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Coeur d’Alene makes national news, again, for something negative. A North Idaho College employee who ran for public office, Teresa Borrenpohl, was dragged out of a town hall, nearly losing her shirt. The CDA Press reported phenomenally despite reports of their credentialed reporter being “hit in the face by a security guard” and leaving early because “[she didn’t] feel safe [there].” We witnessed a cut over her eyebrow. The KCRCC and Lear Asset Management subsequently faced a rebuke from the city and Coeur d’Alene Police Chief White. One must wonder, will the sheriff resign? Will the KCRCC take responsibility for its actions? A video on it’s Facebook page seems to indicate the KCRCC is endorsing and explaining the treatment of Ms. Borrenpohl.

Watch the removal of Ms. Borrenpohl here. Below is a video from a different side of the room. Many senior citizens are booing, walking out, standing up, and yelling at the moderator, Ed Bejarana, and “interrupting” the town hall. None were physically removed. This creates a question: Was Teresa Borrenpohl targeted because of politics?

Ed Bejarana, creator and former host of the now-defunct podcast, Idaho Speaks, loudly proclaimed to the “Rabble Rousers” in the crowd, “Your voice is meaningless now.” However, not one candidate backed by the KCRCC won seats on the Coeur d’Alene City Council or the NIC Board of Trustees. The people’s choice resulted in NIC being back on track to full accreditation. Ironic? Maybe it is the KCRCC whose voice is meaningless now. Certainly, they lose credibility by doubling down on this tragic event.

I-90 will be widened from 2-4 lanes from US-95 to SH-41.

Fentanyl has become a more prevalent drug in today’s society. At the local skate park, there have been numerous accidents involving said drug. The City has put in place Narcan Nasal Spray to help anyone needing to use these in an emergency. So far 25 sprays have been used. (See Narcan Maintenance Log) Narcan is a medicine brand of Naloxone. Naloxone rapidly reverses the effects of overdose of Fentanyl. This type of overdose is just called opioid overdose. Naloxone works by attaching itself to opioid receptors and blocking any other opioids. Opioids include codeine, morphine, fentanyl, and heroin. Although fentanyl is a danger to literally anyone, anyone can also spread awareness.

The Coeur d’Alene City Council approved a variance allowing Lamar Advertising, a $13 billion company, to relocate and digitize a two-sided billboard from Northwest Boulevard to 3119 N. 2nd Street. The 4-2 vote granted exceptions for height and proximity to residential zones, sparking debate over undue hardship, corporate influence, and community impact. While supporters highlighted the benefits of digital billboards for public safety messages, critics raised concerns about light pollution, traffic hazards, and the fairness of billboard-specific variances. The council also discussed revisiting ordinances to make the relocation process more business-friendly.

Coeur d’Alene Approves Controversial Lamar Billboard Relocation Despite Public Concerns

In a contentious vote, the Coeur d’Alene City Council approved Lamar Advertising’s request to relocate and digitize a two-sided, 300-square-foot V-shaped billboard from 1621 Northwest Boulevard to 3119 N. 2nd Street, adjacent to Government Way. The decision, which passed 4-2, has sparked criticism over potential conflicts of interest, public safety concerns, and the broader impact of digital billboards on the community.

A $12 Billion Company Seeking Special Treatment?

Lamar Advertising, a national billboard giant with reported revenues of $12 billion, argued that the relocation was necessary due to site restrictions and safety standards. However, some residents and council members questioned why a corporation of this size needed a variance when other businesses must adhere to strict zoning regulations.

Public testimony revealed additional concerns, with local resident Jeff Connaway criticizing the council for allowing billboard companies to receive variances that other businesses, such as small sign owners, are denied. He also pointed out that the proposed digital billboard would be significantly larger and brighter than any nearby business signage, potentially disrupting the neighborhood’s character.

Conflict of Interest Allegations and Community Concerns

Further complicating the matter, Councilmember Christie Wood cast a vote in favor of the relocation despite her husband’s long-time employment as an account executive at Lamar Advertising. While Wood denied any conflict of interest, some residents have raised concerns about the impartiality of the council’s decision-making process. During the last election cycle, she and Dan Gookin shared space on a Lamar billboard located on NorthwesW Blvd.

Councilmembers Kiki Miller and Amy Evans, both of whom voted against the proposal, expressed their reservations about Lamar’s claim of “undue hardship” and the long-term impact of digital billboards on Coeur d’Alene. Miller specifically cited concerns over nighttime visibility and driver distraction, calling digital billboards “hazardous” in certain locations.

Billboards vs. Community Values

As highlighted in The CDA News, the city has long debated the role of billboards in Coeur d’Alene’s landscape. The publication previously reported that electronic billboards can be a distraction to drivers, contribute to light pollution, and diminish the city’s natural beauty. Coeur d’Alene has historically limited billboards, with only eight off-premises signs currently permitted within city limits.

