HISTORY: Homes need protection

I am writing as a concerned citizen in regard to historic buildings and neighborhoods in our lovely Coeur d’Alene. I currently live in a home on Foster Avenue that has been in the family since the 1950s and sits directly behind the Romer building (627 Government Way) that is being scheduled for demolition. Unlike the White House on Sherman, which seems to be getting funding to be moved, this one isn’t so lucky.

My main issue is not the preserving of individual homes but instead the iconic neighborhoods in which they reside. If you’ve spent time in Boise you’ll see no difference between Harrison Boulevard and North Government Way here in Coeur d’Alene. The only difference is that Harrison is protected by a Residential Historic District status and supported by the community. No one here wants to see cute old homes being torn down in place of large commercial buildings, but we currently don’t have the standards to prevent such things from happening.

We are hitting a crisis point where I believe leadership is not representing the citizens. We are changing the face of this town without any regard for the future. I am unaware of any impact studies that have been done on my neighborhood, nor has there been a public hearing on the matter. It’s time for someone in an official position to step up and defend this beautiful iconic town. Once these buildings are gone, they’re gone.

- The future “Up” House of Coeur d’Alene -

JANA TAYLOR

Coeur d’Alene