Rathdrum council denies Hayden Homes rezone after hourslong public hearing on schools, traffic and water

After more than three hours of public testimony and council deliberation, the Rathdrum City Council voted to decline a request by Hayden Homes to rezone roughly 24–27 acres at the southeast corner of Bokal (Bagel) and Meyer Road from industrial to MR (mixed residential). The council’s motion to deny cited concerns about traffic impacts on nearby collectors and arterials and the adequacy of mitigation timing.

The rezone application from Hayden Homes, presented by Eric Sheck, land development director, and Deborah Flagan, vice president for Hayden Homes, proposed a mixed-residential community using the MR zone’s mix of lot sizes (6,000; 7,500–8,000; and 10,000 square feet) and roughly six-to-eight years for buildout. Hayden Homes said the project would include some industrial acreage to the north, water and sewer upgrades, and a mix of housing that the company said could deliver “starter” homes in the $400,000 range and support workforce housing needs.

Supporters including Maggie Lyons of the Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance and several prospective buyers urged the council to approve the…