(1) Why do this now?
Revitalization of East Sherman is a priority project for the community as identified in the CDA 2030 Implementation Plan, which was based on input from over 3,000 community members gathered in 2014. The current East Sherman master planning effort began in 2015. A previous effort in 2008/2009 to develop a vision and zoning for the area was stymied by the great recession. Additionally, some community members expressed concern that there was not enough public involvement and others were opposed to proposed building heights. City Council validated the importance of East Sherman when they adopted a 2017/2018 Work Plan for the Planning Department that included the East Sherman Master Plan as a priority project.
The City was selected for technical assistance by Community Builders in August 2017. Technical assistance from Community Builders and their partners will enable the City and CDA 2030 to complete the master plan in 2019 by providing design and economic development expertise, a zoning code audit, and assistance with additional community engagement. Once a master plan is completed and adopted by the City Council, implementation efforts can begin.
(2) Project support and funding
In late 2017, the City applied for and was awarded technical assistance from Community Builders, a non-project organization based in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to work closely with citizens to develop a community-driven action plan for East Sherman Avenue. The project is being funded through a combination of funds from Community Builders and the City.
(3) What part of Sherman Avenue is this project focused on?
The boundaries of the project area are roughly 8th Street (West), Coeur d’Alene Avenue (North), Interstate 90 (East), and Mullan Avenue (South).
Please click here for a map of the project area.
(4) Who is Community Builders? Why are they working with us?
Community Builders is a nonprofit organization based in Glenwood Springs, CO who helps build successful, prosperous places by strengthening local leadership, supporting on the ground change, and inspiring local action. Community Builders offers technical assistance at low or no cost to communities within Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico.
In late 2017, the City of Coeur d’Alene applied for and was accepted to receive technical assistance from Community Builders. Community Builders staff are helping to provide advice and guidance to the City throughout the project.
(5) What’s the timeline? How long will this take?
This portion of the East Sherman project will begin in March of 2018 and the master plan will be completed in 2019. Then implementation can begin. See the Where are we going? page for more information.
(6) What’s in it for us? What do we get out of the process?
This effort is aimed at supporting and complementing local efforts and strategic planning for East Sherman Avenue. We seek to understand community aspirations for East Sherman and the place they want it to become in the future. We cannot do that in a vacuum. Participating in these discussions allows you to share your particular needs, challenges, ideas and hopes, which ultimately shape the outcomes and recommendations of the project. Your involvement is critical!
(7) What is the City’s role in the future of East Sherman Avenue?
Government’s role in the future of East Sherman is to create good infrastructure, facilitate and support private sector partnerships and facilitate economic opportunities. Local government can assist entrepreneurs, employers, industry and small business by connecting them to resources that are available. Local governments are also responsible for creating a regulatory scheme that reflects their constituent’s needs and desires and also serves the community in a way to promote a sustainable and prosperous economy and quality of life.