Believe it or not - development is still moving forward in the North Idaho area - even in this economy.

Developers want 277 acres for shopping center, housing

POST FALLS -- Someday the north side of Prairie Avenue at Highway 41 will be developed.

But there's a question of whether that activity will start this year.

The Post Falls City Council will consider a group of developers' 277-acre annexation request for multiple uses at the intersection's northwest and northeast corners on Tuesday night after a public hearing.

Multiple uses - the largest focus is a 50 acre shopping facility with a major retailer.  This location, in my opinion, is the perfect location for a grocery store and a couple of other retailers.  I happen to live fairly close to this location and would much prefer to drive in that direction than in the direction of the other 2 grocery stores (traffic is nutty in that direction).

A lively debate of whether annexing the site is necessary now is expected to continue on Tuesday.

Some believe the city should focus on "in-fill" annexations first before developing farther onto the prairie, that there is already a housing glut and it would stretch city services thin amid a tight budget.

Others argue the project will create jobs, revenue for the city to provide services and help stimulate the economy. They also believe the project is a logical fit at the intersection since 19,000 vehicles travel on Highway 41 per day and 10,000 on Prairie and it is conveniently located between Post Falls, Rathdrum and Hayden.

Count me in with "the others".

Article here.