CENTER: Why plan fits Coeur d'Alene

It was my concept for a new NIC Fieldhouse over three years ago that has led to this exciting possibility for the community. Perhaps the Editorial Board can respond to the following points:

NIC’s Christianson Gymnasium is out of date and does not meet current codes. Rather than relying on state or federal funds that will never materialize, local leaders have developed a plan to fund and construct a new Fieldhouse for NIC.

Concern regarding the educational mission of NIC was at the forefront of every discussion. The risk to the taxpayers the Press cites “across the country” refers to projects that had $30mil-$40mil costs that created huge debt obligations with no prime tenant/owner. The proposal for the NIC Fieldhouse avoids each one of these fatal flaws. Establishing NIC as the prime user of the facility takes the pressure off of the project to be financially supported by concerts other outside events.

Last Sunday’s editorial makes conflicting and inconsistent points. At the same time the project is too costly, yet a more expensive project should be built. The community deserves more, yet the community should invest less. There are other areas with sports facilities, Coeur d’Alene should not try to compete.

As a product of the local community, I am proud of my efforts and the efforts of the people that have worked tirelessly to make this project happen. It is easy to sit in your castle and throw stones, the hard work is making a positive contribution to North Idaho.

CHRISTOPHER PATANO

Coeur d’Alene