City will lose more than it gains in beach land swap

I just read an article in the Reader, by former Sandpoint Public Works director, Kody Van Dyk. He writes of his disapproval of the proposed city swap or sale of the land east of the Edgewater Best Western.

I applaud his article. What is the City Council thinking? On the one hand, Sandpoint screams for more “public spaces and saving everything green and natural.” On the other, they want to give away this gorgeous green space. It makes no sense. As Mr. Van Dyk points out, “for less than 4% of a year, the city wants to relinquish control or ownership of the land east of the Edgewater Best Western.” He is speaking of the weekends during peak season when parking is a problem at City Beach.

Think about it, for a 4% problem, the city will be giving up 100% control of what was public access city-owned land. What will they be gaining? A parking lot next to a railroad. My father taught us to fight ‘hypocrisy.” It sure seems to me that this is a case worth fighting. I am reminded of the old Bob Dylan lyric, “If it’s paradise they’ll turn it into a parking lot.” I lived in North Idaho for 45 years and still have land there. It saddens me no end to see what is becoming of that beautiful little lakeside town I love so, Sandpoint. Stop this waterfront giveaway.

L. SCOTT HANCOCK

Blackfoot