Byway route distressing for region's visitors

In June, my family had a wonderful visit to Sandpoint. It is a beautiful city and we especially loved the lakeside park.

We were distressed, however, to read about the plans for the "bypass." The current route will ruin the atmosphere and the scenic quality of the town. I hope the leaders of Sandpoint will listen to community concerns and develop and alternative that will ensure that Sandpoint retains its character well into the future. Doing so, as we continue to learn here in the mountains of North Carolina, makes economic as well as aesthetic sense.

MONROE GILMOUR

Black Mountain, N.C.