Glut of new homes has city digging for water
Sunday, May 20, 2001 10:00 PM PDT
Shannon Filonczuk
Water is becoming a critical issue for Payette's city officials as development begins to put the strain on utility services. Three new subdivisions, and the continued development of an existing housing arena are currently on the town's radar screen, according to Payette City Coordinator John Franks. The developments are slated to surface during a three-year period, with the potential of adding 400 residents to Payette. The three new subdivisions, though, are in a holding pattern, waiting to see if a new well the city intends to drill May 28, will have enough water to serve them. The well should be online with the city's water system by the end of July, Franks said. The subdivisions pending include Sweetbriar, at Seventh Avenue North and U.S. Highway 95; Pilots Landing and the 19th Hole Estates, both located in the northeastern sector of the town, near Scotch Pines Golf Course. The Sweetbriar subdivision will have two phases, with 36 lots tabbed for residences and possibly five more set aside for businesses, Franks said. The plans for the first phase were approved during the Payette City Planning and Zoning meeting, May 17. Phase I of Sweetbriar has been tagged "The Cottages" by developers and is designed as an assisted living center consisting of three buildings with 15 beds in each building. Plans for Phase I were approved with the following stipulations added: access for safety vehicles, a sprinkler/irrigation plan, drainage plans and proper signage must all be improved, according to the planning and zoning minutes. Pilots Landing is ready to go, Franks said, as soon as a good supply of water can be obtained. Franks said he looks for the developers to begin work on the 36 lots in the subdivision within the next year. The 19th Hole Estates plans are still in the preliminary stages. Franks said 19th Hole Estates developer Floyd Strain does not want to leap ahead too far without assurances of water. If all goes according to plan, Franks said the 19th Hole Estates could offer up to 37 new lots. These housing developments are similar in design and size to the Island View housing subdivision, 17th Avenue North and North Sixth Avenue, Payette. Island View has been in development for three years. Franks said the subdivision's first two phases are complete and starting to fill up. Phase III, Franks said, probably will not get off the ground until the first two phases are completely full. Franks said Island View developer Price Newdigger has not appeared before the planning and zoning commission with plans for Phase III yet.
