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In his two-bits worth opinion piece in this morning’s skewspaper, developer John Stone tried to defend his proposal to use public money from North Idaho College and Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency (LCDC) to build an event center some distance from the College campus.
In support of his “vision” (where have we heard that term before?), Stone promised, “We can assure you that the final design will be up to Riverstone standards, will be complimentary to its surroundings, and will become something that the community can point to with great pride.”
Here’s a photographic example of “Riverstone standards” taken this morning from Northwest Boulevard:
Yeah, nothing says “Welcome to Coeur d’Alene” like a gorgeous view of the HVAC equipment on top of Regal Cinemas.
OpenCdA urges Coeur d’Alene’s citizens to pay very close attention to whose bank accounts will be enriched by affiliation with Stone’s proposed project. Take a very close look at the connections between Stone and Coeur d’Alene officials including present and former City Council members and present and former NIC Trustees and Foundation members. Then ask: Are these people pushing this project and particularly its siting because they want to better fulfill the mission of North Idaho College, or are they really more interested in increasing the value of their own nearby investments?
North Idaho College supposedly exists to deliver excellent community college vocational training and education. It does not exist to serve as a conduit for public money to be used to enrich North Idaho College Trustees and Foundation members. So far, OpenCdA has seen nothing from Stone or North Idaho College demonstrating that the proposed event center is anything other than some well-placed cronies trying to help Stone recoup his losses on Riverstone and line their own pockets at the same time.
Maybe it’s time for the citizens of Coeur d’Alene to let our public officials know that “Riverstone standards” aren’t even close to good enough.
I laughed when I read Stone’s comments. Riverstone should have been an outstanding example of land planning and architecture. Unfortunately, it is the epitome of lack of good land planning, architecture and development. The recent addition of Mc Donalds at the entrance only adds to the nondescript mix of architecture. Let me put it this way, I have yet to read of any AIA awards of merit on this project.
The city spent $100,000 to beautify the Northwest Boulevard entrance to the city. Those ugly HVAC units are an eyesore of which Stone is well aware yet refuses to install the needed modest screening. Riverstone standards no doubt..
Comment by Susie Snedaker — July 27, 2013 @ 10:50 am
Rumor has it that the AIA created a special award for Riverstone. It’s called “The Sarah L. Winchester Award for Design Excellence.” That may not be correct, however.
Comment by Bill — July 27, 2013 @ 12:35 pm
That’ll haunt ’em.
Comment by Dan Gookin — July 27, 2013 @ 12:52 pm
Anyone know what is going in by the Mill River Condos starting in the LOW 200K range on Seltice Way? Also, across the street is a massive sprawl of new apartments. Also the Atlas/Seltice intersection is a nightmare … police park it accordingly to catch speeders going to and fro while the intersection is begging for a massive accident. We/I approach it very cautiously, because we know, while the unsuspecting traveler will not have a clue. It’s just a matter of time.
Comment by Stebbijo — July 27, 2013 @ 1:30 pm
Stebbijo,
I recall seeing something about it in the paper, but I don’t remember exactly what it is. Maybe Susie or Dan will recall.
Comment by Bill — July 27, 2013 @ 3:30 pm
Signalization was mentioned in the recent former mill site annexation hearings. I think that it was determined that a percentage of the cost of signalization of that intersection would be paid by each owner of the individual former mill sites, Atlas and Stimson, and the city. No doubt it will not happen in the near future as the former Stimson site is still in the county.
Comment by Susie Snedaker — July 28, 2013 @ 12:01 pm