City Land Swap Challenged As Unconstitutional

In Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, a proposed land swap between the city and the Salvation Army is being criticized as unconstitutional by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. The Coeur d'Alene Spokesman Review today reports that the swap will be carried out through the city's Parks Foundation. Land valued at $1 million will be given to the Salvation Army in exchange for a different parcel of nearly equal value. The Salvation Army will use the land to construct a $30 million community center that will house athletic facilities and a 400-seat chapel. The city will also spend $3 million to prepare the land for construction.