Clagstone Meadows wins conceptual approval
SANDPOINT — Clagstone Meadows earned conceptual approval from the Bonner County commission on Wednesday.
The approval, which cleared the board on a 2-0 vote, came after about 45 minutes of discussion among commissioners.
The conceptual approval locks in the project’s density of up 1,200 units, making it the second-most dense development in Bonner County behind Schweitzer Mountain. However, at 12,442 acres, it’s the largest development ever approved in terms of land coverage.
The project will be developed in phases, with each phase going back before the county for plat approval. The developers also have to obtain state and federal regulatory approval to secure water rights, impound water to enlarge Beaver Lake or fill wetlands.
“It’s not time for them to say ‘yes’ or ‘no,’” Commissioner Cornel Rasor said of state and federal agency approvals.
Other uses on the property, such as golf courses and a shooting range, are also subject to county approval.
The county is also drafting a development agreement that will address a wide range of issues including management of wildlife and natural resources. Planning Director Clare Marley expects that document to be roughed out early next year.
The development agreement will eventually be taken up by the Planning & Zoning Commission, although it remains unclear if will be dealt with in a public workshop-style setting or a formal public hearing.
The further deliberations will also provide a determined group of adjacent landowners with more opportunities to depose the project. Opponents question the scope of the project and its impact on water resources, rural ambiance, traffic patterns and wildlife.
Key points in the county commission’s deliberations on Wednesday involved property rights, economic development and transportation.
Rasor said the property rights of the applicant and the adjacent landowners had been adequately considered during the conceptual phase.
“They’ve all been given an ear. We’ve listened to both sides,” added Commissioner Lewis Rich.
Commissioner Joe Young said the development agreement will be instrumental in protecting the property rights of the neighbors and those of the developers.
The timing of transportation infrastructure improvements was a key area of concern for him.
“My only concern — and I raised to the applicant and I’ll raise it again — sooner (rather) than later. First phase would be more appropriate than fourth phase,” he said.
Rasor moved to approve and Rich seconded. Young did not vote.