POST FALLS, Idaho — Tensions are rising in Post Falls over a proposed marina expansion. While a hearing officer recommended moving forward with the project on Friday, the community does not plan on backing down yet.
The proposed expansion plans add 127 new boat slips, a new ship store, and more. Supporters believe this is needed to reinvigorate the area, but opponents think it will ruin it.
Community members gathered at the Post Falls Library Saturday afternoon brainstorming how to stop the expansion.
“I was extremely disappointed because I really did expect to win. I really did,” said Sheryl Scofield.
Sheryl and Scott Scofield are part of a group leading a legal fight against the expansion. They say the hearing officer’s recommendation was discouraging but still have hope to turn things around.
“The fact that they have to now reapply for their encroachment permit shows us that they don’t own that water,” Sheryl said.
Many waterfront residents argue the river is already at max capacity and the added slots could put the community’s safety at risk.
“We’re just concerned citizens that love our river,” said Scott. “We invite a lot of friends over that don’t, but they’re afraid to take their kids out. So it’s been disheartening to have to go through this process.”
The plan does have some community support, including Post Falls Mayor Ronald Jacobson, who in a statement said “these improvements will benefit the residents of Post Falls by increasing public access to the river, which is part of what makes living in North Idaho so desirable.”
Still, the people fighting against the expansion believe the locals in North Idaho will get the least benefit from these changes.
“It’s very sad,” Sheryl said. “It makes me feel like the investors are definitely not thinking of the people of Idaho and the people who like to launch at the public sites, use the river, things like that. It’s about money.”
The final order for this case is due on February 14.
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