City can find other solutions to shortage

I was appalled and dismayed when I read the article about the new parking lot that will be created at Fourth and Oak by PSB. We are creating a downtown core with an incredible amount of parking lots where wonderful life-enriching business and community opportunities could be created. Is that what we really want? I walk down Oak frequently and am already struck by the abundance of parking lots within Oak and Church streets. I count at least five; I may be missing one and these are all within walking distance to the new site.

Let's talk about the real issues here.

1. The city ordinance that businesses must have a specific amount of parking spaces.

2. We all need to get to and from work

It would be wonderful if we could wait before we tear up another area for new blacktop and brainstorm instead. We would be able to justify a change in the ordinance if we, as a community and as businesses, could come up with some solutions.

Just a few options off the top without even much thought:

1. Create ride share programs within the downtown core

2. Encourage walking and riding bikes to work

3. Create a public transportation system specifically focused on work transit times.

These type of solutions, and I'm sure there are many more, would change not only our parking lot issue but would also address our traffic issue and build a stronger sense of community.

Is it possible to rethink what type of town we want and work to create it?

BERTA C. KUHNEL

Sandpoint