Community considers plan for 2030

COEUR d'ALENE - Why not?

That's Rocky Owens' only question behind his vision for Coeur d'Alene's future. His vision includes a light rail between the Lake City and Spokane - a social, economic and environmental benefit to the region for future commuters and tourists alike. And if long-range planning involves thinking big, Owens' idea is as well-sized as they come.

But is it feasible?

"Why not a light rail?" the 40-year-old said Wednesday during one of two public meetings called to ask whether the community would be willing to begin a long-range planning project for the region's future. "I don't think that's political to say that."

"I'm a big fan," he added, "of public transportation."

Whether the neighboring cities are connected by rail before 2030 remains to be seen, naturally, but ideas on the future of Coeur d'Alene left few stones unturned after a day's worth of meetings hosted by strategic planner Steven Ames.

The day began with a presentation to around 30 stakeholders over breakfast, and concluded with a pair of public meetings where people were asked what they hold dear to their hearts about the region, what they would like to see happen to it and would they be willing to take part in the planning.

If a community is willing to plan together, Ames said, it can be a sign of camaraderie and attractive for outside businesses or agencies looking to relocate.

But coming together to plan for year 2030 means all sectors of the community have to be willing to roll up their sleeves.

"You have to work at it, it's tough," said Ames, who helped lead a similar process in Bend, Ore., in 2005 and other cities across the Northwest - a work ethic he described as "plugging away."

"It's not a plan you stick on the shelf," he said.

"This whole thing is about ownership," he added. "That sends a powerful message."

That component was one of the most important factors for Patty Shea, of Avista, who wanted the whole region to take part if the community went though with the planning process.

"They couldn't point to any one person," she said at the breakfast meeting. "It would be community led."

Whether the community adopts the planning process will be determined down the line, in part by Wednesday's public reaction. Ames was brought to town to gauge the public's interest in determining if it is time to expand Coeur d'Alene's 2020 vision to 2030.

"I could see something like this (happening)," said Eric Pemberton, 34, of Coeur d'Alene, on the community taking up the project. "I feel like this is a way to do that."

He attended an afternoon meeting, at the Lake City Center with about 75 others, because he's planning to raise a family downtown and wants it the best it can be for his future family. His goals right now would be "low hanging fruits" or projects the community could tackle easily, like improved sidewalks for walking. But he would be willing to take part in the planning, if it gets that far.

"I do think there is room for improvement, he said.

For Fred Martin, a grandfather, he would like to balance future growth around maintaining North Idaho's resources and environmental quality. The planning project could be a way to bridge the generational gap too, he said, but it's important to plan for things that aren't instantly tangible, like setting the region up for future economic success in sectors that aren't yet fully built out.

"I've made mine," he said. "I'm more (thinking) about my kids and grandkids."