City parking changes in the works

SANDPOINT — Just in time for Sandpoint's busiest visitor season of the year, Mayor Shelby Rognstad has drafted a new parking plan covering the downtown business district.

With a mandate to be responsive to city residents' and business owners' concerns, Rognstad will put his plan before the City Council for consideration at its July 6 meeting. He based his parking proposal on feedback from the public as well as ideas from a Jan. 13 downtown parking workshop, according to a press release from City Hall.

"In follow-up to that meeting, the mayor and city administration have been meeting with parking consultants, Diamond Parking and downtown businesses to develop a plan to address some of the recommendations and concerns brought up at that meeting. As a part of this plan, the mayor will be recommending that the council establish a parking advisory committee to assist with the development of a long-term parking plan that will also consider the changes recommended in the Downtown Streets Design Guide and downtown street revitalization plan to be implemented beginning this fall," according to city officials.

Rognstad invites residents to preview his plan and provide feedback, if desired, at one of two upcoming events: June 16 at the Pend Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., 5:30 p.m.; or June 17, Tango Cafe, 414 Church St., 9 a.m. A map of the parking plan is also available for viewing on the city's website.

Information: mayor@sandpointidaho.gov or 208-263-3310; jstapleton@sandpointidaho.gov or 208-265-1483. Applications for the parking advisory committee are available at sandpointidaho.gov.