Dear Concerned Citizens,
I am reaching out to inform you about significant proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Maps that could deeply affect our community. These changes, currently under review by the Planning Commission, may have long-term consequences—especially given that one of the commissioners, Matt Linscott, has a vested interest in the matter due to his family’s business.
Key Proposed Changes:
1. Zoning Changes:
• The Planning Commission proposes replacing the Transitional Use zone (currently limited to 2.5 acres) with the Mixed Use zone, which has no size limitations. This change could drastically alter the landscape of our area.
• Both zones allow for heavy industrial use. Regardless of whether the Transitional Use zone is replaced by Mixed Use, we must advocate that heavy industrial activities not be allowed in the same zone as high-density residential areas.
2. Impact on the Linscott Family’s Gravel Pit:
• The Linscott family’s gravel pit, which is currently zoned as Rural 5, would be directly affected by this change. It could be reclassified as Mixed Use, allowing commercial, industrial, and potentially asphalt plants on the site.
• The change could impact all gravel pits in the area, potentially opening the door to harmful industrial activities within our community.
What This Could Mean for Our Community:
• If this change is approved, it could allow the entire 220 acres of the Linscott property to be used for industrial and commercial purposes, including an asphalt plant.
• Gravel pits should not be automatically re-zoned to Mixed Use, especially without proper consideration of the long-term effects on the environment and local quality of life.
What You Can Do to Help:
1. Oppose the Zoning Changes:
• It’s critical that we oppose the shift from Transitional Use to Mixed Use, particularly for gravel pits. This zoning change should not apply automatically to properties that were originally designated for rural or transitional use.
2. Submit Your Comments:
• Please take a moment to write a letter or email to the Planning Commission to express your concerns. The deadline for public comment is February 12th.
• Send your comments to: planning@bonnercountyid.gov
• Use the subject line: Proposed Changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Maps
How to View the Proposed Changes:
• You can view the proposed zoning maps and see how they might affect your property or nearby areas by visiting the Bonner County GIS website. Look for the “Local Land Use” layer to see the new zones being proposed.
Upcoming Workshop:
• There will be an informational workshop on February 11th at the Bonner County Admin Building from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes and ask questions. Attendance is optional but highly encouraged.
For more information and to see the maps and compare current zoning to proposed zoning go to here
Final Considerations:
• The Planning Commission has mentioned that the project will only move forward if approved by the necessary agencies, such as DEQ, IDT, and IDL. However, as we saw in 2018, these agencies may not intervene unless there is a major issue—and by then, it could be too late.
Take Action Today:
• Please make your voice heard before the February 11th deadline. Your opposition to these changes is vital in preserving the character of our community.
For further information or assistance, please feel free to reach out to me directly at 208-610-5112 or via email.
Thank you for your time and for standing up to protect our community.
Sincerely,
Jonna Plante