This morning was the CBNI Forum on Urban Renewal. The “clear the air” forum. I admit that I had reservations and concerns about this. But I was glad that I went and feel that the CBNI did the community a favor.

The forum was moderated by Freeman Duncan. Mr. Duncan has been involved with Urban Renewal in Post Falls for years. Some call him the architect of the Economic Redevelopment Act. The panelists included the LCDC’s Tony Berns and the Post Falls URA’s Luke Malek. Also present were Steve Giffitts of Jobs Plus and Jay Townsend, City Administrator for Hayden who also serves as the Hayen URD executive director.

The audience consisted of a lot of key players in the community. A quorum of the CDA City Council was present. Mayor Larken and City Administrator Eric Keck were present from Post Falls. School District 271 Supernintendo Harry Amend was there, as was Dr. Priscilla Bell of NIC. Political people were there, including congressional candidate Walter Minnick, county candidates Tom Cronin and Tim Herzog. Tom Malzahn and Rick Curry from Kootenai Co. were there, as were many others.

Questions were submitted in advance. They were presented in a summarized fashion by Mr. Duncan. Overall I thought that they were good questions. My concern was that the questions would be canned. Some were, but there were some hard-hitting, legitimate questions. It was obvious from the tone of the questions that there is a broad interest in Urban Renewal. I maintain, however, that the format was not equipped for follow-up. Like the Republic Women’s forum on the LCDC, there were no amplifications made to answers. Eventually we need a public forum that allows that type of interaction. I believe people want it. I think Urban Renewal would benefit from it.

The best part of the forum took place afterwards, when an impromptu circle was formed. Ron Nilson of Groundforce Engineering asked some very honest and pointed questions about the LCDC and the Education Corridor. Tony Berns, LCDC vice-chair Jim Elder, Deanna Goodlander, and NIC Trustee Judy Meyer offered some honest answers. The interaction was fantastic.

Granted, nothing was “solved,” but that’s not the point. The point is that the various concerns are legitimate. The LCDC must understand that there is life outside of their circle. People want to know what’s going on. When the public lacks information, we assume that either A) we’re being kept in the dark or B) that the LCDC doesn’t really know. Both situations are bad for any agency, especially one that spends the peoples’ money.

Two issues I brought up were the Education Corridor and the dilapidated homes on Lincoln Ave.

On the Education Corridor, I asked Deanna Goodlander that if it’s so good, and will benefit the community so much, why doesn’t the City of Coeur d’Alene ask the voters for a $10M bond? I said that if, as Dr. Bell told our congressional delegation, “only a few are opposed to the Education Corridor”, why doesn’t the City ask the people? Let’s get the questions answered on infrastructure and impact on Northwest Blvd. Let’s see a plan. Let’s have public hearings. But Deanna quickly changed the subject.

Why?

On Lincoln Way I asked if the LCDC had any plans to share regarding their property there. I’ve heard that the houses were to be torn down and a parking lot put up. Or that they would help put in commercial support for the Education Corridor. But Tony Berns and Jim Elder could only say that they purchase is part of the “strategic” plan. In other words, the area could be anything, but right now nothing definite is set. As a taxpayer, I would like more than that answer. I want solid plans, like they have in Post Falls and elsewhere in the state. Otherwise, what are we getting into?

Also, dear Deanna Goodlander: repeating over and over again that “we are all about openness” does not make you open. For me this forum was a step toward openness, and I hope that those who can change things for the better were listening.

Regardless of the passion and posturing, it’s good to be heard. Sometimes that’s all the public wants. Indeed, the public’s needs and concerns must be primary when spending our money and planning for the future. Why not get the public involved? Therefore, I commend CBNI for hosting this forum. There is obviously a deep concern within the community for more information regarding Urban Renewal. Hopefully more will come soon.