Balance North Idaho weighs in on Riverstone Transit Center

COEUR d’ALENE ­— Balance North Idaho’s Board of Directors has reviewed the pros and cons, costs, location and need for the Riverstone Citylink Transit Center and is in unanimous support of this facility.

“Some of the fear and suggestion of an increase in crime, prostitution, and other dangers reminds us of fear-based dialog surrounding the Centennial Trail when it was being added. There were fears of burglary and pillaging of homes due to the access of the trail nearby. However, the trail has instead become a major asset to this community’s connectivity and healthy lifestyle quotient,” said a statement issued Wednesday.

“While we appreciate people having concern, citizens need options for transportation across the income spectrum. People need to work to feed their families, which means they need a way to get to work. Not everyone can afford a second car, or even one car. Public transportation is essential to a viable society with diverse income ranges.”

The statement notes the facility will be small, around 400 square feet, and will be monitored 24 hours a day by cameras and patrolled by the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.

“The facility will provide much needed shelter for people awaiting public transit, especially during our long, wet winters and springs.”

Balance North Idaho is a political action committee created to endorse and promote candidates and issues in local non-partisan elections.