An open letter to PSB and the community

As long-time customers of Panhandle State Bank and loyal shareholders of its parent corporation Intermountain Community Bancorp (IMCB), we read with great interest the Thursday story in the Daily Bee regarding deconstruction of property adjacent to the bank's former — and current — buildings. We applaud the donation of deconstruction materials to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and, in particular, strongly encourage the bank to go much more than the extra mile to preserve a community legacy — the historic trees that have graced the property for generations.

The article quoted bank management as saying there were no immediate plans for the site. We would like to suggest to Curt, Travis and the rest of the good folks that they have one of those extremely rare opportunities to do good by doing the unexpected.

Panhandle State Bank has a history of investing wisely in the local community, so how about using that property to expand on the existing public space that, quite literally, surrounds it in the form of the existing park and city fountain. Just imagine: A network of public space clustered right in the middle of downtown Sandpoint to be enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.

Imagine making the courageous move to embrace the Transition Initiative movement with community gardens, green space, overflow for the wonderful goods produced by local farmers at the Farmer's Market and even an outdoor performance space. The same public area would be a delightful option for outdoor business meetings, yoga and tai chi classes, family picnics and so very much more.

We have to believe the bank is wondering what to do with its former building, which is mostly vacant at this point. Imagine taking a creative leap and working with North Idaho College, University of Idaho, Lewis-Clark State College and the Transition Initiative movement to host GED, college and community development classes in that convenient, downtown setting.

Now imagine the alternatives, such as a parking garage or office building where that public space could have been.

Let's face it, Sandpoint will forever be squabbling over traffic and parking issues. It's time to lift our heads high enough to see a bigger picture and leave a legacy that will make our children and grandchildren proud of both our collective community vision and our courage to pay it forward to them in hopes that, someday, they will be wise enough to do the same.

Speaking for these two bank shareholders, we would like to see our investment in IMCB become a further investment in downtown Sandpoint.

While the land is clear and the momentum in upon us, we encourage fellow citizens to share their own ideas with each other and with the leaders of our community bank.

There is power in good people lifting their voices to share a vision. Please lift yours.

DAVE and TAMI GUNTER

Sandpoint