Depending on who you ask, the east gateway to Coeur d’Alene is either a thriving business district or an urban blemish. An up-and-coming working neighborhood with grit, or drab and neglected – ripe for revitalization. Reality resides somewhere between these extremes. East Sherman Avenue is neither dilapidated nor as vibrant as other parts of town. But it’s now at the center of a city-led discussion on what could be done to improve the 12-block corridor from downtown east to Interstate 90. “I would love to see it grow and get better, and have a place for small business,” said Mayor Steve Widmyer, who is keen on breathing new life into East Sherman. The street is a time capsule, preserving remnants of old Coeur d’Alene before the interstate and resort tower, and before so much of downtown flipped to trendy shops, restaurants and art galleries/Scott Maben, SR. More here.

Question: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being minimal, how much effort would you like to see from the city of Coeur d'Alene to upgrade East Sherman Avenue?