EDITORIAL: Minimize the growing pains

In every growing community, there comes a moment when difficult choices must be made for the greater good. Coeur d'Alene faces such a moment with the proposed redesign of the U.S. 95 and Interstate 90 interchange — a project that promises to ease congestion and improve safety, but not without disruption to established businesses.  

The Idaho Transportation Department's preferred design — a Single-Point Urban Interchange with an elevated U.S. 95 bridge over Appleway — represents a critical investment in our region's future. With traffic volumes projected to double by 2045 and the current intersection notorious for traffic and accidents, doing nothing is simply not an option.  

Yet we cannot ignore the legitimate concerns of people like Jennifer Mika, who manages a Carl's Jr. restaurant that may face reduced visibility and access.   

When she asks, "What are the benefits of taking out businesses and impacting others?" she speaks for many who have invested their livelihoods in our community. These storefronts represent families, employees and the economic backbone of our city.  

Growing pains are inevitable in any evolving community, but they need not be devastating. While the $90-100 million project moves forward, we urge the ITD to consider several critical modifications:  

First, access to Appleway businesses must be preserved through clear, intuitive routing. Forcing drivers to navigate through Haycraft Avenue and parking lots, as Jim Schramm noted in his concerns, is potentially fatal for businesses that rely on pass-by traffic. Signage must be abundant and clear.  

Second, we should explore Councilor Dan Gookin's suggestion of the Tight Diamond Interchange with flyover ramps. Though more expensive at $115-125 million, if it better preserves the economic vitality of established businesses, the additional investment may prove worthwhile in the long run.   

Third, any design should incorporate environmental mitigation from the outset. Strategic tree planting along the new routes would not only reduce noise pollution for nearby residents but would also enhance the aesthetic appeal of what might otherwise be an eyesore. The plan should include provisions for sound barriers should post-construction noise levels exceed acceptable thresholds.  

Finally, businesses facing unavoidable displacement deserve fair compensation and relocation assistance. Their sacrifice for community improvement should not mean financial ruin.  

The words of resident Scott Hough remind us of an important truth: "There's nothing I can do to stop the growth."   

Indeed, Coeur d'Alene's popularity is a testament to its appeal. Our challenge is not to resist change but to shape it in ways that honor our past while building our future.  

As Todd Feusier, director of Coeur d'Alene's Streets and Engineering Department, acknowledged, the process "is going to be painful."   

But with thoughtful planning, community input, and a commitment to protecting local businesses, we can minimize that pain while maximizing long-term gain.  

The ITD has promised to review public comments and potentially revise its designs. We encourage all residents to make their voices heard in this process. Because while growing pains may be necessary, how we address them will define our community for generations to come.