MUSIC: Right idea, wrong place

I was concerned when I read of plans to open a music conservatory in the Romer building downtown. I, too, was troubled about plans to tear down the old house, having lived in a similar historic home in downtown Coeur d’Alene, until I saw it.

The $200,000 remodel estimate seemed very low. As director of Northwest Academy of Music serving thousands of students over the past 31 years, I found it impossible to have lessons in multiple rooms without a significant investment in sound proofing walls. In addition, the proposed use does not seem to fit the location even if the home were not torn down. Students coming and going every half hour for lessons requires a parking spot for the teacher and for students coming in and going out at the same time.

For example, if you have eight teachers working in various rooms, you need 24 parking spots. The courthouse next door uses all available street parking already.

We are glad there is an interest in creating more musicians in our community. This is not the place to do it.

TINA STEVENS

Coeur d’Alene