Let's be unified to build the byway

With the ongoing debate over whether or not to build the byway, I've taken time to research the issue for myself.

I've visited the ITD byway office on Second Avenue, studied the selected route and viewed the artists rendition of its final appearance.

I've gone to the library and read the Environmental Impact Statement and the rebuttal from NICAN. I have ridden my bike along the entire proposed route, taking note of how we are currently utilizing the property and visualizing the impact of the finished byway. I have talked to many people on both sides of the issue. I've attended some of the public forums and heard the debates.

My opinion, after this research is; if we truly had a viable alternative it would be an obvious choice or would have been done long ago. Those opposed have not come up with a workable plan that is realistically close to the benefits of the byway. The oppositions overriding issue is not so much the actual route but that the ITD cannot be trusted to follow through with its plan. Then let's set up a watchdog group that holds the ITD accountable.

Once the byway is built and landscaped, with the added bike/walking trails designed by North Idaho Pathways the accessibility of the Sand Creek area will be greatly enhanced. The railroad committed the route as a transportation corridor long ago and that's not likely to change. We should utilize the same route and minimize the development of new transportation corridors that, whether you like it or not, will have to cross another section of water (ie: Pend Oreille River) and have some type of negative impact.

I have owned businesses on both First (on the shores of Sand Creek) and Cedar streets and have first-hand experience what the traffic and parking challenges are. I continue to shop downtown but truly look forward to the day that First and Cedar can be developed into a relaxed shopping experience.

I've heard the comment that people will not stop in Sandpoint any more as they take the byway route. When you poll people as to what initially attracted them to Sandpoint, it's the "Long Bridge experience" that is the irresistible first impression, not the hassle of traveling through a crowded downtown or the seasonal beauty of Sand Creek.

Let's be unified to build the byway, holding the ITD accountable, creating an enhanced parks/bike trail system for all residents and visitors to enjoy and add to the excellent improvements in downtown to make the downtown business district the "second most irresistible first impression".

My wife Sue and I have lived in Bonner County for 22 years. She supports my opinion.

DON HELANDER

Sandpoint