Sand Creek Byway is the people's project

In the midst of the debate over the Sand Creek Byway, a popular theory at the time held that if the waterfront was not utilized for the U.S. Highway 95 bypass, it would be carved up into luxury housing.

A vociferous opponent of the project called it a “conspiracy theory” and was certain some benevolent person would see the value of the property and develop it into a park.

It was a harebrained notion coming from a guy who lived in an upscale condominium overlooking the lake.

I was reminded of this particular opponent’s dismissive “conspiracy theory” comment the first time I drove over the bypass and took in the remarkable views of the lake and the creek. They are as good as the views from any penthouse or waterfront home on the lake.

And the best part is that the views have an unmistakably egalitarian feel. They are available to everyone, not just the wealthy.

Over the lengthy course of the byway saga, it became clear who was genuinely advocating for protection of the sensitive waterfront and who was carrying that banner in order to obscure their own selfish desires for more wealth and more control of the waterfront.

The merits of the byway will likely be debated for years to come, but there is no question that the view from the stretch of waterfront is now the public’s. And that is a beautiful thing.

KEITH KINNAIRD

Reporter and news editor

Bonner County Daily Bee