Thank you for permitting me to express a concern that I have about a potentially hazardous highway condition that could soon be created just east of Hauser Lake at the intersection of Highway 53 and Pleasantview Road. My concern surrounds an enormous open air market that the Coeur d’Alene Group (representing Jeremy Tripp) proposed to the Hauser Planning Commission on the July 27. Apparently, the project has already been given a green light by the Idaho Department of Transportation provided that the developer puts in a turn lane.  

This, in my opinion (an opinion that was shared by many in the audience who attended the planning commission meeting on the 27th), would be woefully inadequate to handle the traffic that will occur because the developers’ plans for the open air market include spaces for 300 vendors who will bring their motor homes, campers, etc., onto the premises for a three-day stay each week. On top of the 300 RVs coming and going, 500, 750, or perhaps a 1,000 cars or more would be entering and leaving the premises every Saturday and Sunday. 

This open air market would be six to seven times larger than the Hayden Farmer’s Market that is located next to a major intersection on Highway 95 and Prairie Avenue that possesses traffic signals, turn signals, turn lanes and four thru traffic lanes in all directions. However, the proposed open air market in Hauser would be located next to an intersection involving a two-lane highway, two heavily-used Burlington Northern railroad tracks and a stop sign that controls only northbound traffic on Pleasantview Road. It seems very unreasonable to think that this increased volume of traffic coming from three directions could be safely managed by a stop sign and the addition of a single turn lane.

Potential traffic problems were not the only issues raised by local residents during the July 27 Hauser Planning Commission meeting (e.g., other problems involving the impact that so many campers and vendors would have on the aquifer, noise pollution, sanitation concerns, security and visual appeal of the site were also discussed), but, at a minimum, a serious IDOT impact study obviously needs to be conducted because the traffic risks that this open air market will create for local residents needs to be determined. Thankfully, the Hauser Planning Commission delayed their decision on the matter until Aug. 16. 

In the meantime, local residents may assist the Hauser Planning Commission to come to a reasonable decision by weighing in with their opinions about this proposed business venture by contacting those on the Hauser Planning Commission. Write to Hauser Planning Commission, city of Hauser, 11837 N Hauser Lake Road, Hauser, ID 83854, or e-mail to hausercityhall@roadrunner.com. The phone number for the Hauser City Hall is (208) 777-9315.

STEVE DUVALL

Hauser