Let's work together to create Sandpoint vision

Want to know why I love it here? Because we're a diverse community; full of artists, businesses, recreation and astounding natural beauty. It's all right here in Sandpoint.

That same diversity is also prompting fierce debates within the city of Sandpoint focused on the adoption of the Sandpoint Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is a vision for what Sandpoint wants to become. Through the Comprehensive Plan, Sandpoint has outlined goals for the following: 1) parks and open space; 2) streets and transportation; 3) housing and neighborhoods; 4) jobs and economic development; 5) public facilities and services; and 6) shopping and commerce. If adopted, the Plan will help guide the City for the next 20 years.

It is difficult to summarize the goals contained in the Comprehensive Plan but they can be briefly described as follows: Parks and Recreation - emphasizing parks, open spaces and recreation in future planning.

Streets and transportation - making Sandpoint more accessible for pedestrians and non-motorized transportation while improving our traffic and streets. Housing and neighborhoods - encouraging a variety of housing types while protecting existing neighborhoods.

Jobs and economic development - diversifying our mix of employers while attracting qualified employees to the area. Public facilities and services - planning for future use.

Shopping and commerce - preserving and improving our downtown. This is just a broad summary of the vision of the Comprehensive Plan. If you're interested in any of these items, copies of the Plan are available at the Sandpoint Public Works Department or online at http://www.cityofsandpoint.com/compplan.asp.

The present plan is the culmination of much hard work and citizen input. Currently, the council is reviewing it page by page. This process could last several more months and you may give your input by attending council workshops. To find out the time and location of the next council workshop, please contact the Sandpoint clerk's office at 263-3317.

I believe the debates surrounding the Comprehensive Plan are fundamentally about the identity of Sandpoint. Who are we and what do we want to become? I submit to you that it's one of the best debates that we can have. Perhaps today more than ever, you see the city of Sandpoint taking steps to actively shape its future. It's an exciting idea full of potential and opportunity. The vision outlined in the Comprehensive Plan is a major step towards protecting the elements of Sandpoint that we enjoy. Let your elected officials know how you feel. We are passionate about our city.

€ Stephen Snedden is a Sandpoint City Council member.