Citing logistical concerns and mixed business support, the Coeur d’Alene City Council on Tuesday unanimously rejected a move to allow the closing of Sherman Avenue through Labor Day.

After requesting feedback from the police, fire and street departments, council decided the risk outweighed the reward.

“Personally, I think this is a really cool idea,” Police Chief Lee White said. “But professionally, we have a couple of concerns with each of the proposals.”

White’s concerns included traffic backing up on streets not equipped to deal with displaced traffic, as well as vehicles parking next to diners at outdoor tables.

White further added that his department did not have the staff to enforce either the guidelines or the outdoor alcohol consumption, saying the department’s resources are already stressed from alcohol-related issues in the bars downtown.

Fire Chief Ken Gabriel said closing or narrowing Sherman Avenue would also narrow his department’s ability to fight fires.

“Three words: access, access, access,” Gabriel urged to council. “That’s our big concern with everything. You gotta figure: The rig that is the most prevalent down there is our ladder truck, and that’s a big piece of equipment. It’s 18-feet wide with outriggers out and 48 feet long.”

Many council members said too many unknowns could risk too many businesses.

“The underlying struggle I’m having with [the] proposals is the unintended consequences on some of the retail businesses who are struggling,” said Council member Amy Evans. “I don’t think anyone knows. I reached out to numerous downtown businesses this weekend and talked to several of the shop owners, and it’s just unknown. Some of them are doing better than others; some of them are just days from having to close their doors permanently.”

The motion originally came from city staff, who worked with the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association through the latter half of May to gauge business interest in opening up restaurant and retail space. Results were mixed, with most restaurants supporting expanding their reach onto Sherman Avenue, parking stalls or the sidewalks. Many retail shops that participated in the Downtown Association study voted against the moves.

“Restricting parking on Sherman — making it difficult to access McEuen, as well as its parking — seems illogical,” Lacey Moen of Earthly Beauty Bar testified to council. “Loss of income for the city and many unhappy residents frustrated with parking will deter more visitors to our wonderful downtown. My business thrives on its ability to allow clients to park near me without even more traffic delay that this will already cause.”

After rejecting the motion, the Council voted to table the proposal, keeping the possibility open for future discussion and study.