Following more than five hours of presentations, public comments and deliberation regarding elements of a project that would turn a large section of western Coeur d’Alene into a major subdivision, city officials passed the Coeur Terre 2 subdivision Monday evening.

The vote passed 5-1, with council member Christie Wood voting against and Mayor Dan Gookin abstaining.

“Traffic mitigation is a concern,” Wood said. “And I think we need to address it.”

The subdivision, aiming to establish up to 506 new residences between Buckskin and Huetter roads and north of Interstate 90, prompted an appeal from a neighboring resident after the city’s planning and zoning commission approved it in July.

Main concerns that prompted the appeal from neighboring resident Madelyn Knutson, as well as many other neighbors opposing certain aspects of the project, reflect on whether traffic impacts were adequately considered by the developer, Kootenai County Land Company. 

“There are several flawed assumptions,” she said.

According to a traffic impact analysis done by the developer, Coeur Terre 2 subdivision is expected to draw 4,896 vehicle trips a day. That’s 560 vehicles during the morning peak hour and 445 vehicles for the afternoon peak hour.

The line for the public comment sign-up sheet stretched toward the entrance before Monday’s meeting, and a good chunk of those residents questioned whether this data considered things like accessory dwelling units creating more traffic issues than anticipated.

“Smoke and mirrors for details that should’ve been taken into account,” said project neighbor Brian Rogers.

Knutson called for the project to include revised internal road connections and traffic models while requiring safe phasing and protecting taxpayer liability.

Multiple people, however, spoke in favor of the Coeur Terre 2, which also aims to create 26 single-family affordable housing units among its proposed inventory.

Shannon Tate of Post Falls, speaking in favor of the project, said the stability of creating housing opportunities for folks “shows up directly in children’s lives.”

“They’re the people who keep this community running,” she said. “So, I'm in favor of (the project) because of the affordable housing.”

Coeur d’Alene City Officials ultimately decided that protocol was followed by the planning and zoning commission when they originally approved the project unanimously back in July.

The City Council found the following for the project: 

• All general plat requirements have been met

• Provisions for infrastructure are adequate

• Complies with subdivision improvement and design standards

• The lots proposed in the plat meet the requirements of applicable zoning districts.

Monday’s approval, however, also comes with 32 project conditions. The city also plans to discuss the possibility of making some streets within the project scope one-way traffic while potentially leaving open access points.

The project originally began with up to seven access points until city review led to Kootenai County Land Company reducing access points to two.

With the addition of Coeur Terre One, there are currently 1,101 total units expected for construction.

“We are going to do the best we can to preserve the character of that neighborhood, given the development,” Gookin said. “I don't think you guys can say the city hates us, the city’s given up on us.”

    People wait in line to sign up for public comment during a special hearing on Monday.