It's an ugly hunk of acreage with awe-inspiring potential. When a newly appointed advisory committee gets up and running, it will look closely at the expanse of old mill site land stretching west of Coeur d'Alene along the banks of the Spokane River. What it is now and what it will eventually become is exciting to think about. A little worrisome, too. Waterfront property, put in a conscientious public entity's hands, can do a lot of good. Look at City Beach and Tubbs Hill on Lake Coeur d'Alene, for example; Q'emiln and Falls parks in Post Falls. They're great examples of quality outdoor opportunities for all citizens. McEuen Park might also join that list despite a great deal of anxiety in the community over its metamorphosis and primary funding source. While public entities should look for the greatest good for the greatest number of people, they must remember that sometimes, that includes private ownership/Coeur d'Alene Press Editorial Board. More here.

Question: How would you like the old Atlas Mill site developed -- private or public or both?