Central to our departure from Spokane and Washington state over a decade ago, was our faith in governance in Coeur d’Alene. My wife and I were convinced that unlike Spokane, the quality of life of the residents of Coeur d’Alene is valued above political considerations. We found that growth management decisions have typically favored what is best for all citizens. Much to our disappointment, that faith appears to be endangered.

The Coeur d’Alene Planning Commission has already approved the Coeur Terre development without comprehensive and valid traffic studies regarding the impact upon the long-established Indian Meadows neighborhood to the east of the site. If the City Council also approves the proposal, you can be certain that this is all about a thirst for revenue at the expense of quality of life.

The planning for this ambitious development simply isn’t complete. Bordering Coeur Terre on the west is Huetter Road. This two-lane north-south arterial, in a largely rural setting, has seen growing traffic volumes in recent years, but nowhere near the volume experienced daily on Atlas Road which is over a half-mile east of the proposed development. To reach Atlas Road, the developers want to route traffic over Appaloosa, Woodside, Arrowhead and Nez Perce, all narrow neighborhood streets, never contemplated to accommodate heavy vehicle volumes. Indian meadows property will have to be confiscated along these corridors. The streets will be widened and the semi-rural character of the neighborhood will be lost. There are better options.

I do not object to the Coeur Terre development and I know growth is vital to the future of our region. I object to providing benefits to developers and future citizens at the expense of other citizens who are entitled to equal treatment. This project is not ready for approval until all public interests are fairly considered.

J. MIKE FITZSIMMONS

Coeur d’Alene