Subdivision raises many questions, concerns

Recently, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a substandard, low-end, 116-unit development on Providence Road. This development will add a third of the population to Kootenai but requires not a single dollar in improvements or revenue for the city. The Providence subdivision will add 1,079 trips a day off of Providence, a dirt road, onto a major highway, Highway 200. Nothing is required of this developer: no connecting access roads or paths, no sidewalks, no lights, no open space.

It’s time to put a stop to the rubber stamping of poorly planned developments that are happening throughout Bonner County. There is no consideration of the environmental damage (i.e., ripping out our climate-helping trees), neighborhoods overbuilt, extended, or non-efficient or unsafe road access. Time to call out those who approve and/or make the rules. A major question: Why was a "will-serve" letter for water without conditions of annexing into Kootenai provided by Sandpoint in spite of its comprehensive plan? Particularly when it’s on record that the water in said area is at low flow and volume? Why was a "will serve" for sewer provided by the Kootenai Sewer District, already at capacity and in constant violation of pollution levels? Don’t blame developers; blame our commissioners. Luke Omodt serves the district where the Providence Subdivision lies. Expediting action to vote him out is crucial, as he will likely be giving the final rubber stamp. His decision will decide his fate on whether he gets re-elected next year.

SUSAN K. BEARD

Sandpoint