MIDTOWN: It's the wrong plan

My wife and I have lived in Midtown for the last 16 years. We have owned and operated a business in Midtown for the last 13 years. We have watched Midtown grow, change and develop into a great mix of retail and residential. We love living and running our business in Midtown. We are, however, very much opposed to the project currently proposed by The Housing Company and LCDC.

Much like the residents of the Fort Grounds, who recently fought to maintain the integrity of their neighborhood, we in Midtown find ourselves in the same position. This issue is not about whether or not Coeur d’Alene needs low income government subsidized housing, euphemistically referred to as workforce and affordable housing. This issue is about what is appropriate for and consistent with the look and feel of Midtown. This issue is about maintaining the historic character and community of Midtown while allowing Midtown to grow and change organically as it has for more than a century. This is about what will best serve the interests of the current and future property owners and business owners in Midtown. Unfortunately, this project has gone from what would be best for Midtown to what would be best for The Housing Company and LCDC.

A three-story 38 unit low income housing complex is not what Midtown needs. It does not add value to the neighborhood and certainly is not going to “revitalize” the area. While the retail space might work out, the residential units will be occupied by a high density transient population that has no vested interest in the past, present or future of Midtown.

There is no excitement within the Midtown community for this project. It is time for LCDC to reconsider its support and work with the Midtown community to find a more appropriate use for this land.

CHIP DALVINI

Coeur d’Alene