GOLF COURSE: Many questions to answer

Lakeside (aka Architerra and a myriad of other companies) is a big player in North Idaho and Eastern Washington (and beyond too). The Coeur d’Alene Press announced on July 4th that Lakeside has “acquired” the Highlands Golf Course and reiterated the press release wording on how ‘nothing will change and new energy will be created. Now, what is next for the Press? How about some honest investigative journalism going forward on this subject?  

Here are the questions to start with:

1.  How long ago did Lakeside open escrow?

2.  How aware of this transaction were the city officials in Cd’A and Post Falls?

3.  How will this acquisition impact the planning and approvals for the 600+ acres of “Coeur Terre’ not yet approved or annexed into any city?

4.  Have the officials of Post Falls been negotiating with Lakeside about the annexation with the golf course (or other use on that land) in the mix? After all, the movement of traffic west out of Coeur Terre is a major problem that could be relieved by major modifications to the course and new roadways being created (Highland area homeowners might not be too thrilled though). 

5.  Have any non-financially benefitted citizens of Post Falls or Cd’A been asked for their input?

6.  Will the new owners get a new tax assessment to reflect the market value paid by Lakeside (unlike the 1,040 acres of Coeur Terre, there is no agriculture exemption for this, is there)?

7.  How will the decision on the Huetter Bypass or alternate North/South arterial be impacted by this?

8.  Is there any way for the residents of Post Falls to make sure the golf course stays as it is, and doesn’t become something decidedly different: a nine-hole course, miniature golf course, high-density housing, or something else? Or is this now simply choosing the least terrible alternative of many terrible offers?

Let us see open and honest reporting and all city officials operating in the open. Property rights do not mean the elimination of the existing rights of hundreds of residents.

HOWARD BURNS

Post Falls