Work begins on 3rd Street boat launch ramp repair (click on image to enlarge)
One week after our OpenCdA post titled Planned Deterioration?, Coeur d’Alene maintenance workers and contractors have begun repairing the damage to the 3rd Street boat launch ramps. Here are a few photos showing the work being done today.
Waiting for concrete
Here comes the "mud" (click on image to enlarge)
Pouring from a different angle (click on image to enlarge)
City workers and contractors (click on image to enlarge)
Even in winter, the 3rd Street boat launch is convenient -- and used! (click on image to enlarge)
Largest patch completed today (click image to enlarge)
Very in-ter-esting!
Comment by rochereau — February 24, 2012 @ 12:13 pm
That’s a great shot, Bill. A truck with a WA license launching a $75,000 boat. It’s good to see someone from out of town utilizing facilities paid by those of us who license our boats in Idaho.
Comment by John Austin — February 24, 2012 @ 12:46 pm
John Austin,
I agree. As a matter of fact, before launching their boat, the young couple had parked in the lot and gone to do some shopping downtown. I just got back from taking some “after” photos of the finished concrete work, and there were two other vehicles there to launch some PWCs.
Comment by Bill — February 24, 2012 @ 1:07 pm
I can’t fathom how people complain about Washington state boaters using the ramp, when at the same time they crow about how the “new” park will attract people from out-of-state to Downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Comment by Dan — February 24, 2012 @ 3:09 pm
My point, Dan, is that locals haven’t used the Third Street boat launch for many years, since the city began charging for parking in the early ’90s and later a launch fee higher than anywhere else on the lake. It is exclusively for out of state boaters and commercial interest and as such moving it to Silver Beach will be no loss whatsoever to the residents of the city of CDA.
Meanwhile, your constituents will have more greenspace to enjoy. That should be of the utmost importance to you, Dan, not a wasted space utilized only by our rich and distant neighbors.
Comment by John Austin — February 24, 2012 @ 3:48 pm
” That should be of the utmost importance to you, Dan, not a wasted space utilized only by our rich and distant neighbors. ”
Sayeth the myrmidon of urban renewal.
Sorry Johnny, but many, many residents have told me they use that launch and want to be able to keep using it. The greedy developers and bankers and other LCDC shadow dwellers are just gonna have to stand back. Their precious little plan is falling apart. Honest and open government is coming back. Get used to it.
Comment by Pariah — February 24, 2012 @ 4:03 pm
You are so wrong about that one too, John. Lots and lots of locals use the boat launch, but they are not rich. Rich folks have boat service companies winter their boats, do the maintenance, then put their boats into their mooring slip at the Resort marina or one of the others on the lake.
Regular Joes and Janes can’t afford that, so they launch their boats in the morning and pull them out at night. It gets plenty of use by locals.
Comment by mary — February 24, 2012 @ 4:16 pm
By the way, thanks Bill, for taking those informative photos! I’m glad to see the city fixing the boat ramp now, while the water is low.
Comment by mary — February 24, 2012 @ 4:17 pm
With all those launch fees and parking fees, it would be interesting to know when was the last time the city did any Launch Maintenance?
Comment by lexacon — February 24, 2012 @ 4:56 pm
John, why do you continue to spin everything? We’ve been onto you for a long time. Who do you think is buying your phony arguments? I am a local boater and I only use the 3rd street launch when I absolutely have to, like maybe a late start. The city could care less about city residents and what it costs to launch and park.
Comment by Gary Ingram — February 24, 2012 @ 4:57 pm
I am not wrong, Mary. Show me any local person who launches there. Please, just one person. I’ve been launching boats or with my dad launching them since we moved here in 1963. That’s 49 years. I am also a member of two boat clubs and I can assure you no one I know would think of paying that much to utilize the lake. Particurlary if they are your ‘regular Joes’ they will launch at Boothe Park for free or Higgins Point for much less. So, just show me one person who uses that ramp on a regular basis, please. Thanks.
Comment by John Austin — February 24, 2012 @ 4:58 pm
Gary, I’m not spinning anything. In fact, you make my point. Locals only use the Third Street launch as a last resort because of the cost associated with it. And, remember why the city imposed the launch fee in the first place. It was because the seawall was crumbling, mostly from large cranes hoisting big yachts into the water from the parking lot. It was only appropriate that the city make the users of the launch pay for its upkeep (which as I remember just for the seawall repair was $50,000.) That way the common taxpayer with no boat would be relieved of the cost of the maintenance.
