COEUR d'ALENE - Mort Construction, of Coeur d'Alene, is requesting a zone change for 34 acres south of Silverwood Theme Park for a subdivision development with more than 80 lots for single-family homes.

The zone change from rural to restricted residential has sparked significant opposition, with more than 430 comments submitted to Kootenai County - almost all of them opposing the project.

The Kootenai County commissioners are scheduled to conduct a public hearing starting at 6 p.m., March 12, regarding the zone-change request. So much public interest is anticipated that the hearing is scheduled to be in Boswell Hall at North Idaho College in the Schuler Performing Arts Center.

A county hearing examiner has already recommended approval to the commissioners.

The 34 acres, owned by Spokane-based Silver Hills Land and Cattle Co., is on the east side of U.S. 95 and approximately two miles north of Chilco Road. It is adjacent to Pine Tree Ranch subdivision and next to the Corbin Hill Estates subdivision.

"It is the project proponents' belief that there is a growing demand for affordable housing for employees of the Silverwood Theme Park, the Chilco Mill and other industry in the region," according to a narrative submitted to the county by the applicant. "The rezone request will allow for the development of a neighborhood similar in nature to the adjacent lots and similar to what was originally platted and planned for this area."

If the county commissioners approve the zone change, they would then deliberate on the subdivision and a conditional use permit request for a related wastewater treatment plant.

Deliberations on the subdivision and conditional use permit for the wastewater treatment plant are tentatively scheduled for March 19. Public hearings aren't required for those components of the total project.

One opponent of the project, Michael Cord, said Wednesday he and others believe the density of the proposed residential development is too great.

"I'm about to have 12 new homes right in my backyard," Cord said. He said the area has a lot of 5-acre lots, or larger, in their area.

The proposed subdivision would strain infrastructure serving current rural residents of the area and burden the schools, he added.

Existing homeowners in the area, he said, are also concerned about their property values being reduced if the development goes forward.

The wastewater treatment facility would serve the new subdivision. North Kootenai Water and Sewer District has agreed to assume ownership, operation and maintenance of the proposed facility.

The project site for the plant is south of Brunner Road between East Diagonal Road and U.S. 95.

"The North Kootenai Water and Sewer District is in favor of (the) applicant's request," Mike Galante, the sewer district's manager, wrote in an email to the county.