City releases comp plan survey results

BONNERS FERRY — Community residents got to have their input recently on the city’s comprehensive plan and what Bonners Ferry will do in the future.

The input was gathered as part of a survey by the city.

The survey addressed questions of growth, infrastructure, future developments and how the city should address these topics.

A total of 129 Bonners Ferry residents and 300 individuals from outside the city filled out the survey. City officials said out-of-city responses include residents both in and outside the county. Of the out-of-city survey takers, 95% reside outside the city limits, but within Boundary County.

Of the in-city survey takers, 83% own their home, while only 21% of out-of-city survey takers own their home. 7% of city survey takers rent a home while 3% of out-of-city survey takers rent a home.

When it comes to providing more housing affordability and supply within the city, the updated plan may recommend the allowance of smaller-scale, medium density housing options to fit within the scale and character of existing residential neighborhoods.

The proposed policy direction may include small single family homes with ADUs, apartment buildings with four to six units, assisted-living facilities and or senior housing development cottage style developments, townhome and live/work units.

Of those living in the city limits, 24% strongly agreed with this proposed policy direction, 29% agreed, 17% were neutral, 12% disagreed and 19% strongly disagreed.

Of those living out of the city, 20% strongly agreed, 31% agreed, 24% were neutral, and 13% disagreed and strongly disagreed. Those commenting were in agreement that there needs to be more housing, but many suggested that an increase in homes and any increase in destiny would bring in more crime and drugs. Other residents encouraged no growth, claiming there are not enough jobs to employ additional people to the city.

Another wrote that more development will only increase overpopulation and encourage out-of-state retirees to buy available housing leaving longtime younger residents no choice but to move away.

Many wrote they are concerned that the city would turn into “another version of Sandpoint” and that more housing would draw more newcomers with “Los Angeles-style politics” instead of housing locals. Many questioned if the infrastructure and utilities could handle more housing.

Many were concerned of losing the small-town farm community feel and commented that many yards near Valley View Elementary were already too small.

Another question asked residents how important is it that the city protect the character of older, historic residential neighborhoods from new development or redevelopment?

Of those responding, 50% said it is very important and 56% of out-of-city survey takers agreed.

When asked how important is it that the city should work with landowners, various funding partners and stakeholders to create scenic and recreational amenities along the Kootenai River, 36% of city residents strongly agreed and 30% agreed.

About 32% of out-of-city residents strongly agreed, 35% agreed, 19% were neutral, 7% disagreed and 8% strongly disagreed.

When it came to prioritizing recreational facilities most needed by the city, both prioritized shoreline access or river walks, walking and/or biking trails, indoor recreational facilities and playgrounds.

Non-city residents found indoor recreational facilities a priority over trails.

When asked if the city should continue to work on or require better connections within neighborhoods, so residents do not need to access the highway to travel short distances, 20% of city residents strongly agreed and 34% agreed. For out-of-city, 17% strongly agreed and 34% agreed. Non-city residents — 78% were neutral and in the city 22% were neutral.

When it came to providing safe and convenient routes for non-drivers, including seniors and children being a top transportation priority within the city, 18% strongly agreed with 42% agreeing. For out-of-city survey takers 16% strongly agreed and 41% agreed.

When it came to improvements being made on the highway a majority of survey takers voted that the top priority is shorter wait lines for turning left onto or off the highway. Second in both surveys for priority was safer crossings and third was more landscaping.

When it came to safely and comfortable walking or biking, 75.8% of in city survey takers said they could safely walk or bike to downtown. 47.2% out-of-city survey takers agreed. Biking or walking to other city locations such as city pool, school, south hill commercial areas were 30% and under by out of city residence.

45.8% of out of city residents said they could not safely walk or bike to any of the listed locations.

When asked if the city and its downtown partners should work together to better promote arts, entertainment and community events in the historical downtown, 29% of city survey takers strongly agreed and 38% agreed.

Of the out-of-city survey takers 27% strongly agreed, 44% agreed, 20% were neutral, 5% disagreed and 4% strongly disagreed.

66.1% of in-city survey takers said they would visit downtown more if more private investment was made into existing buildings, 46.6% said they would visit more if there were better places to walk along the river.

61.5% of out-of-city survey takers said they would visit downtown more if more private investment was made into existing buildings, 50.2% said they’d visit more if there were more local events that they knew about.

23% of city survey takers strongly agreed the city should support small local businesses that have emerged in areas that have been typically exclusive to residential along the highway, while ensuring any uses allowed are not detrimental to existing neighborhoods. 52% agreed.

Of out-of-city survey takers 19% strongly agreed and 57% agreed that the city should support small local businesses that have emerged in areas that have been typically exclusive to residential along the highway, while ensuring any uses allowed are not detrimental to existing neighborhoods.

When it came to the city, schools, employers, appropriate agencies and the county working together to help facilitate or provide more workforce training opportunities, 29% of city survey takers strongly agreed and 39% agreed.

Of the non-city residents, 26% strongly agreed and 45% agreed.

When it came to downtown revitalization, overwhelmingly the response was to reopen the Rex Theater and fill empty storefronts with retail shops.