Meanwhile, I owned a boat before I owned a car and no one has spent more time on Lake CDA than me. I’ve paid my fair share for all the public facilities on the lake and alot more for my private moorage at Harrison. So, please don’t get started on this issue unless you have a firm grasp on the history of the lake and its various, glorious facilities.
Comment by John Austin — February 24, 2012 @ 5:12 pm
Boothe Park is an awful launch for starters and Higgins is no better with it’s steep grade.
Comment by lexacon — February 24, 2012 @ 5:18 pm
Multiple folks point out that they know locals who use the ramp. JohnA trumps that with his superior knowledge.
Q.E.D.
Comment by Pariah — February 24, 2012 @ 5:29 pm
OK, then name one person, Pariah. Or, Mary. Just one.
I didn’t think so.
No one would admit to launching there when any other place on the lake is not only better but cheaper.
Comment by John Austin — February 24, 2012 @ 5:45 pm
ROTFLMAO! You define arrogance and groupthink John. Because none of your friends would ever use something, well, voila` – NO ONE DOES!
Except, well, many do.
You go ahead, live in your special little world. Take the high-fives and “O-bumps” from your elite, effete coterie of sycophants and keep cashing those “public-private” checks. But change is happening JohnA, and soon reality will intrude.
Comment by Pariah — February 24, 2012 @ 5:57 pm
Well John, as usual, you stuck your foot in it again. I’ve probably got as much “history” on this lake as you since I’ve been using it since 1961. That’s 51 years. So there!
Comment by Gary Ingram — February 24, 2012 @ 6:13 pm
Pariah, all I’m asking is who if they are local still utilizes that launch. That is a very small verification. Very small. One name. The point is that people say they ‘know’ someone who they ‘know’ wants to keep the launch because they use it all the time but the fact is that I know a huge number of boaters and none of them, not one, uses that launch. So, please someone give me a name. And, I don’t mean a local who launches their boat in the spring so they can drive it over to the Resort and then does the reverse in the fall. I’m talking about regular Joes and Janes who use their boats often and have a choice of places to launch.
I’m not asking that much, Pariah.
Comment by John Austin — February 24, 2012 @ 6:15 pm
Right, Gary, and you stated you rarely if ever use the Third Street launch. That’s exactly what I’m saying here is if the city wants to meet the needs of LOCALS they should relocate the launch.
Comment by John Austin — February 24, 2012 @ 6:22 pm
Nope.
You may live in and revel in your own special, ignorant little world JohnA. Reality is approaching though and your world will change. And many of us will laugh. Until then, let your left wing friends cheer and congratulate you for bearding the lion in it’s den, bask in the warmth of their adulation and your own self-knowledge of superiority. Enjoy it while you can.
Comment by Pariah — February 24, 2012 @ 6:23 pm
Pariah, that last comment is perhaps the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen posted. And, your personal attacks on me have grown tiresome, again.
The issue is about the Third Street boat launch and its use by non-locals. To that end the redo of McEuen Field since 1997 was not about attracting out of town tourists, because they only show during the 60-day period in the summer. The idea was to remake the place into something locals could enjoy year round. I think the plan in place does that, while at the same time saying to non-locals that suitable replacement facilities are in place so please go use those and leave our waterfront to us.
Comment by John Austin — February 24, 2012 @ 6:53 pm
Another nasty, personal attack.
Thin skinned are ya? Too bad.
You and your nasty buddies are having trouble adapting to the real world. It ain’t gonna get any easier John A, not even a little bit.
Comment by Pariah — February 24, 2012 @ 7:08 pm
I’ll tell you JohnA, that three of our personal friends launch their boats from 3rd street on a regular basis (we don’t have a boat on this lake) but I will NOT tell you their names. You’ll just have to believe me. They are regular people, employed and active in our community and my husband and I have been out on the lake with them each a time or two or three. They are dedicated to the Third Street launch, so back off of your elitist attitude please!
Your concept of the flashy new McEuen plan being for locals makes me choke! Locals would love a park that embraces the cultural past of CdA: Logging, mining, the steamboats, etc. But NOT Las Vegas, like the proposed plan! You are out of touch, John.
Comment by mary — February 24, 2012 @ 7:24 pm
Oh, and my list does not even begin to include the number of local people who have emailed me about the boat launch. They use it regularly and want it to be maintained into the future. These experienced boaters tell me that there is NO equal or better place compared to the 3rd St. launch, with 5 lanes and year around deep water launching…the only one on the northern part of the lake, I’m told.
