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The stated purpose of changing the traffic patterns in Sandpoint seems to be just the opposite f what will likely happen. The talk around town is all negative. I have yet to hear a positive comment, which is no surprise. The list of concerns is long and extensive.

If you look at the past few years’ “beautification: projects, it appears that the likelihood of success is limited. Church Street, for example. This used to be a decent width for traffic, but with the widening of the sidewalk and the sunken planters along the curb and diagonal parking, it is really a one-lane street. How there is going to be two lanes is beyond me. The bump-outs on the corners make it a challenge to negotiate on a good day, especially when someone is in the opposite lane. What is the purpose?

City Beach is a huge asset for Sandpoint. The traffic change is going to make it almost impossible to get to. What do you think the frustration level of people just trying to get through town, when it is in gridlock, is going to be like? Who exactly was in favor of this project? Why did you decide to change something that was working fine? Why didn’t you spend the money repaving the many, many residential streets that need attention? How about redoing hazardous residential sidewalks? How about building a parking structure at the city parking lot? There are many use of the taxpayers’ money that would be a benefit ... this, I don’t think, is it.

What is the exit strategy when this is a failure? You knew Sandpoint already outgrew the two-way traffic pattern, yet you forged ahead like this was going to be a miracle. Stop the madness.

ZALE PALMER

Sandpoint