Developer buys gravel pit site
Central Pre-Mix Concrete Co. will close its gravel pit at Seltice Way and Northwest Boulevard in the spring to make way for the expansion of the Riverstone mixed-use project.
Spokane-based Riverstone West LLC, developer of that portion of the project, bought the 80-acre site from Central Pre-Mix in the fall of 2003, the development company said in a press release Wednesday.
Central Pre-Mix has operated a gravel pit at the site for nearly 60 years.
Central Pre-Mix said it would move the operation to “an alternate site,” although it didn’t name that location.
Central Pre-Mix President Mark Murphy couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday evening.
The release said, however, that no jobs would be lost due to the closure of the gravel pit in Coeur d’Alene because workers will be transferred to other Central Pre-Mix operations.
Riverstone West plans to build a 10-acre public park on part of the site, with a 6-acre man-made lake.
Most of the rest of the site will be developed with mixed-use buildings containing retail shops and restaurants on the first level and residential units on the second and third levels.
Construction is expected to start in early 2006 and take a year to complete.
– Addy Hatch
Boise
School construction bill passes House
GOP leadership-backed legislation on school construction funding passed the House Wednesday on a largely party line 52-14 vote.
The bill, HB 743, puts about $5 million in new state money into school building maintenance next year, while requiring local school districts to contribute $44 million.
It also sets up a $25 million loan fund to replace unsafe schoolhouses. However, a district wouldn’t be able to access the money unless it’s taken over by the state, a supervisor is appointed who can fire its superintendent, and its patrons are hit with no-vote property tax increases to pay back the loan after twice voting against the increases.
“I don’t think it’s possible to create a perfect bill,” said Rep. Steve Smylie, R-Boise, who is running for state superintendent of schools.
“This bill takes major steps.”
North Idaho representatives split, with all the Democrats voting no and all the Republicans, except Rep. Tom Trail of Moscow, voting yes.
The bill now moves to the Senate.
– Betsy Z. Russell
World Cup ski finals start in Sandpoint
Opening ceremonies begin tonight at 5 p.m. in Sandpoint for the World Cup telemark ski finals.
The races begin Friday at Schweitzer Mountain Resort and feature 53 skiers from 10 countries, said Kevin Nye, race director.
It’s the first time in three years the finals have been held in the United States.
The kickoff ceremony will be held at downtown Sandpoint’s Jeff Jones Memorial Town Square.
– James Hagengruber
Committee formed for veteran affairs
Kootenai County is creating a veteran affairs advisory committee to help serve the area’s 15,000 veterans.
The county commission voted Tuesday to establish the board and will soon appoint seven members.
“It will help us keep a pulse of what’s going on with our veterans,” Commissioner Katie Brodie said.
For more information, call 446-1600.
– Erica Curless