New paid parking rules in Sandpoint spark debate over impact on local businesses

SANDPOINT, Idaho — One week after Sandpoint launched its new paid parking system, the community remains sharply divided over whether the rules will benefit the city or damage local businesses.

The new parking kiosks allow visitors and residents to park free for the first two hours, then charge $4 per hour after that. Residents of Sandpoint or Bonner County can purchase annual parking permits to avoid the fees.

While city officials view the system as a way to generate revenue, critics worry the rules will discourage people from visiting downtown businesses. Some residents have taken to social media calling for the rules to be repealed.

Sandpoint Citizens Against Paid Parking has about 220 members on Facebook. Some people in the group want to go further than repealing the parking rules — they also want to recall the mayor. They also feel their concerns aren’t being listened to.

Jeff Pattison, who works in Sandpoint, agrees that city leaders aren’t listening to what their constituents want.

“I just think we have to listen to those that live here and are paying taxes to live here. They should be considered, and the business owners,” Pattison said.

Pattison’s sentiment reflects a broader frustration among some residents that city leaders have not adequately considered community input before implementing the parking changes.

However, not everyone opposes the new system. Some visitors and residents see the paid parking as a reasonable way to fund maintenance of the parking spots while managing downtown traffic.

“It kinda makes sense to me, because I feel like the tourists need to be adding to the city and fees and all the things associated with having a tourist city,” said Christine Strom, a Sandpoint visitor.

The city has reported seeing threats of violence toward public officials posted online. In a written statement, the mayor asked people to keep their discussions civil and respectful.

Sandpoint Citizens Against Paid Parking is planning a protest for next Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The group also plans to gather signatures for a petition later this month.