CDA: Council should welcome able voices

People coming together to solve problems. A well-defined problem is a problem half solved. Idioms I’ve found to be true. Although not a Coeur d’Alene resident, there are many among us who reside in neighboring communities who frankly call Coeur d’Alene home.

We are a community. A community of cities united to grow in well-designed and meaningful ways. City limits ought not limit our thinking, nor should city boundaries limit voices to be heard. Remarks made during a recent city council meeting addressing the city’s comprehensive planning map suggested that only Coeur d’Alene residents should weigh in on the comp plan.

Council should welcome able voices — members of our greater community who may live elsewhere, yet have a vested interest in maintaining a quality of life we so proudly share while running Coeur d’Alene business and providing essential services. Housing, “density” doesn’t have to be a bad word. And housing “affordability” is a challenge to be solved. Yes, comprehensive planning and urban renewal are top issues facing the community — the greater community! Solutions will only be achieved through collaboration and compromise, so “let’s not allow what separates us to divide us.”

I can think of three beautiful, affordable and proud multi-family units within city limits that came together through collaboration and compromise. History proves we can do it!

LARRY RILEY

Executive Director, St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho

Hayden