Arguments On The Green Space Priorities In Developing Downtown Cda, Mceuen Field, Parks Focus Of Debate

Nothing defines a community like its downtown, and Coeur d’Alene is struggling with how to reinvent itself.

Residents have suggested that a performing arts center, a community center or library be built downtown. More festivals, more green space and consolidated parking lots have been mentioned.

Those ideas - and many more - will be discussed in a series of workshops that begin Wednesday. Two years ago, the last time the city held public meetings on a revitalization plan, the discussion turned into an angry debate over preservation of softball diamonds.

The Idaho Spokesman-Review asked three Coeur d’Alene residents who represent different interests to give their views on what needs to happen to further the discussion. The residents are:

Sandi Bloem, owner of a downtown jewelry store and member of the Lake City Coalition.

Charlie Roan, a member of the mayor’s committee on city green space as well as a spokesman for the McEuen Preservation Alliance.

Jeanne Bemis, a former member of the city parks commission.

Q: Imagine that you have a blank sheet of paper to design the downtown area. What would be your priorities?

Bloem: The downtown would be a community gathering place. It would attract and encourage community spirit and energy. It would include residential living, commercial office space, recreation, entertainment, retail and government buildings. The downtown would have a rich and varied economic life, with people everywhere shopping, meeting, doing business and socializing.

Roan: My first priority would be the preservation of existing green space provided by McEuen Field for public recreation. The “reclaiming of public space” for economic recovery is totally unacceptable when public park land is at stake. The need for an economic recovery plan is well-founded, but it cannot supersede the quality-of-life components that make up the fiber of this community.

Bemis: The core of the solution would have to involve the reintroduction of retailers with a broader appeal. My “plan” for downtown would include a Bon Marche or a Nordstrom, and converting Sherman Avenue from Second to Seventh to a parking mall. I would reclaim the current parking lot for green space and retain all open spaces. If businesses would cater to park users and boaters instead of souvenir and antique hunters, they would benefit financially. I would consider a broad-brushed redesign of all park spaces to be highly undesirable.

Q: What are the key issues that must be addressed to achieve your vision?

Bloem: A master plan must be developed in order that the community has a common direction. The public space needs to be considered for the majority of people for the majority of time. There needs to be some early accomplishments that will build public confidence. Determine how downtown can connect with the community, the college, the lake and surrounding neighborhoods.

Roan: I believe a “hands-off” policy toward any existing park land needs to be established. This has been the overwhelming voice of the public. Such a commitment could create a trust where constructive cooperation would result.

Bemis: To make the most of what we have without throwing the best away, the downtown activists must come to respect what the year-round residents value.

Q: On what key issues do you believe most residents agree?

Bloem: The public space is now, and should continue to be, public space. The lake and Tubbs Hill are tremendous assets. Community involvement is important to the process and final plan. There is a need for a downtown we can all enjoy and be proud of.

Roan: The preservation of public parks for recreation without commercial activities; access to the lake by foot traffic and boater use; and relocating the city parking lot.

Bemis: Our downtown is in serious trouble. Businesses lack stability, parking is uninviting and goods and services sought by year-round residents are located elsewhere. It is the solution to this set of problems that has become a divisive issue.

Q: What key issues must be resolved in order to move the process forward?

Bloem: What is the best use for the majority of people for the public space? How do we enhance a trust level and open communication? What do we need to do to attract private development downtown? Realize that the downtown area is a complex place with complex problems that require many separate interconnected efforts.

Roan: The planners need to accurately assess the community’s values and wishes and recommend a plan within those lines. The plan must not contain any special provisions that may be perceived as private interest.

Bemis: I think the question should be: “Should the whole process move forward?” Two stores closed recently at Silver Lake Mall, and although we regret losing them, there’s been no public outcry to bail out those merchants. It’s not the public’s responsibility to use public means to preserve and protect our businesses or group of businesses over others. We should preserve and protect our parks and playgrounds, our history and our character.

This sidebar appeared with the story: HOW TO GET INVOLVED The first public workshop for the downtown public places master plan will be Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. at Lake City High School, 6101 Ramsey Road. Written comments can be sent to Dave Yadon, Coeur d’Alene City Hall, 710 E. Mullan, Coeur d’Alene 83814-3964. Letters to the editor of The Idaho SpokesmanReview can be sent to 608 Northwest Blvd. Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene 83814, or sent by fax to (208) 765-7121 or by e-mail to kens@spokesman.com