Mceuen Field To Face Downtown Debate

The fate of McEuen Field in the face of downtown redevelopment plans will be debated Thursday.

In a debate hosted by the Kootenai Environmental Alliance, a representative of the Lake City Coalition will face off with the McEuen Preservation Alliance. It begins at noon at the Ironhorse Restaurant.

The Lake City Coalition is pushing for the City Council to adopt a downtown redevelopment plan that includes the possibility of changing the use of McEuen Field and the Third Street boat launch. That prompted the formation of the McEuen Alliance, whose members fear commercial development will displace softball and baseball fields, picnic areas and basketball and tennis courts.

The Coeur d’Alene City Council will consider adopting a consultant’s report Dec. 16 as part of an urban renewal plan for the downtown area. Because that consultant’s report suggests the city needs to have the “courage” to “reclaim” McEuen Field, the Alliance opposes adoption of the plan.

, DataTimes