A question has come up regarding the usability of the soil in the proposed Education Corridor. One of the many questions taxpayers — and responsible stewards of the peoples’ money — should be asking is, “How much will it cost to clean up the old mill site?”


The question will probably be asked, but whether the Education Corridor “partners” choose to answer it, or let us know of the soil condition, remains to be seen. You would think that such information would be part of the purchaser’s knowledge going into the thing in the first place. Now that would amount to accountability. But I digress.

The concerned reader warned of a small lake on the property. Actually, they said, “two ponds,” but I know of only one. It’s the Stormwater Control Basin between Hubbard and the (still private) homes on Military. Here is a map:

The Stormwater basin is located near the bottom, colored navy blue in the map. A darker green blob in the middle of the blue area shows approximately where the water collects.

Here is an image showing the warning sign in the alleyway just south of the blue area:

These three images are taken from the alley behind Military Dr., just to the east of the Stormwater basin:

Danger? Will it be cleaned up? What will the cost be? Why isn’t that cost calculated in the purchase price? Or is it? One of the basic issues with the Education Corridor is that facts flow from Coeur d’Alene City Hall like a faucet firmly turned off. So the public doesn’t know whether this liability is included — or subtracted — from the mill’s value. Regardless, the thing must be dealt with eventually.

How about that pristine river front? Here’s a shot:

Granted, someday this may provide nice river access for the public. Or at least a beautiful view for those educational administrators and staff who are fortunate enough to have office space right there. But it looks to me like it needs to be cleaned up as well. What’s the cost? How much will it add to the already $10 million purchase price?

Like all decisions, the more information we have, the better we can plan for the future. The issue for me isn’t education. That’s a proven necessity. The issue instead is responsibility to the taxpayer and the dearth of information coming from Mayor Bloem and this project’s supporters.