SHERMAN AVENUE: Imagine the future

Can you imagine Sherman Avenue 10 years from now? For instance, 18-story high-rises lining both sides of the street allowed because of the present city and building zoning regulations. No more two- and three-story buildings — or unique boutique type shops easy to browse; cold, dark long shadows of buildings covering the streets, and views of Tubbs Hill and the lake obscured.

Yes, presently owners of downtown property have a right to sell to whomever they wish including high-rise builders. Yet all it would take to change the future big-city image of Coeur d’Alene is for the City Council (if they cared) to meet with the building and zoning department for the purpose of revising the building code to rein in the high-rise growth. Maybe the beginning of 2024 is the time for the City Council to seriously consider a new future for downtown Coeur d’Alene, a future many citizens would like to see.

P.S. Since writing the above, The Press notified us on Jan. 20 of a public hearing regarding a proposed Marriott Hotel at 602 and 612 E. Sherman Way. The hearing is at noon at City Hall, Room 6, if you are interested. In addition, Nils Rosdahl hinted at another high rise soon to go up on Sherman.

MARY SMITH

Coeur d’Alene