Regarding your article published October 7, “Commissioners to hear Panhandle Door and Drawer appeal,” the zoning dispute between Panhandle Door Inc. and adjacent neighbors is just that, a zoning dispute, despite the erroneous claims of environmental damage and “off gassing” of paint fumes.
It has always been and remains a zoning dispute. AG/Forestry zoning permits the manufacturing of wood products. Despite arguments to the contrary, this area is not, nor has ever been a residential zone.
The 168 Pothole Road property has been utilized for manufacturing kitchen doors and drawers, including a paint shop, for almost 20 years. Originally established in 2005 with 10 employees. When the property changed ownership in 2018 there were approximately 40 employees, today there are 67.
In the years since the business changed hands in 2018, Panhandle Door has endeavored to improve, modernize and streamline the cabinet door and drawer facility.
The slanderous claims that Panhandle Door is polluting the environment and has brought in fill dirt to cover over illegal dumping of hazardous materials is simply false. The State of Idaho permitted 168 Pothole Road as a dump site for fill dirt. The dirt was brought in by contractors for the State of Idaho, from State of Idaho projects.
All the spray booths and paint shop filter systems meet or exceed the standards set by The State of Idaho DEQ.
All the by-products from the spray booths and paint shop are collected and properly disposed of by Safety-Kleen, a licensed hazardous material disposal company.
Panhandle Door uses untreated hardwoods to create their quality products. The excess hardwood is then turned into mulch and tailing bundles that are stored until they can be utilized by the residents of Boundary County.
Despite the uncertainty and worry of the last few months, the employees of Panhandle Door have continued to show up, doing their best to create a quality product in a safe work environment.
Leah Vanray
Naples