Residents of Bayview, Idaho, expressed strong concerns during the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners meeting on July 3, 2025, regarding a proposed conditional use permit for a new church project. Suzanne Senior, a local resident and property owner, voiced her opposition to the project, which aims to accommodate up to 300 people.

Senior highlighted that the church's size and intended use could significantly impact the surrounding residential neighborhood. She emphasized that while merging five lots to meet land use requirements may be permissible, it does not necessarily align with the community's character or needs. "This is an intense use," she stated, referring to the potential disruption from increased activity and noise, particularly on busy Sunday mornings.

Concerns were raised about the project's large footprint and the implications it could have on local traffic and parking. Senior pointed out that the proposed lighting plan for the church's parking areas and walkways could lead to excessive illumination throughout the night, further affecting the neighborhood's quality of life.

The meeting underscored the importance of community input in development decisions, as residents seek to balance growth with the preservation of their neighborhood's integrity. The Board of Commissioners will need to weigh these concerns carefully as they consider the conditional use permit application in the coming weeks.