Urban renewal is anti Rathdrum
As a resident of Rathdrum, I am completely against forming an Urban Renewal Agnecy and any funding of industrial or commercial development.
In the article published Jan. 18 in The Press, Leon Duce said, “We’ve got the ability to create our own workforce.” And he says, “There are a lot of benefits to having one in Rathdrum, including creating jobs so that people can work and live here.”
Well, Leon Duce, I want to start with letting you know that Rathdrum is big enough as it is, so we definitely don’t need to add to the growth of the area. People moved out here to get out of the city. Rathdrum was once a beautiful, peaceful and serene place to live. However, over the past five or so years, Rathdrum/Twin Lakes has seen a spike in population, idiots, litter, paved roads and bright ideas from people with money and no understanding of what this area is about.
If one doesn’t like Rathdrum the way it is then don’t move here. We don’t want anyone living here who can’t handle snow because they own a Prius or it’s too cold. Or somone who can’t stand bugs and weeds so they clear cut Rathdrum Mountain. Or who hates snowmobiles, 4-wheelers or any other sort of ATV so they put up gates and no trespassing signs on the trails that the locals have ridden for many years.
But getting back to topic: Duce also states that this project “could” provide jobs. Then goes on to say, “We’re missing the boat if we don’t make use of the graduates we’ve got from our programs.”
Let’s be honest here, Duce. The idea behind the project is to benefit only those directly involved, such as you. Not for the use of college graduates being given an opportunity to prove their skills. So please do us a favor and don’t try to win people over based on lies.
Another thing is raising the tax base to be able to pay back those who donated to the funding of this project. You’re only going to make people angry. But as long as your pockets are being filled with our hard-earned money while you sit making all the executive decisions, then what does it matter how it affects the people and the land, right?
If you or anyone really is in this to benefit Rathdrum, then one will do their research prior to any forming of agency volunteers and plans for industrial and commercial building.
The area which Duce says is “a prime spot” is in fact not a prime spot. The prairie is very important to leave as is. There has been enough damage and it can’t take any more. This is where the wildlife migrates through; this is where our aquifer runs underneath. There is so much to Rathdrum that can’t be seen by one who walks with dollar signs in their eyes, greed in their heart and a damn cellphone glued to their hands.
And I don’t see how a five-member volunteer board being formed in February or March with plans to present in April is moving slowly into this money-making scam.
If people want the city life with an urban renewal agency, then move.
The locals should have a say in this. And I vote no.
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Alaina Rushing is a resident of Rathdrum/Twin Lakes.