Residents say byway worth the wait
SANDPOINT — The consensus among attendees at the Sand Creek Byway dedication ceremony was clear: the wait was worth it.
After years of waiting for the day to arrive, expectant residents took a positive view of the town’s latest addition. Despite some disappointment over the lack of a firm opening date, people were enthusiastic about the project results.
“I think it’s about time — it’s only been about 50 or 60 years,” resident Marc Natoni said. “I think it looks stunning.”
Fellow resident Dick Creed echoed Natoni’s comments.
“This is a long overdue improvement,” he said.
Many individuals were excited for the improvements the byway will likely bring to the downtown.
“I think this is wonderful,” Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce board chairman Clif Warren said. “It’s a much-needed step toward revitalization.”
According to byway planners, commercial semi-trucks and other heavy vehicles will no longer need to enter town on their way to other destinations, the town will be a safer place to walk, bike and linger for food, drinks or special events.
“My guess is this will add to our tourism,” Chamber President Kate McAlister. “Everyone is waiting for some of these paths and trails to open, and I think aesthetically it’s very pleasing.”
Throughout the byway’s history of public commentary, many downtown merchants expressed concern that the diversion of highway traffic would mean fewer stops from out-of-towners. However, according to Downtown Sandpoint Business Association manager Marcy Timblin, many business owners are now eager to see the changes the byway will bring.
“I was hoping we would get a date for an opening today,” she said. “I think that on behalf of all the merchants downtown, we’re really excited to see this open.”
Meanwhile, resident Jim Zuberbuhler pointed out that the byway construction process has done more than just energize the local economy and provide a piece of infrastructure that aims to improve the community. It also helped inspire the Long Bridge Swim, a community event that provides funding for kids to get swimming lessons who couldn’t otherwise afford them. Parsons Construction Senior Vice President J.C. Brummond was instrumental in getting the initiative off the ground.
“I’m personally thrilled with the support for the Long Bridge Swim,” Zuberbuhler said.
The byway also means big changes for Ponderay. According to Mayor Carol Kunzeman, the highway should have a positive impact on Ponderay business and navigability. The city also got a decorative sign to better establish Ponderay’s individual identity.
“This has been a great day, and the celebration was wonderful,” Kunzeman said. “This is the best thing for Sandpoint, it will be great for Ponderay, and I love my sign.”
The byway ultimately represents a shift in the way travelers experience Sandpoint. According to Sandpoint City Council member Carrie Logan, that can only be good for the town’s reputation.
“Folks traveling on this road will say one of two things: ‘Hey, let’s take this off-ramp and check out this cool town,’ or, ‘We can’t stop right now, but we’ll be back,’” she said.