Study issue and vote for heights where appropriate

Sandpoint residents vote next week. The question is whether to allow maximum building heights to increase in four commercial areas from 45' to 60'. You may vote "yes" or "no" for each area. A colored map at the voting booth will show you each area.

Area 11 includes the Harold's block. I encourage you to vote "yes" for allowing it. The reasons:

1. Design guidelines have been adopted for this area, but not the others. Buildings here are required to meet much higher standards, whatever their height.

They have to be more "street friendly," more compatible with historic buildings and respectful of any nearby residential areas, among other requirements.

2. Area 11 is part of downtown and well-designed tall buildings here will enhance the core of our City. Areas 4, 6 and 8 will draw major buildings away from downtown, and dilute our retail core.

Areas 4, 6 and 8 are stretched out along Highway 2 and Boyer Avenue. They will not reinforce downtown shopping or commerce.

3. Only Area 11 has pressure for taller buildings today. Panhandle State Bank would like to build there, but nobody is lined up for Areas 4, 6 or 8. We have time to adopt design guidelines and ponder exactly where tall buildings should be built, before making permitting increased height in other areas, such as we are asked to vote on next week.

In summary, please vote Yes" for Area 11, and "No" for Areas 4, 6, and 8.

MOLLY O'REILLY

Sandpoint