Critics argue that allowing more digital billboards contradicts the city’s commitment to dark sky preservation and community aesthetics. While Lamar has pledged to use some billboard space for public safety messages, opponents remain skeptical about prioritizing corporate interests over local values.

What’s Next?

Following the approval, some council members, including Miller and Evans, have suggested revisiting the city’s ordinance on billboard relocations. Others, like Councilmember Dan Gookin, noted that billboards, massage parlors, and liquor stores are among the few businesses in the city that require special permission to relocate—a process he believes should be streamlined.

As Coeur d’Alene moves forward with this decision, residents and businesses alike are left questioning whether billboard regulations truly serve the public interest or if they primarily benefit large corporations like Lamar Advertising.

Watch to see who is on the billboard during election season. Evans, Miller, and Gabriel will be on the ballot in November. Evans and Miller were the only “No” votes on the matter.

Photo by Josh Sanabria on Unsplash

Lamar Advertising of Spokane is requesting a variance in conjunction with a relocation and digitization of a two-sided 300 square foot v-build billboard; current location is 1621 Northwest Boulevard to be removed and relocated to 3119 N. 2nd Street, while addressed off of 2nd Street, the billboard would be adjacent to Government Way.

Existing billboard site

The issue of bright billboards has very quietly meandered its way through city council and law. Such a bright item may have caught the attention of concerned citizens but little news coverage occurred. Perhaps most troubling is that councilmember Christie Wood will vote to approve relocating billboards, allowing electronic billboards within city limits, and whether applicants can received a variance. She insists she has no conflict of interest regardless of her husband’s current and longtime position as an account executive at Lamar Advertising. Lamar Advertising is the applicant in today’s hearing.

Councilmembers Kiki Miller and Amy Evans recently attempted to repeal the previous decision to allow electronic billboards–perhaps taking into account input from Jeff Conway, who served on the city’s sign board for 20 years. In a public meeting, he said, “We have such density in this town already with on-premises signs, there’s no place for outdoor advertising within the city. In the county, sure. Post Falls wants to have billboards all along I-90, fine.” He also described electronic signs as “distracting and dangerous.”

The council meeting was contentious and can be viewed here.

Proposed location for the new electronic billboard.

Bill Buley reported last year, “The city has eight off-premises billboards, meaning it’s promoting a business elsewhere, within its limits. Four of them are on Northwest Boulevard, two along Interstate 90 and Seltice Way, and two on U.S. 95.” The city’s previously stated commitment to promoting dark skies is related to the placement of electronic billboards and their energy use, and their potential intrusive nature. We covered the dark-sky declarations here and here.

One of our team members traveled to Duke University for a leadership conference. He saw some ways NIC can increase tourism, training for hospitality workers, and support the service economy of Coeur d’Alene. Here is what he said:

I made a trip to North Carolina to experience a National Student Leadership Conference. This conference was focused on leadership skills and developing the basic skills of engineering. This conference was held at Duke University, and it enabled us to do things like stay in the dorms, use their food courts, and enjoy their location. This leadership conference was something that could easily be pulled off right in Coeur d’Alene. It would enable the world to witness the beauty of our city as well as develop the learning experiences that we provide for teenagers at this time. NIC could do the same thing. They often hold sports camps through the summer, and they could easily hold similar camps that are designed to increase learning and interest in certain career paths. In all, Coeur d’Alene is ready for something like this, and it would benefit the community.

Recent public comments made at a city council meeting revealed concern about residential light pollution. The concern relates to demolishing of old homes and replacing them with bigger and taller structures, the loss of trees, and the resultant light that travels from a neighboring house. The city declared “Dark-sky Week” multiple times over the past two years. We covered it here. A few city council members, Dan English and Dan Gookin voiced support for city staff to look into this issue. Mayor McEvers also verbalized support.

Pictured above, under construction, is the Thomas George building which replaces a single-story US Bank. This building was not the subject of the public comment. However, what is the feasibility of creating and enforcing an ordinance regarding residential lights shining onto neighboring properties? How much cost does it add to the design and construction process? Does this type of law exist in other Idaho communities? Councilmember Dan Gookin cited the city of Hailey, Idaho, which has one such ordinance.

Trader Joe’s opened for business. A constant stream of customers kept the parking lot and shopping lines full, and the crew kept the shelves stocked.

Murals of City Beach, Tubbs Hill, and the Coeur d’Alene Resort give Trader Joe’s its signature neighborhood local feel. While many customers have commented on the atypical large parking lot for TJ’s, it was surprisingly packed, inspiring some patrons to park down the street and walk.

Welcome to CdA, Trader Joe’s!

