Apartment project is not the housing solution we need

I attended Sandpoint Planning and Zoning Commissioners’ Meeting in late May. The proposed 45-foot-tall buildings of 88 studios (275 square feet) and one-bedroom apartments (360 square feet) with retail space on the ground floor and three parking spaces and no elevators was presented by OZ Development for the public to hear and comment on. The speakers: two in support, two or three neutral and the rest (15-plus) were opposed to these mega (for Sandpoint) and boring buildings at 413 and 417 Church St. Apparently, these are being offered as low/reasonable cost apartments for locals, not subsidized housing. The rental cost will be under $1,500 per month. Yes, you read that right!

First, I am not opposed to reasonable development for housing. I do have concerns with keeping the character of our cherished downtown Sandpoint. It is primarily a low-rise business district with residential housing surrounding the six square block business core on three sides and stretching out to city limits. Kind of right for a town of 10,000. 

Besides the high cost of rent (consider someone making $15/hour — monthly income would be $2400 before taxes so half their income goes to rent? Not a good model) and no parking provided (as Americans, we own cars), who will live in a tiny apartment with one or two windows pretty much looking at your neighbor’s apartment? And moving your bed and couch up three floors with no elevator? Pity the workers who install the refrigerators/stoves. It doesn’t look like any washers/dryers are in the apartments. FYI: the average size of a hotel room in the U.S. is 300-400 square feet.

And then there are three older and beautiful maples on the street. I certainly hope those will stay. Also, a few other trees on the property that appear healthy … what happens to them? We need our trees!

I just do not understand the shortsightedness of accepting this application. Maybe the city is obligated by laws to accept any proposal that checks all the boxes. 

A last concern: If what I heard correctly at the meeting, in ten years these buildings can become condos which can lead to more short-term rentals … just what we need and love!

I hope there is a way to reject this proposal. 

Biggest concerns: expensive rent, no parking for residents, preserving the trees, selling off in ten years …

Sandpoint city employees: Beware of business people with perfectly coiffed hair, wearing the latest designer clothes and rocking a Rolex on their wrist (like the gentleman present the other night who didn’t speak. A question for OZ: who is behind that curtain? Who are your investors? From their website: “For our investors our developments offer significant tax advantages, including the potential for tax-free, long-term gains…” (oz-dev.com). Do look at their website at the projects they have completed. They are in Salt Lake City and Mesa, Ariz.

There is no care or concern for our little town. Ella Mae and L.D. are turning in their graves!

ANN GIANTVALLEY

Sandpoint