High-density housing shouldn't be allowed

We are writing this to call to the attention of all a very important meeting of the City Planning Commission on July 1, 5:30 p.m., at the city council chambers. Before the commission will be the proposal to change the zoning on a 33.89-acre parcel located in the rural setting along the BNSF railroad just north of Woodland where it joins Great Northern Road.

The developer intends to request approximately 3.79 acres of the frontage along Woodland to be “light industrial” with 30.10 acres behind it to be approximately 50 residences. Also, the developer wants to allow construction of 60 units of “workforce” housing and 50 units of senior housing on 10.62 acres. This would add up to 160 residential units. Conservatively estimating only two persons per housing unit would mean 320 people would live there. To that amount of traffic on Great Northern, add the business traffic associated with the industrial area.

It is time for the city of Sandpoint to stop allowing such high-density housing. One development after another, both residential and commercial has been given the go-ahead along Great Northern with the developers not responsible for the damage to and upkeep of the roads. Great Northern must be rebuilt instead of a temporary reground asphalt topping put on every few years. And, how can the city allow such development to stretch already problematic sewer and water systems?

Please attend the meeting and express your opinions.

BERNIE and JUDY PEDERSON

Sandpoint