Spirit Lake downtown revitalization takes shape

SPIRIT LAKE - An open house to view a proposal to revitalize downtown Spirit Lake will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday at the senior and community center, 32564 N. Fourth Ave.

Residents can come and go as they please during the open house and comment on the plan.

Residents and businesses agree that new curbs and sidewalks, more lighting and more parking are needed downtown to make it more inviting.

"This open house is the second of two scheduled and is intended to finalize the details of the preferred final concept for downtown in order to obtain grant funding," said Rusty Leahy, an engineer with David Evans and Associates.

Mayor Todd Clary said the city continues to ask for public input to guide the planning process, which is being done through surveys, public meetings and the open houses.

A cost estimate on the improvements will be developed when the plan is finalized.

The city is applying for a $500,000 Idaho Community Development Block Grant to help fund the project. A public hearing to discuss the grant application will be held on Nov. 9. The application deadline is Nov. 19.

The grant is Housing and Urban Development funds that are managed through Idaho Department of Commerce.

"Once the design is determined, we will know the cost of the project and can then identify how much can be covered by grants," said Nancy Mabile, an economic development planner and grant writer for Panhandle Area Council.

The city will learn in mid-January whether the application makes the first cut. The grant would be awarded in late April or early May.

If funding is approved, construction on improvements would likely start next summer or fall.

The city has signed an engineering and landscape architect contract with the consultants for $43,500 to develop the design. PAC is performing the grant writing at no charge.

For more information, call Leahy at 762-2200.