Hern Iron Works has been a long time nuisance to the residents in Coeur d'Alene. Although Coeur d'Alene continues to grow rapidly and city residents surround this small triangle of county land, it has yet to change zoning laws.
For years, Hern polluted our air and sacrificed our health with toxic smoke emitted by burning scrap metal, trash and other dangerous materials. We were forced to shut our windows on every pleasant day of the year and suffered health consequences when spending time outside.
They have started fires that spread quickly north, threatening the neighborhood and requiring emergency services.
Hern is a constant source of noise pollution through the night and into the early morning. They blare music during all hours of the night and into the morning. Power tools, crashing and banging occur at all hours. Obnoxious hollering can be heard over these sounds.
Hern litters a huge portion of our beautiful area with gigantic junk piles strewn throughout the property and is visible from every direction. They often bring vehicle shells or random rusted items out to the edge of Atlas and Hanley in an attempt to sell them. Herns property houses multiple, large and colorful aluminum units, all surrounded by piles of junk and randomly tossed items. One might mistake it for a junkyard while out for a stroll on our scenic walking trails. Recently, they went a step further and cut down the entire barrier of pine trees that helped conceal the eyesore. Even after numerous complaints from a wide range of people and visits from the Sheriff Dept, Hern has responded in an unfriendly manner and has refused to help rectify the situation or even remotely compromise.
In order to put nuisance and junk regulations into place, among others, we must change the zoning. Hern Iron Works has strongly fought this zone change in the past. With help from residents, we can help sway the decision making process.
