COEUR d’ALENE — Kootenai County commissioners nixed a proposed residential care facility for at-risk youth in the Wolf Lodge area.

Commissioners voted unanimously this week to reject the proposal for Living Water Youth Ranch brought forward by Jennifer Scott.

Leslie Duncan pointed to concerns about the project raised by the hearing examiner and the public.

“As much as I think the project would be a good one, there’s too many things that have not been adequately addressed,” Duncan said. “I look at conditional use permits as the people weigh in and that weight means something.”

Scott said the proposed facility would accommodate up to 24 “low risk” minors between the ages of 13 and 17 who do not have a history of violent crimes, sexual offenses or severe mental illness.

Living Water Youth Ranch’s website indicates that staff would treat teens who are experiencing issues that include depression, suicidal ideation, defiance, disrespect, illiteracy, running away, promiscuity, pornography use and more in a “safe, structured, Christ-centered” residential environment.

The site for the proposed facility is a 73-acre parcel located north of Interstate 90, between Wolf Lodge Bay and Fourth of July Pass. The facility would utilize about 52 acres.

Hearing examiner Joan Woodard heard the proposal in March and later recommended that commissioners deny the request.

Woodard indicated the proposal is not compatible with existing homes, businesses and neighborhoods and does not adequately mitigate possible negative environmental, social and economic impacts.

County staff questioned whether a residential care facility is compatible with the area, which is surrounded by large parcels of land used mostly for residential, agricultural and recreational purposes.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office raised concerns about the remote location, where emergency services are not readily available. Response times could be delayed.

Between two public hearings, community members submitted approximately 680 comments about the proposed youth ranch, around 440 of which opposed it. Many of those in opposition cited concerns about increases in vehicle traffic, impact to the groundwater supply and security.

Residents of the facility would be free to leave the site. County staff said it’s unclear how Living Water Youth Ranch would address concerns raised by neighbors about the possibility of runaways or other security issues.

About 125 people submitted comments in support of the proposal. The remaining comments were neutral.

Many community members who supported the proposal cited the dearth of mental health support options for youth in the area. Among them was Patrick McArther, an associate chaplain with Juvenile Justice Outreach, a nonprofit based in Post Falls.

“I’ve seen the desperation and hopelessness of both youth and parents seeking help in areas of mental health and addictions,” he said.

The applicant may request reconsideration of the board’s decision.