McEUEN: Don't forget the seniors

I would like to know why the City of Coeur d’Alene City Council and Building Department are against senior citizens and the handicapped. I have found out that in their construction of the McEuen Park that they are going to change all the parking along Front Street, which seems to be OK. But the major change that they are going to do tells me that they are not very sympathetic toward the senior citizens and the handicapped. They are going to eliminate all of the parking between Front Street and Sherman on Fourth. This includes the existing handicap parking and I know a lot of seniors park along there to be able to access the businesses along that area.

They say they need wider sidewalks along there for safety because I guess there are hundreds of pedestrians using this walkway every day and they are having to walk in the street because of so many people. I go to that area about 3-4 times a week and I have only seen around 6-8 people at any one time along Fourth in that area. I guess I just go there at the wrong time.

So either the city is against seniors and the handicapped or they don’t like the businesses along that street. Also I have found out that they are closing Front Street between 2nd and 3rd Street. My understanding is that it will be a new plaza for the Resort. If that’s true, good for them in getting a new plaza. It will help dress up that area.

JOHN MINDEN

Coeur d’Alene