANE WINSLOW 

Rathdrum