Comment by mary — February 24, 2012 @ 7:31 pm
John: You stated “The issue is about the Third Street boat launch and its use by non-locals. To that end the redo of McEuen Field since 1997 was not about attracting out of town tourists, because they only show during the 60-day period in the summer. The idea was to remake the place into something locals could enjoy year round.”
HOG WASH John! Hagadone and the City’s goal has been to attract the tourists all year long. The downtown core depends on tourism ever since the mining and timber industry could no longer support the area. Yes, the downtown core is hoping to attract some locals to spend their money at the bars and restaurants, but most of our community stays away except for a parade or two. The place has become too crazy with all the visitors who have no investment or ownership in the area.
Comment by LTR — February 24, 2012 @ 8:02 pm
I’m not the elitist, Mary. That would be anyone with so little regard for money that they would waste it launching their boat when it is free elsewhere. I treasure my money enough that I find the obscure free place to launch. I am not out of touch, but then again I am a true boater who enjoys the lake as much in March as I do in August.
Please tell your friends to contact me and I’ll give them a few tips on how and where to launch their boats without cost. Then, they won’t be ‘elitist’, either.
Comment by John Austin — February 24, 2012 @ 8:14 pm
John
I work downtown. When I am done working I launch downtown year round. My 17 year old also launches downtown. It is the most convenient place to do so. I have many friends that launch downtown.
As far as WA boaters, they pay MORE to launch than ID boaters. It’s all about making a buck isn’t it John?
Comment by concerned citizen — February 24, 2012 @ 8:20 pm
No, CC, it’s about users paying for the cost to play so taxpayers don’t have to. That’s why I helped to implement the launch fee in the mid-90s. The reason WA boaters pay more is because they don’t have to license their boats in Idaho so they pay nothing for the facilities they use here. That’s not right in my mind so I support the higher fees for WA boaters.
Comment by John Austin — February 24, 2012 @ 8:32 pm
John, I’ve been told that, in the past couple of years, the city has only charged fees for the 3rd street launch sometimes; that many folks launch there for free. Here’s my guess: Either the city is mismanaging it, or they are purposefully charging fewer boaters so they can “report” fewer users and try to convince the public that the 3rd street launch is unnecessary. What do you think?
Comment by mary — February 24, 2012 @ 8:39 pm
So you admit that WA boater pay more. It is right on the price board. You agree that WA boater should pay more to use ID waters but it is the city that is collecting the launch fee, not the state. That doesn’t sound a little crooked to you since it is STATE waterways? Shouldn’t the state be collecting the difference since it is because they do not license their boats here? It still sounds like the city is trying to scam a buck off of our neighbors to the west.
Comment by concerned citizen — February 24, 2012 @ 9:06 pm
Mary, you said someone told you something and you have heard something, too. Well, we all hear things and are told things second hand. As far as the launch fees, Diamond collects those for the city and has a stake in the amount collected so there’s no reason for them to forgive any fees.
The bottom line to this discussion is this: fewer locals use the launch and clearly more locals would benefit from facilities that would replace it. Sure, I have nostalgia about the Third Street launch that goes back fifty years but it is time to move on and replace them with better facilities. Silver Beach would be a much better place, right off I-90, than having to wind through the increasingly busy streets of downtown.
I appreciate your concerns but I believe it’s time to move on and make the watefront something more locals can use.
Comment by John Austin — February 24, 2012 @ 10:07 pm
Well and then we have those pesky voters and their silly elections. The most recent of which had a very, VERY clear message for you and your masters John – NO! Except you and they choose not to listen. S’OK, more election will happen. In the mean time, expect a lot of resistance to further stupid spending and arrogant out of touch projects. Soon you and your elitist friends will be able to tell each other all about the missed opportunities the ignorant masses voted for. And we will be able to be free of the tyranny of un-elected tax leaches and their “public-private” overpaid myrmidons.
Comment by Pariah — February 24, 2012 @ 11:39 pm
OK John, please answer these questions.
Does the LCDC have the money to pay for the removal and replacement of the boat launch?
Does the LCDC have the money to pay for the removal and replacement of the ball fields?
How about I answer for you since we ALL know the answer. NO IT DOES NOT! The city council LIED when they said the LCDC had the money to do this project. What you fail to understand is it is NOT as much about the park, launch, ball fields, etc. It is about the lies and deceit at our expense to get what they want. The LCDC has the money to “START THE FIRST PHASE” not including the replacement of the boat launch and also not including the replacement of the ball fields. The lies and deceit are intentional on the part of all of the stakeholders which is just plain wrong John and you know it.