Besides national and state elections that CDA voters cannot impact, Coeur d’Alene voters will elect three NIC Trustees, vote on an amendment to the Idaho Constitution, (Prop 1), and a school district levy.

NIC Trustees

Voting for blocks of individuals in non-partisan races seems unwise and inappropriate. The official local Republican party, known as the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC) endorsed three candidates, including incumbent Greg McKenzie. Opposing candidates Durbin, Knudtsen, and Havercroft enjoy the support of a Political Action Committee, North Idaho Republicans. The CDA News endorses Durbin, Knudtsen, and Havercroft given the dire circumstances. Ideally, a more diverse board could be elected but KCRCC-endorsed local candidates have nearly destroyed all of the public institutions they’ve touched in the last four years.

Prop 1 (Ranked choice voting)

CDA News endorses Prop 1 to make every vote count. In addition, we will elect more moderate candidates. In theory, this will lead to greater compromise and put power back in the hands of the people. Prop 1 will give power back to voters rather than a committee conducting a backroom litmus test. In addition, it appears to be a fiscally responsible proposition.

CDA News supports and endorses the school levy.

Predictions

Prop 1 will fail. The levy will narrowly pass. Knudtsen will win by a large margin due to name recognition. Durbin and Havercroft will have tighter margins and win. Barely. While we largely avoid county races, it will be interesting to see how incumbent Kootenai County Sheriff Norris will fare after he removed “inappropriate” books from the public library. Trump will win Idaho by a large margin but lose the electoral college.

Councilman Dan English announced his forthcoming resignation from the igniteCDA board. He also disclosed his conversation with future mayor Woody McEvers in which he suggested councilmember Kiki Miller take his place. He cited her work for attainable housing over the last several years. Urban renewal has often been a source of disdain for other council members (i.e. Dan Gookin) due to the frequent result of housing and other opportunities for the wealthy and part-time residents of the city.

Coeur d’Alene city council members exercise power with well-intentioned political stunt.

Normally, if a property owner wishes to change the zoning for their property they have to petition the city’s planning commission and ultimately the city council. Not tomorrow, much to the chagrin of state-elected officials and at least one NIC trustee, who voiced opposition at an August city council meeting. The council will vote on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, to impose a new zoning overlay on land owned by North Idaho College (NIC) in the form of a University District. The stated intention is to protect the land from private development and transformation of NIC into what some call a “Christian nationalist college.” The worries stem from the threatened loss of accreditation. However, “much of NIC’s main campus sits on a tract of land donated to Kootenai County by the Winton Lumber Company for the purpose of developing a public park, public hospital or public educational institution…. “The county conveyed the land to the North Idaho Junior College District in August 1941. The property is deed-restricted and must be used for public education or a public hospital. It cannot be used for commercial purposes.” In addition the the city’s recently updated comprehensive plan designates much if not all NIC land for civic use. Thirty-two of the 50+ acres, the heart of NIC, all land west of Hubbard, North of Lakeshore, and south of River is zoned R-17. R-17 zoning allowances are listed in the table below.

The proposed imposition risks legal challenges and brings additional pitfalls. NIC did not request any action. Is it legal? Perhaps the biggest concern is that the new District intensifies the land use. Changing the zoning from R-17 to U-District gives the landowner very broad guidelines, few restrictions, and minimizes influence citizens may have on future proposals. The following vague uses will be permitted by right: 

• Business Supply Retail Sales 
• Cell phone towers
• Convenience Sales
• Convenience Services
• Faculty Housing

What does this mean? A Maverick on NIC’s campus? A hotel? A special use permit will allow construction of hotel(s)/motel(s) “when integral to Community Education.” A city that relies so heavily on tourism could easily justify the need for a hotel at NIC. Essex University located in Colchester, England, Britain’s first city, has an on-campus hotel run by university students. Maybe NIC will follow suit to train future hospitality leaders. Or, maybe retirees will again embrace university studies to live on the beautiful campus. It already happens across the country. 

At best, this is an example of one stakeholder attempting to protect an institution from polarizing political influences and cement the institution’s destiny. Perhaps they are following leadership from Kootenai Health, which gave up taxing authority to transition from a community to a non-profit hospital, simultaneously minimizing extreme political influence. Ulterior motives could be at play as council member Christie Wood floated the idea of working with [NIC] to create workforce housing. Why not let NIC determine what happens with its land? Ultimately, the timing is terrible. Accreditors will make a final visit to the college in October to reduce sanctions or revoke accreditation and require a teach-out. Ultimately, city council members will express a damning vote of no-confidence in NIC at a critical time and despite improvements in enrollment and governance.

November will bring new Trustees to NIC, governance will improve, and accreditation will remain in place. If so, will not this action have been an exercise in futility?