RATHDRUM, Idaho — The Rathdrum City Council approved the rezoning of a 127-acre property Tuesday, bringing developer Hayden Homes one step closer to building a large development despite concerns about rapid growth.
The property sits off West Boekel and North Meyer roads, southeast of the city center, in an area that has attracted residents seeking countryside living and small-town charm.
The council initially denied the rezone request in May, requiring Hayden Homes to address traffic concerns that would accompany the potentially 500-unit development. City officials now say those requirements have been met.
“They would widen Boekel and widen Meyer. They would fix and improve the intersection at Nagel and Meyer. They would also build an intersection at Nagel and Railway,” said Leon Duce, Rathdrum city administrator.
However, longtime residents worry the city’s infrastructure cannot support such rapid expansion.
“Water, power, sewage, all of that is not in place and should be before the approval, not after, it all should be done beforehand,” said Christine Denton, who has lived in Rathdrum for 14 years.
Denton and other residents fear the development will strain local resources as hundreds of new families could move into the area.
“Let’s talk about our schools and how many more students that would bring to our schools, and whether or not we have the school system to support it,” Denton said.
People in Rathdrum also said the development threatens the community atmosphere that draws people to Rathdrum.
“It’s about getting to work with our neighbors and be friends with our neighbors and enjoy their company,” Duce said. “I like to know who my customers are when I’m working. But the bigger we get, the fewer people you feel like you know.”
Residents worry about overcrowding at the city’s single grocery store and increased traffic.
“Growth isn’t a bad thing, if it’s done properly and I don’t feel like it’s been done properly,” Denton said.
The developer has not announced a timeline for construction or when the subdivision application will be submitted to the council.
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