RATHDRUM — In January 2011, 50 acres on the northeastern corner of Highway 53 and Meyer Road were annexed into the city with the intent that the land would be subdivided, according to the annexation agreement.

A public hearing at 6 p.m. Jan. 15 before the Rathdrum Planning and Zoning Commission will help determine if a large new neighborhood will grow there.

Viking Construction has proposed a major subdivision to be known as Westwood Pines Addition, subdivided into 113 lots: 110 residential lots, one well lot, one commercial lot, and one multi-family zoned lot are planned for the 50-acre property.

“When people come in for the public hearing they will be able to testify to whether or not Viking Construction has met the city standards and ordinances in their proposal,” said Leon Duce, Rathdrum’s City Administrator.

He encourages the public to remember that the hearing is not an issue of whether or not Rathdrum needs another subdivision, as that was decided in the annexation process.

Viking Construction will need to demonstrate that the 110 residential lots meet medium density, single-family zoning requirements by being at least 7,500 square feet per lot.

The company plans to build a pressurized lift station to connect the subdivision to the city sewer system. The proposed well site and lift station will be donated to the city upon subdivision completion, according to Duce.

The Idaho Transportation Department has requested a traffic analysis be completed prior to the hearing, explaining the subdivision’s impact on Highway 53 traffic.

“If the Planning and Zoning Commission sees that [Viking] has met those standards they will make a recommendation to the city council,” Duce said. “Viking is an experienced builder and developer. I don’t anticipate them having to go back and redo the proposal.”

Scott Krajack, Viking Construction’s land development director, said the company is fully prepared for the public hearing and has met the city ordinances.

“People love Rathdrum and they want to live there,” Krajack said. “We are trying to build houses for them.”

Citizens’ written comments must be received at the Rathdrum Public Works office no later than 5 p.m. on Jan. 8. Members of the public may provide oral or written testimony at the public hearing concerning the proposal.

A copy of the proposal is available for inspection at the Public Works office at Rathdrum City Hall, 8047 W. Main St.