Proposal To Move Marina Raises Concerns Boater Safety, Fishing On Lake Cda Are Issues Raised By Critics Of Move

Sun., Oct. 26, 1997

By Craig Welch craigw@olywa.net

The owners of Arrow Point Resort want to move their 81-slip marina into the main channel of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

That proposal has some area residents, anglers and state game officials worried about boater safety.

But there are indications that the marina move could help settle a dispute between resort developers and the owners of a restaurant on the inlet.

Arrow Point Development and the owners of Arrow Point Bar & Grill have sued one another, with each side claiming the other misrepresented financial details in the 1994 sale of the restaurant.

Since then, the dispute has degenerated, with the resort owners shutting off water and sewer services to the restaurant.

“It’s been pretty nasty,” said Arrow Point resident Pat Stroud.

Now, Roger Stewart, owner of Arrow Point Development, is proposing to move the marina to the west side of the point.

That would put the docks between two condominiums and away from the restaurant. It would also make access easier for customers of his planned golf course.

But some residents fear Stewart has an ulterior motive. Stroud even demanded the Idaho Department of Lands hold a public hearing before deciding whether to allow the marina move.

“I just don’t think there’s a real good reason for it,” he said.

Stroud worries that moving the marina will cause gas and oil that spills from the docks to wind up on Sanders Beach. And he fears the docks will stick out so far it will create a safety hazard for nighttime boaters.

Idaho Fish and Game officials share that concern. They also worry that the proposed location would block a popular angling spot.

But Stewart insists he merely wants to make boating access easier for his development. He also said he’s negotiating with the owners of the bar and grill to end the legal battle.

“It’s really a pretty benign thing we’re planning here,” Stewart said.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: HEARING The Idaho Department of Lands will hold a public hearing on the proposed marina move at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the state Fish and Game office on Kathleen Avenue.

This sidebar appeared with the story: HEARING The Idaho Department of Lands will hold a public hearing on the proposed marina move at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the state Fish and Game office on Kathleen Avenue.