Supporter Suggests Alternate Route A letter from “Bud” Moon

Bud Moon is a long time Sandpoint resident, thanks Bud for responding to our recent mailing. Below is Bud’s Bypass Comment and alternate route

To NICAN -

I’ve sent 6 letters to the various agencies you have outlined in your circular Stop the Sand Creek Bypass. I will tell you a story that happened 50 years ago. I was just 22 years old, and asked by Mayor Nelson, to be on the city council to fill an unexpired term. At that time we had a committee that was looking into rerouting traffic off First Avenue! Our committee formed a plan of action. It was quite simple; extend 5th Ave. through to Superior Street down the hill and onto the bridge. It would have meant condemnation of 4 residences to gain access to Superior.

We held public hearings on the project and met with disapproval by the First Avenue businesses Loss of trade is what they objected to, 3 homeowners didn’t want highway traffic passing their property! So the project was tabled.

Since the state has already made a four lane boulevard to nowhere, along 5th Ave. It still would be doable to purchase the houses in the path of 5th South , to Superior then east to the bridge approach on the North End

A four lane passage through Sandpoint would take care of the next 50 years to say nothing of an interchange at Pine Street for 2 West to Priest River! Its too simple for ITD to comprehend! All this could be done at a greatly reduced saving to the State of Idaho and remedy the traffic flow.

In addition a gradual cut can be made on Superior sloping down First Ave. Intersection, an underpass could be included at 3rd Avenue for Southern Residential traffic.

Simple inexpensive & expedient until a westerly bypass can be planned along The Old Great Northern Right-of -Way - North to Schweitzer Cutoff Road!

Cordially, Bud