Proposed U.S. 2 expansion raises concerns

Project 7B is a local organization that encourages responsible land use planning and robust citizen involvement in decisions that shape our community’s future. We are concerned that the proposed expansion to Highway 2 (from two lanes to four and five lanes) flies in the face of the adopted Comprehensive Plan and did not involve the public.

To quote from the Sandpoint Comprehensive Plan: Plan Vision 3-3 Streets and Transportation:

“Sandpoint is a town that values multimodal transportation. The community’s transportation investments and decisions give full consideration to improving the pedestrian experience, and elects to grow in ways that support the ability to shop, recreate, travel, and commute on foot.”

The proposed highway expansion undermines this and other similar goals. A high-traffic highway divides and prevents residents from walking or cycling to work, school, shopping, and healthy recreation. Transportation decisions should implement, not undermine the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

How did citizens participate? They completed an online survey that did not mention widening Highway 2 or any other roadway. Previous public debates on “The Curve,” were heated, and covered all aspects of livability and economic vitality.

Before City Council takes any action, Project 7B encourages a series of public workshops with robust public involvement and engaging professionals who have experience in alternatives to widening highways.

JUDY YORK

Sandpoint

Secretary

Project 7B