Ignite cda to give annual report

Tony Berns, executive director of ignite cda, will present the agency’s annual report to the Coeur d’Alene City Council on Tuesday.

“The Board’s accomplishments in 2021 have produced a strong financial position,” the report says.

Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency made progress in many areas last year toward its goals of healthier neighborhoods, more attractive public spaces, strong local economy and quality jobs and housing for everyone.

“To date we’ve championed projects that have helped bring 1400 new jobs and over $555 million in property valuation to Coeur d’Alene,” its website says.

A highlight of 2021 was completing Atlas Waterfront Park.

The 12-acre site includes a walking path along the Spokane River, children’s playground, dog park, swimming areas, handicapped river access and kayak launching site.

The park has grown in popularity as more people discovered it.

Ignite cda’s third and newest district, the Atlas District, was formed by the City Council in December 2018. The district consists of 68 acres and includes the nearly 47 acres of Spokane River waterfront property that was the former Atlas Mill site. The city purchased the old mill site for $7.8 million in 2018.

Other the achievements in 2021 that will be reviewed by Berns on Tuesday include:

• Sherman Square/Rotary Centennial Park. In 2021, the Agency partnered with the Rotary Club of Coeur d’Alene to purchase the small pocket park located downtown at 316 E. Sherman Ave. The purchase price for the property was $525,000 with the Agency contributing $500,000 and the Rotary Club contributing $25,000. The Rotary Club will make improvements to the property in conjunction with the Agency, and the Agency will gift the property to the city in 2022 for use as a long-term public space known as the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Centennial Park.
• The agency partnered with the city of Coeur d’Alene and the Museum of North Idaho to fund $700,000 of site improvements on city property where the new museum building is being developed at the base of Tubbs Hill at McEuen Park. The funded site improvements are scheduled to be completed by Sept. 30.

Other items on the council agenda include approval of a contract with Selland Construction, Inc., for the Kathleen Avenue Improvement Project for $926,660. Work includes installation of new storm facilities, widening Kathleen Avenue to the south; filling sidewalk gaps and overlay of Kathleen Avenue. The project is estimated to take 40 working days and be completed before Memorial Day.

The council will also consider appointments that include Katie Linder and Abby Light to the Arts Commission; Jon Ingalls to the Design Review Commission; Bob Hallock, Bruce Martinek, and Erika Eidson to the Urban Forestry Committee.