Lake CdA docks get new hearing

The Idaho Department of Lands has agreed to have another public hearing on a controversial plan for a new dock on the east side of Lake Coeur d’Alene near Gotham Bay.

The agency scheduled the May 29 hearing after neighbor Jim Norconk requested the dock be reconsidered. Norconk cited overwhelming opposition to the 22-slip private community dock that is part of Gotham Bay Estates.

Norconk’s attorney, Scott Reed, alleges that the state agency is violating state laws protecting Lake Coeur d’Alene’s aesthetics, water quality and fish. He said the proposed docks are in the same area where Gotham Creek flows into the lake and provides spawning habitat for kokanee salmon.

Reed said many people also are concerned the dock will create a safety hazard for Camp Easton, a neighboring Boy Scouts summer camp.

“It’s analogous to putting a freeway ramp in front of a grade-school crossing,” Reed said.

In April, the Lands Department approved the dock request but required the developer, Big Rock Timber and Development, to hash out a use agreement with the Inland Northwest Council of Boy Scouts of America.

But Reed said the state agency has no way to ensure the agreement is followed.

Jim Magnuson, who represents the developer, said the agency usually has a rehearing only if there is new information to present, not just to rethink its approval. Magnuson said he’s not aware of new information, and he said the state hearing examiner covered all the public’s concerns in the April decision.

The decision notes that both sides presented conflicting information about the presence of kokanee in the creek and that the Idaho Department of Fish and Game showed a lack of concern on the issue. It also states the Lands Department has no authority over the stream or over traffic concerns on state Highway 97.

Tim McCandless of the Inland Northwest Council of Boy Scouts of America wasn’t available for comment Friday. In previous interviews, McCandless said the Scouts were not thrilled about more boats in the bay but they do appreciate the state requiring a use agreement.

Magnuson said there have been several discussions and meetings, and a draft use agreement is coming along well.

The 6 p.m. hearing is at the Idaho Department of Lands Coeur d’Alene office, 3780 S. Industrial Ave. For more information, call (208) 769-1577.