SWAP: Need an update

I am writing to request a follow up report on your story titled “Key land swap up for vote tonight” on June 5.

I went to the council meeting to find out more but it turned out that there was not even a signed MOU in place, so nothing was discussed. Since then I have not seen any further reporting on developments—although I have been out of town on occasion, so I could have missed it.

The issue that concerns me, that I don’t think the public has noticed, is the request by the developer, Lanzce Douglas, for a zone change that would allow him to build 870 units in six-story apartment buildings up to 75 feet high. A unit would probably house at least two people, so there could be 1,740 people and cars on a small piece of land.

Although the swap would give the city river access for a walking and bicycle path, the developer would retain riparian rights, which means he could build a marina if he wants to, and he could still get economic return from the property he is swapping.

If the city does indeed give him the zone change he is requesting I think it would be a terrible deal for the people of Coeur d’Alene. Rats don’t thrive when they live in crowded conditions and neither do humans.

I hope The Press will keep the public informed about any developments. They affect our quality of life in this town.

GWYNNETH ANDRUS

Coeur d’Alene