Sandpoint byway is a must have item

The byway around Sandpoint is a must have. I have been in this city ever since I was born, which has been 20 years. I have seen how traffic and passing trucks have choked this town to death.

I hear people say "it going to hurt the downtown from pulling businesses in." Don't you think it's right to say it would help? When I drive through downtown (right now) there is so much traffic there isn't time to look.

During the summer, traffic gets backed up on the Long Bridge. Now why would someone want to move here or visit here. If I was coming to see Sandpoint during the summer I would be like, yeah right, I just want to get through here and see what is on the other side. Plus I don't see how the bypass is going to hurt the beauty of Sand Creek. Have you looked on the other side of Sand Creek? You see the back sides of building that aren't that great of view. Oh yeah, can't forget about the wildlife back there, hobos and hippies. I have been in this town long enough to know what happens back there and all the drifters who hide there until the next train comes.

If everyone is so concerned about the view of it, how about the train station and trains? Oh wait, that won't change … that's all anyone is scared about is change.

Who knows it could work out or not. So all you people out there that loves hobos and the grungy look of the Sand Creek woods back there let me ask you this — we live in Idaho, we have a huge lake, the Pack River and many other great things, why are we whining about something that will do good for everyone else?

To conclude, if you want the beauty of this great place to improve then take out the Long Bridge and the train bridge. Think what you are fighting.

TRAVIS GARRISON

Sandpoint