ATHOL — If Athol decides to grow, updating the city's comprehensive plan for the first time since 1980 and having a wastewater treatment system would be good places to start.

Those were among the ideas presented by a community review team coordinated by the Idaho Rural Partnership (IRP) to about 75 residents of Athol and the surrounding areas at the Athol Community Center on Thursday night.

Athol was one of two rural cities statewide chosen this year by IRP, the state's rural development council, to have its community reviewed after the city applied for the program.

"We offer ideas based on the community's input for the future, then it's on the community to work with those ideas if it wishes," said Jon Barrett, IRP's acting executive director.

Thursday's presentation came after 283 community surveys were sent to residents within city limits (66 were returned) and another 518 (180 were returned) to those who live in the surrounding areas. It was also the compilation of a public input night on Tuesday, interviews with community groups and business owners and tours the review team performed this week.

"Some people resist change, but organized change is good," said Dave Londeree, who lives just outside city limits in Farragut Village. "The community of Athol in general is anti-growth — and that isn't bad — but you're not going to stop growth. That's why we need to control the amount."

Londeree said he realizes some growth is going to occur, but he'd like to see 5-acre lots preserved outside city limits so the area can salvage its small-town feel.

"We don't need any high-density homes," he said. "If we wanted that, we'd be living in town (the Coeur d'Alene metro area)."

Londeree said he senses the community review will lead to changes.

"It's a done deal," he said. "We just have to wait and see what will be done."

Alice Adams, who also lives just outside city limits, said she'd like to see the city remain as rural as possible. She said additions like a grocery store may add convenience and save on gas by not having to drive to Hayden, but it also may drive out small mom-and-pop shops.

She said when the U.S. 95 overpass was built and bypassed the city, multiple businesses, including a restaurant and gas station, went under.

But she believes Athol will grow regardless of residents' opinions.

"I imagine it will happen," she said. "Just look at Coeur d'Alene."

Areas that received "low satisfaction" in Athol on the citizen survey included high-speed internet, availability/quality of jobs and arts and culture opportunities. Receiving "high satisfaction" were the library, water supply and housing affordability.

The types of businesses that are desired, according to residents, include grocery stores, banks and restaurants.

In a citizen exercise Tuesday, the suggested headline that received the highest marks was, "City of Athol receives grant for downtown revitalization."

Themes for desired improvements included a railroad underpass on Highway 54 and pedestrian safety projects.

Creating an image

Jerry Miller, of the Idaho Department of Commerce and a review team member, said helping existing businesses grow was a priority based on input.

He suggested the community create a business improvement team consisting of businesses both inside and outside city limits and that a community logo and tagline be created.

The example he used for a tagline was "Athol: Gateway to adventure." The logo, for example, could include a roller coaster with the mountains in the background.

"This is a central location to access those activities," Miller said.

He said the railroad coming through town, a frustration among residents, could be turned into a positive by having a prize wheel move from business to business.

"Every time the train comes through town, someone could spin the wheel where customers win a prize," he said. "The idea is to encourage people to come to town."

A final report on the citizen input is expected to be sent to the city in mid-December.

The IRP has reviewed 40 rural communities in the state since 2000. Barrett said Athol's comprehensive plan is one of the oldest the IRP has encountered.

"Cities can update them as they deem appropriate, but conventional wisdom within community planning says it's a good idea every five to 10 years," Barrett said, adding it depends on how fast the community is changing and growing. "Athol hasn't changed much over the past 10 to 15 years so it's understandable why the comprehensive plan hasn't been a huge priority. But it does seem to me that it makes sense at some point that it's a good time to take a look at that and create a plan."

Barrett said Athol may also be the first city the IRP has reviewed that doesn't have a wastewater treatment system. The entire city is on septic systems, which is frowned upon by environmental agencies, especially above the aquifer, the region's drinking water source.

"The lack of a sewer system can put the brakes on or limit growth," Barrett said.

Barrett said there are ways communities can build a system without putting all of the burden on existing residents. The city can charge impact fees on new growth to generate revenue and apply for grants.

Mayor Bob Wachter said none of the elected officials at the city have been in office for more than three years, so the report will give them some direction as to what the citizens would like to see in the future. He said the city has been stagnant for several years and needs an identity.

A city in the news

Athol and the surrounding areas have made multiple recent headlines.

Former city clerk Sally Hansen last year pleaded guilty to embezzling $417,879 from the city.

"We learned a lot about the challenging times Athol has been through over the past few years," Barrett said. "There's a sense that the mayor and council want to turn the page and move forward in a positive way to re-earn the trust of residents rather than being stuck on that story. Athol's challenging times was one of the factors that caught our attention to review."

Developers are also eyeing the area for future projects, especially with available land and an increase in traffic on U.S. 95.

Mort Construction sought a conditional-use permit to build a regional wastewater treatment and reuse facility south of Brunner Road between Diagonal Road and Old Highway 95, but the request received opposition from residents wanting to preserve the rural lifestyle and is on hold. The firm has plans for a residential development.

Meanwhile, developer Hughes Investments hopes to annex 37 acres east of U.S. 95 near the northwest corner of Highway 54 and Howard Road into The Crossings commercial area. Alan Johnson of the development firm said he has been working with Super 1 Foods to help anchor the project.

The only cost to the city for the review was about $500 for the postage for the surveys.

Barrett said the value of the review, including team members' time and travel costs, is $40,000. He said the city can use that amount as the local match for grant funding.

"It's a demonstration of local commitment," he said.

Plummer has been chosen as a city for the IRP to review next year. Hayden also had a review in 2000 and was one of the first cities to participate.