McEUEN: Cost is key to approval

Now we have the projected costs for the McEuen Park, and that is a step forward for a rational look at the proposed elements of the project.

At the workshop for the City Council, I was troubled by the fact that the McEuen Team still showed the results of the Public Questionnaire that was given out at the first public meeting as showing a 64 percent approval rate.

I am embarrassed to admit I was guilty of turning in the questionnaire before having any idea of the costs. As a responsible citizen, I should not have done this. I don't even buy a loaf of bread without checking the price.

I am not saying the cost is unreasonable for the vision, just that cost estimates are crucial in making responsible choices. The public should have access to all the figures presented to the council before the next public meeting. Lots of things sound wonderful if we don't attach a price. There are always trade-offs when we make decisions about spending money especially when we are talking about millions.

The other problem on the original survey, of course, is the lack of the possibility of considering keeping the Third Street boat launch open. The public sentiment on this has been loud and clear and would have changed the results of the original survey considerably. It seems only fair for the City Council to reconsider this option.

I really don't expect a public vote on the proposal or believe it's advisable. However, I do believe the public should have another chance to have input at the future promised public meeting. A questionnaire should list each design feature with its proposed cost and include a survey question on keeping the Third Street boat launch open. The City Council needs to give serious consideration to this input.

I think there is agreement that something should be done toward developing McEuen Park.

It is also obvious that this is a great opportunity and it needs to be done right. It is only prudent to weigh the costs carefully while maintaining a vision for the future which will benefit all the citizens of Coeur d'Alene.

VINETTA RUTH SPENCER

Coeur d'Alene