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RIVERSTONE: The issue of access

| September 25, 2020 1:00 AM

Traffic access to and from Riverstone is a problem. Exiting McDonald’s can be challenging. A new access road from the south may not provide substantial relief.

The Riverstone horizontal development, streets, parking lots and driveways are not well designed in my opinion. The absence of through streets, connecting streets, driveway alignment and the use of curvilinear streets are problematic.

The overall Riverstone development with its stores, theater, restaurants and housing is an economic plus to our community. It certainly makes appropriate use of the river frontage, trails and park. In this regard, I loudly applaud the economic boost that our redevelopment agency, ignite cda, is providing.

My driving to Riverstone generally means coming from the south and a left turn off Northwest Boulevard with a turn arrow into Riverstone. Is that the direction of most traffic, causing a traffic problem? Many more residents live to the north or may come from I-90. Keep in mind this isn’t strictly an AM and PM peak traffic area but continues into the evening and on weekends. Again, where is the traffic originating and going?

When driving south on Northwest I will often turn left at Lacrosse Avenue. It goes directly through to Government Way. There is one concern: Lacrosse has an elementary school east of Northwest Boulevard. People tend to take the path of least resistance. Add a traffic light and traffic volumes grow. Perhaps this is the most economical way to provide a new access but is it the best way?

PHIL WARD

Coeur d’Alene