Bloem: No plans to change north side trail

There is a completely false rumor being circulated by key leaders of the recall effort regarding Tubbs Hill. Let me be clear and state that there is no plan for paving a smooth pathway on Tubbs Hill or putting up handrails along the trails.

Neither the city nor I have any desire or plans for any changes to the North Side Trail. The City Council voted to improve accessibility on the East Side Trail, and specifically did not include the North Side Trail – it was discussed at length. To say otherwise is an untruth.

The fact that there is a committee of hard working volunteers trying to help the city plan for future handling of Open Spaces is a good thing. We appreciate their work. But a draft plan that included some language on the North Side Trail is not a policy nor is it a plan until the Council formally votes on it. All plans begin as drafts, get edited, and the policies and goals get worked out through public meetings and discussion. That’s the democratic process.

All views are welcomed on our public open spaces, but it is always best if they are based in fact.

Mayor Sandi Bloem

Coeur d'Alene