Transit center decisions are not a surprise
Ward
Interesting article for any Sunday Morning quarterbacks when the discussion had continued for about a year. The Cd’A Press covered numerous meetings (see below) and published letters. The finished product actually conforms to those discussions.
Oftentimes the finished product reflects the loudest voice and not the best decision. Any transit hub should be designed to address the current and future needs for growth or we will continue to see more cars on the road. Scare tactics, based on emotion, of unlikely problems without proper review of the anticipated benefits can never result in the best decision.
County Commissioner Bill Brooks was correct in his assessment after visiting the new Transit Hub.
He said, “It’s not a transit center, it’s a bureaucratic center. It should be a place for the people of Kootenai County, not the bureaucrats of Kootenai County.”
The Cd’A Press covered this well. If you didn’t pay attention or participate, then the finished product is what you approved.
Here’s some of the background The Press provided through the decision-making process:
LATE TRANSIT CENTER OPPOSITION MOUNTS
April 14, 2017
By BRIAN WALKER
TRANSIT CENTER FLAP ESCALATES
By BRIAN WALKER
April 28, 2017
TRANSIT CENTER TESTIMONY PLENTIFUL
By BRIAN WALKER
May 03, 2017
Two Options: One for, one against
The KCRCC’s resolution urges commissioners to suspend the planned construction “until a need for the transit center is established, the recurring costs are well-defined and the cost-to-benefit is justified.” It also cited crime as a concern.
The Democrats’ resolution, meanwhile, supports the transit center, including connecting with other operators, to improve the system, including for the elderly and some of the area’s most vulnerable residents.
TRANSIT CENTER STILL ON TRACK
May 13, 2017
By BRIAN WALKER
HOMELESS HANGOUT OR TRANSIT CENTER?
Controversy has city withholding money from county transit department
Nov. 10, 2017
TRANSIT CENTER STILL HAS SORE SPOTS
COEUR d’ALENE — City Council member Dan English wants the proposed county transit center at Riverstone to provide the public with amenities becoming of its name. That means restrooms, warmth, shelter and a place to kick back as people wait …
Dec. 21, 2017
TRANSIT CENTER DESIGN APPROVED
Construction expected to start this fall, completion in May 2019
March 27, 2018
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Phil Ward is a Coeur d’Alene resident.