Post Falls council OKs housing project

Despite some public opposition, the Post Falls City Council on Tuesday approved construction of 17 cottage homes on a 2.6-acre lot near the Cherry Addition neighborhood.

The property is at the end of West Montgomery Place cul-de-sac between Seltice Elementary and Mullan Trail Elementary. Along with the homes, developers plan to construct an outlet road, additional parking and recreational space.   

The landowner and developer plan to subdivide the lot, which has a house on it. Because of the area’s R1 zoning, a special-use permit was required.

The council approved the SUP without conditions after a lengthy discussion and debate around judicial powers and approval parameters. Councilman Jack Mosby declared a conflict of interest and declined to vote.

“I’ll pause to say that this is one of those votes that I hate no matter what I decide,” Councilman Marc Lucca said. “Either way I feel like I am going to be wrong.” 

Lucca was the lone no vote.

Those who spoke against the special use permit voiced concerns over increased traffic, reduced safety and negative affect on aesthetics.

Glen Douglass presented a petition containing the signatures of 21 of his Cherry Addition neighbors who opposed the project.

“Our opposition is not against growth, it’s against incompatible design,” Douglass said.

Douglass spoke against adding a new, dense subdivision to the middle of an established neighborhood. He said the approval of the SUP would go against the purpose of zoning and fail to protect homeowners from redevelopment. 

Joyce Sizemore said she was also worried about increased traffic and decreased safety in her neighborhood. 

“Adding 17 cottage homes to a cul-de-sac with only 13 homes is a massive 130% traffic surge,” said Sizemore. 

Councilwoman Samantha Steigleder said she considered traffic, the city’s comprehensive plan and more in her decision. 

“Could I be any more convincing that this decision is made, like literally, in real time?” she joked as she discussed her considerations and options.

Councilman Aaron Plew said he understood the grievances of those who opposed the SUP and the project but ultimately said he had to go by city code. 

“It’s just not going to be fun to live in the neighborhood as the residents have come to know it and experience it,” said Plew. “Unfortunately, the policy and the code, the way that it’s written, we have to abide by it.”