VIEWS: Who to blame for loss

I attended a recent design review hearing for the next high-rise project that is to be built in Coeur d’Alene. The building is called “One Lakeside” and is going to be at the corner of First Street and Lakeside Avenue. At the end of the hearing several people stood up in opposition of the project, and even threatened suing, stating that the loss of their view was a violation of their property rights.

Unlike the other high rises that have been built here, the proposed building does not “maximize” the building envelop allowed by law; it is shorter than it could be, and the tower steps away from the property line minimizing its profile to maximize surrounding view corridors. It is admirable in my opinion that the developer has shown restraint and is sacrificing potential gains by taking this more sensitive approach.

Some in the condominium building behind the proposed apartment tower will have their views partly obstructed, and are claiming that their view is part of their property rights. The developer of the new building had the foresight to purchase the air rights over the building across the street from his location to insure that the views for his residence would never be obstructed. So for the people in the building behind the proposed new apartments, wouldn’t the loss of your view be the fault of the owner of your building for not doing the same?

ERIC PETERSEN

Coeur d’Alene