Decision pending on Namaste Estates proposal
SANDPOINT - A small-scale planned unit development in Cocolalla dubbed Namaste Estates isn't winning any respect from neighboring landowners.
Nearly a dozen adjacent property owners turned out Wednesday to lay into the 10-unit housing development proposed off of Fish Creek Road. The project's name refers to a common greeting in the Indian subcontinent typically meant to convey respect.
Taken literally, the Sanskrit-derived salutation of namasté means "I bow to you."
But to neighbors, Namaste Estates translates into a threat to water well production, their rural ambiance and fire safety.
"This type of suburban development belongs in a suburban area," said neighbor Don Clark, who urged Bonner County commissioners to reject the housing proposal.
Commissioners Todd Crossett and Lewis Rich had to call a premature end to the hearing because of a scheduling conflict. The board is scheduled to resume consideration of the project on Dec. 3.
Earlier this fall, the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended on a split vote that county commissioners approve the project. The development also conforms with the county's land use code, according to Bonner County Senior Planner Dan Carlson.
The discord is punctuated by dueling hydrogeology reports concerning the availability of groundwater. A report commissioned by developers Mark Rockwell and Kelli Sexton holds that there are sufficient groundwater supplies and there should be "little or no" impact to neighboring wells. A competing report obtained by the Fish Creek Citizens Alliance maintains there is not enough water to supply the development.
Opponents pointed out well production in the area is already meager.
"We live with that limitation every single day," said Gisele Knowles, who called the favorable report "ambiguous" and "optimistic."
Emergency access was also debated during the hearing. The development has only one way in or out and residents would have to negotiate a steep road grade - design elements which are currently threatening another housing project being proposed within the Sagle Fire District.
The fire district is currently objecting such a transportation system at the Ledges Over Pend Oreille project at Morton Slough. However, Namaste Estate's access road would not be as steep, has no switchbacks and is not nearly long as the road proposed for the Ledges project, Sagle Chief Rob Goodyear said prior to the hearing.
Goodyear stated Sagle Fire is willing to accept the 14-percent road grade at Namaste Estates as long as the homes are equipped with indoor sprinkler systems. But the project's a wildland interface fire-hazard rating is scored remains high because the district's nearest station is inactive and the closest water source for fire fighting is Lake Cocolalla, Goodyear testified during the hearing.
Project designer Marty Taylor held up the proposal as a model of progressive development which has three times the required open space, off-site road improvements and clustered housing to guard against sprawl.
"This is the type of project we've been touting for the last couple years," said Taylor.