Mill site's future in focus

COEUR d'ALENE — The city of Coeur d’Alene is organizing stakeholders to help plan the use of a 47-acre former mill site along the Spokane River.

Representatives from more than 25 groups including Kootenai County, the chamber, the arts commission, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Lake City Center and the Museum of North Idaho have been asked to represent their visions for the $7.8 million property west of Riverstone.

Members of the group, called the Community Organization Representative Vision group, or COR, will share their thoughts on the Atlas Waterfront Project at a February meeting as a first step to assess the property’s potential, according to the city.

Groups were identified based on a the community’s long-range visioning plan, something called CDA 2030, which strives to make Coeur d’Alene a friendly, economically sound community known for strong educational opportunities, ample green space, public recreation and a modern, friendly, small-town feel.

The city’s urban renewal agency, ignite cda, is seeking a consultant to determine what economic development options are best suited for the Atlas waterfront property, and costs associated with the options, according to the city.

“It is important for the community to understand costs associated with how much land remains public, including potential improvements to that property, and how economic development initiatives could help afford those costs,” deputy city administrator Sam Taylor said. “Hearing citizens’ vision and values will help assess these opportunities before any major decisions are made on the future of the site.”

In addition to the COR Vision group meeting, community meetings are planned to gather opinions on what residents hope to see at the site. Council member Kiki Miller is the council’s liaison for the project.

Miller said various community input opportunities, and updates from feasibility planning efforts, will be scheduled in 2018.

Coeur d’Alene officials will finalize the purchase of the former Atlas Mill site by May. The city hopes to use the 47-acre property to create permanent public waterfront access and spur economic development, according to the city.