HAYDEN, Idaho – A new housing development project is stirring concerns among residents in Hayden as the proposal heads to the city council for approval. Viking Homes plans to transform empty land into 176 single-family homes.
The project is part of a series of developments in the area, which some locals believe are changing the character of North Idaho.
The Hayden Planning and Zoning Committee has already reviewed the project and recommended its approval to the city council. Unless there is a conflicting problem with local laws, a recommendation typically precedes an approval, because the city council is not allowed to deny a zone change without a legal reason to do so.
Hutson, who has lived in the area for 12 years, shared his concerns about the impact of these developments on local infrastructure. “The agricultural land that used to be prominent in this area is being bought up and turned into housing developments and I think that’s unfortunate,” he said. He also mentioned that roads, once considered backways, are now experiencing increased traffic, leading to infrastructure challenges.
The proposal will be in front of the Hayden City Council for approval soon. Hutson fears that the necessary infrastructure upgrades will come at a cost to current residents. “The costs are gonna be rather ridiculous too, but, y’know raising taxes, raising the cost of life, I think that’s unfortunate,” he stated.
As the city council prepares to deliberate on the proposal, the voices of residents like Hutson have already been heard by the planning and zoning commission. The last development meeting in Hayden for a similar project lasted over five hours and was approved by a narrow margin.
Note: A previous version of this story we broadcast said there were also 144 new apartment units. The apartment complex already exists and the permit separates the complex’s lot to create the new homes.
