In a recent public hearing, the Coeur d'Alene City Council reviewed a zone change request from River's Edge Apartment LLC, represented by Whipple Consulting Engineers. The proposal seeks to change the zoning from R-12 and C-17 to R-17 for a property located at 3404 West Saltice Way. The council confirmed that all necessary notifications were published, including a legal notice in the Corolline Press on August 31, 2024.

The council outlined four key findings that must be satisfied for the zone change to be approved. The first finding assesses whether the proposal aligns with the city's comprehensive plan, which emphasizes the need for affordable housing and a mix of land uses. The plan aims to support medium and below-income levels, including young families and fixed-income households. The applicant has committed to allocating 5% of the new units for workforce housing at an area median income for five years.

The second finding evaluates the adequacy of public facilities and utilities for the proposed development. City staff from various departments, including engineering, water, and fire services, confirmed that sufficient public facilities are available to support the request.

The third finding examines the physical characteristics of the site, which features a topographical slope towards the river. Site photos presented during the meeting illustrated the property’s layout and surroundings.

Finally, the fourth finding considers the potential impact on the surrounding neighborhood, particularly regarding traffic and land use. The city engineer noted that Southeast Way is classified as a principal arterial, which could influence traffic patterns in the area.

The council's discussions highlighted the importance of balancing development with community needs, particularly in terms of affordable housing and infrastructure readiness. The outcome of the zone change request will be pivotal in shaping future developments in Coeur d'Alene.