Draft long-range plan on bypass alternatives

I have read a number of letters to the editor proclaiming Sand Creek is nothing but a mudflat for most of the year and it isn't worth much to our community. I strongly disagree.

I worked on the Cedar Street Bridge for some six years. Every year I could stand on the east end walkway over Sand Creek and watch the gathering of migratory waterfowl. Each year, I saw hundreds of Hooded Nerganzers, Canada geese, Goldeneye, Buffel Head and more, gather to prepare for migration.

During the year, I could see kayakers come up the creek, paddle boats, powered boats and various types of craft. (Do you remember the old junker houseboat?) During the winter, I could see ice skaters and at the southern end, people playing ice hockey.

I have always found the view of snowcapped mountains across the lake to be both comforting as well as peaceful and beautiful. (I feel the same about the mountains in the non-snow season.) We truly live in a most spectacular place.

The "new" boardwalk that was built from Sandpoint Marina (the Old Power House) along the back side of many businesses that face First Avenue on one side and Sand Creek on the other was built to encourage more people boating on the lake to use their means of transportation to access this quaint community.

As to the ongoing battle about the byway, there seems to be enough confusion, disagreement and debate to warrant a reevaluation of what is truly best for Sandpoint and Bonner County. The ITD in its own report stated, "This will not solve the traffic problems of Sandpoint, but will move 10-15 percent of the traffic out of town." The report is rather old.

My opinion, don't do anything with the byway at this time. Reevaluate alternatives with a comprehensive, long-range plan.

MICHAEL HARMELIN

Sandpoint