Comment by concerned citizen — February 25, 2012 @ 6:58 am
concerned citizen,
I agree in part when you said, “The lies and deceit are intentional on the part of all the stakeholders,” but I don’t agree that all the stakeholders are lying and deceiving. Part of the problem is that while the card-carrying members of the Mullan Avenue Gang at Corrupt d’Alene City Hall and 105 N. First Street, Suite 100 believe only they have sole authority to define who is a “stakeholder,” the fact is that the stakeholders include all the taxpayers, ratepayers, and fee payers who have a stake in the betterment of the City.
Until more of the real stakeholders work up the courage to speak up, the majority will continue to succumb to tyrannical rule by the vocal minority, some of them exhibiting symptoms of antisocial personality disorders and narcissism.
Comment by Bill — February 25, 2012 @ 7:27 am
John Austin understands his role here. His purpose is obfuscation and, if at all possible, indoctrination (even if his arguments are resoundingly transparent). This is why I never even attempt to have intelligent interactions with the man. He is not here to learn anything. His mind is not open to any of your ideas. His heart is closed to any of your sufferings. He is 100% URD focused and as driven and as calloused as any Islamic Mullah pursing their reformist jihad. Or a more apt analogy might be to try and cure a 15 year old wart with diluted cat urine. All you’re gonna get is sticky and smelly and the wart will not change one iota (and it does not mind the stench).
Comment by Wallypog — February 25, 2012 @ 7:42 am
Wally and Pariah can make this a personal attack on me and it doesn’t matter. I will agree to respectfully disagree with them and that is all.
CC, the city has said they have the money for the ‘footprint’ or phase one of the McEuen Field upgrade. That’s what is under design now and will be bid later this year. That phase does not include the removal of the launch or the ball fields. Meanwhile the city is looking to acquire land at Cherry Hill for the latter while working to do the same at Silver Beach for a new launch. They are also looking for funding partners for both projects, which is appropriate in my view, because I think those who will utilize those facilities should have a role in their financing.
LCDC’s part in this is clearly defined and fully funded. Remove the five acres of asphalt to create new greenspace that everyone can enjoy. A new, elevated Front Avenue promenade will look out over that new expanse of greenspace and walkways leading to Tubbs Hill.
Don’t forget the original plan for LCDC included funding for this so it has been a 15-year plan that is now coming to fruition.
I would suggest we wait and see what the city comes up with for replacement of the other facilities before we decide if they have the funds for them or not.
Comment by John Austin — February 25, 2012 @ 9:02 am
John, I have carefully studied the Silver Beach site. Both from our boat and the shore. Not even close to being equal, let alone better. And in several areas, actually dangerous. And yes, it is a fair question to ask about available funds. I’m still perusing your previous answer. If the funding has been included in the original 15 year plan, why are they borrowing it now. Why not “back when”? When I want something and state I have the money, I have said money in hand. Oh what a tangled web…….
Comment by rochereau — February 25, 2012 @ 9:31 am
Really? Respectful? Like this:
Spinning, word warbling and obfuscation are far from respectful John A, nor is the pull out quote above. But then that is par for your odd little course of conduct. Did you and Berns take the same classes or is it native talent?
Comment by Pariah — February 25, 2012 @ 9:46 am
Roch, the city’s plans for McEuen had to wait until enough new taxes had accrued in LCDC’s Lake District to pay for the improvements. Along the way funds were used for two very worthy projects, the Library and Kroc Center. Now the city has the funds, via the plan LCDC has had in place all these years, so construction can begin.
The Silver Beach site will be great. I used to keep my boat at the marina there and it was really nice. I’m looking forward to the city getting the funding in place so that better site can be built.
Comment by John Austin — February 25, 2012 @ 11:04 am
That launch is simply in the wrong place period. Much better use of that space can be utilized for local enjoyment hands down. In fact take the parking out and the launch and the McEuen Squad has enough space there alone to do all the magical crap they want WITHOUT having to touch the baseball field.
How about putting the parking right in front of the Library that way its still close to the city core. I mean if you are reading a book what matter if your overlooking grass or parking. That’ll never happen but it’s a thought.
Comment by Eric — February 25, 2012 @ 11:51 am
Eric, I had proposed a zoo, at least 2 years ago at that location. That would bring folks downtown all year long, but I neglected to understand the owners of the condo’s want to look out at scenery.
Comment by Gary Ingram — February 25, 2012 @ 3:37 pm
Gary,
All the condo canyon dwellers have to do to see a zoo is look out their windows at the Sherman Avenue bars and alleys on Saturday night.
Comment by Bill — February 25, 2012 @ 5:45 pm