Do not change downtown sidewalks
I have to totally agree with the recent comments of Toby Scott as seen in the Jan. 8 Whitefish Pilot. I cannot see any advantage to the widening of the sidewalks along Central Avenue for the reasons stated in his letter (i.e. the congestion which already exists along the roadway with the current width of the sidewalks — to mention one good point).
Toby’s idea of doing the necessary sewer work and then re-doing the sidewalks in their current configuration with perhaps some cosmetic (and practical) texture is valid and a good idea.
I would also like to make a comment of my own regarding the widening of the sidewalks. First, I think they are currently wide enough for pedestrian traffic. Only when there is an event, like perhaps Winter Carnival or the Christmas Stroll, is there a congestion that requires “not being in a hurry.”
On that note, I would like to mention that there are daily narrow areas on the sidewalks from the merchandise that the store owners put out on the walkway each day. These items can impede pedestrian traffic.
Years ago, I owned a store on Central Avenue, and as I remember, we were not allowed to put anything on the sidewalks without there being a special city event that allowed for street vendors. I can’t remember if permits were required, but something tells me they were. We couldn’t even have a sandwich board on the sidewalk.
Moreover, I think the merchandise on the sidewalks is not always attractive. We used to rely on our storefront window displays to attract customers into the stores.
What has happened here? Maybe the ordinances have been changed. And, if that is true, then I think it might be wise to revisit the rules regarding street displays.
It might be discovered that the sidewalks are wide enough already. I frankly think the Central Avenue roadway could not be narrower without creating safety issues.
Last on my list of comments is that with today’s current economic problems, which are affecting many of us directly in a negative way, I believe the city must be more sensitive to the issues people are facing to just “survive” right now.
Instead of creating new ways to spend taxpayer money, I would like to see the city put a moratorium on its spending for anything but essential services until the economy shows definite improvement.
We are taxed to the max right now, and many citizens are having to put important home repairs and other normal needs on hold.
I think the city should be spending only where absolutely necessary as well.
Heather Mull is a resident of Whitefish.