My name is Linda Ciszek whose name is listed in both cases against Coeur d'Alene Paving, Beacon West, and Kootenai County. I have read the article by Alecia Warren dated Aug. 12, 2011 "Asphalt plant appeal dropped." It was I, who made the decision to drop the cases in these matters, and with the attorney who represented us no longer involved with these cases, I would share a glimpse of insight from my perspective of the behind the scenes of this story.

While it is unfortunate, and to quote Mr. Kaufman, "No bank would want to be involved with property with pending litigation," and while the cases currently pending at the state appeal level were dropped against Cd'A Paving/Beacon West and Kootenai County as named respondents, does not imply we do not believe this asphalt plant is in an appropriate location for its business activities. The decision to drop these cases were many, and in part, in good faith, giving them opportunity of relief so they could move their current asphalt operations from Highway 53.

Coeur d'Alene Paving has located an alternative 116-acre parcel located near State Line and in an area of other asphalt plant facilities that is more suitable for the current asphalt batch plant located on Highway 53. It is my understanding a rezone application has been submitted for this location and it was believed with good faith they would be moving.

Mr. Kaufman goes on to say in this article, "but prepping that new property would be expensive" and "if the company could obtain permission to work occasional night jobs at its current location, a move wouldn't be necessary."

The posturing of these statements lends to the continued concerns Coeur d'Alene Paving does not really want to adhere to the county commissioners' generous granting of a two-year temporary permit while they find a suitable property to move to, and perhaps they do not have true intentions of abiding by these conditions. These statements appear acting against good faith and being a good neighbor toward their neighbors and Kootenai County.

I will continue to encourage Coeur d'Alene Paving to move the asphalt batch plant to a more suitable location and encourage the county that once that move occurs no other asphalt plant try to take advantage of locating their asphalt operations there as well.

With the recent events surrounding these issues, I am strengthened more than ever in my resolve that the asphalt plant has a very negative effect and cast a stigma to our neighborhood. A promise of their past statement of being a "good neighbor" seems unachievable. This asphalt plant is inappropriate in its current location and is a hardship and nuisance against our family's health, the quiet enjoyment of our home, our quality of life, and the contribution to lost residential property value. While it is unfortunate I have built the last 17 years at this location, it was as a means for me and my family's future and I will continue to fervently oppose my new neighbors of this asphalt plant or any other. It seems forgotten we were here first and I will continue to defend my rights and principles for my family, our home, our investment and our future.

Linda Ciszek is a resident of Rathdrum.