Coeur D’Alene Sharply Divided Over Plan To Revive Hydroplane Races

‘It’s just a boat race. It shouldn’t polarize the community.”

This is the stance the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, in the words of spokesman Patrick McGaughey, takes on the issue of the possible return of unlimited hydroplane racing to Coeur d’Alene. Since the chamber does all it can to promote only the positive, this is the stance it should take.

However, I sure heard enough feedback to my column about hydroplane racing (two weeks ago) to confirm that the hydroplane issue definitely does divide the community.

The argument is one of economics vs. environment, and both must be considered. This is the positive note for the chamber’s board of directors: They are addressing all aspects of the issue, and they are making it an educational tool.

The only problem is that they still favor the race. More on that later.

Here’s the facts as proposed by the Unlimited Hydroplane Racing Association (in this case calling itself the Diamond Cup Association):

What: Unlimited hydroplane (the big boats) and probably other classes of boats would race, with the smaller classes between the unlimited heats.

When: It would be Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. Monday would not be affected.

Where: The oval course would have one end near the point of Tubbs Hill and the other end near Coeur d’Alene City Park. The “controlled access” audience would be spread from one end to the other, with maximums of about 5,000 on Tubbs Hill, 2,000 in the pit area (Third Street boat ramp), 2,000 in the Coeur d’Alene Resort grass area (including the beer garden), 500 on the floating boardwalk (premier viewing), 2,000 between the boardwalk and Independence Point, 10,000 in the City Park and Beach and 2,000 on tourboats. Views from west of the City Beach would be limited to high plumes.

Who: Service clubs and a crowd management and control business would do much of the “business” normally performed by taxpayer-funded entities. Included would be security and litter pickup.

Why: About 25,000 visitors would make it the area’s biggest retail experience next to Christmas and it would generate national and international publicity on ESPN. Coming at the end of summer, the event could be used to publicize the winter sports offered in North Idaho. Possibly 10 percent of the gate (maybe $37,000) would go to the city Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Fund.

OK, now about the concerns. Most of the concerns have two views, and these result in the opinions that polarize the community, no matter how you look at it.

Location: Promoters say it offers the best views and shows off the area on TV. Dissidents say it isn’t fair to close off taxpayer-funded public parks and boat ramps at all, let alone on one of the year’s biggest holiday weekends. Promoters say recreational boaters will learn lake access other than the Third Street ramp is available.

Noise: What’s negligible to some is too much to others.

Taxpayer cost: Promoters say service clubs and a crowd management company will cover it. Dissidents say that isn’t enough.

Crowd control: Promoters say the crowd will be dispersed by controlled access (snow fences and service club volunteers). The drinking age is now 21, the city now has an open-container law, and the police staff is now 54 strong. In 1968, when the hydro riots occurred, the drinking age was 19, there was no open container law, there were 11 policemen and the mood (anti-war) has changed. Dissidents say the rowdies will still be here for a three-day, outdoor party.

Tubbs Hill degradation: Promoters say “experts” claim three days with controlled crowds (including no alcohol) won’t hurt the hill. Dissidents (which include Kootenai Environmental Alliance and the Tubbs Hill Committee) disagree.

Other environmental concerns include lake pollution, shore erosion and harm to fish. Promoters claim these would not be affected. Again, dissidents disagree.

Citizens can have their say at a City Council hearing Jan. 29. They can gather information at the promoters’ presentation to the Coeur d’Alene General Services Committee Monday, Jan. 8.

I’ve mellowed my view somewhat since the promoters appear to be covering the concerns. I’m still against it because I still don’t want to take the risk on Tubbs Hill. Just one disaster is beyond educational.

Let’s think of an alternative. Instead of a hydro event, let’s have a high-brow event such as revitalizing jazzfest or generating a drama-fest. Think what Shakespeare does for Ashland, Ore. These shows attract the big-bucks audiences.

, DataTimes The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Nils Rosdahl The Spokesman-Review