Council has more questions about proposed halfway house.

This house that would be turned into transitional housing.

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Story Published: Nov 11, 2009 at 9:21 AM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 11, 2009 at 9:21 AM PDT

By Matt Loveless

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LEWISTON - The Lewiston city council wants more information before allowing a developer go ahead with plans for a halfway house near the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport.

New Bridges Community Church Pastor Brad Bramlet is requesting a zone change that would allow for multi-family housing at 428 Burrell Avenue. Bramlet told the council the goal is to provide transitional housing for men who need it.

In a letter to the council, Idaho Division of Aeronautics administrator John DeThomas said, among other things, the change to a high-density residential zone would create an aviation hazard.

Lewiston city councilor Dennis Ohrtman motioned, with an eventual 3-2 approval, to send the proposal back to Lewiston Planning and Zoning for further review.

Ohrtman cited discussions about both minor and major issues the city is currently having with the FAA.

"One of the reasons that I've recommended that this be remanded, as maker of the motion, it just appears to me to only complicate our life with the FAA at this point, if were are to add another area of possible conflict with them without some resolution," said Ohrtman.

Bramlet said there are plans that would fit the existing zone as well. The proposal states residents will have full-time on-site supervision, and it will not be open to sex offenders. Ohrtman said he's not opposed to the idea, but wants planning and zoning to review if the decision could affect discussions with, and future plans of, the airport.

"I don't think too many people are arguing with what New Bridges wants to do," said Ohrtman. "But I think we also understand that there could be some pretty significant implications for the airport."

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