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Sandpoint plans downtown lot repave and redesign; engineers propose single Third Avenue driveway
Summary
City engineers presented a concept to resurface and reconfigure the downtown public parking lot, shifting entrances, updating ADA access to current PROWAG guidelines, and adding bike racks and tree wells; the plan seeks council direction on final design and tradeoffs including tree removal and plowability.
City engineering staff presented a preliminary concept on Feb. 13 to repave and reconfigure the downtown public parking lot, citing deteriorated asphalt, ponding and substandard access‑aisle dimensions.
Brandon Stegeman, who staff identified as an engineer assisting the project, told the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee the concept would consolidate vehicular access to a single entrance on Third Avenue to reduce sidewalk crossings and conflicts with bicycle routes on Oak Street. "Reducing the number of times that cars can cross the public sidewalk is a good thing for pedestrian and bicycle safety," Brandon said, describing the proposed change.
The concept also aims to bring the lot’s accessible parking and access aisles into alignment with current accessibility guidance (PROWAG), update layout dimensions that staff said are tighter than contemporary city standards, and add bike racks in several locations subject to final design and value‑engineering decisions.
Tradeoffs and committee feedback Committee members raised multiple design questions: relocating accessible stalls closer to downtown destinations, whether angled stalls should remain at ground level, the location and extent of new tree wells and removal of existing trees, and curb/ wheel‑stop details where the lot meets the public sidewalk. Brandon said the concept shows six new trees and removal of some existing trees to achieve a safer, code‑compliant layout, and that final design would seek to minimize tree removals where feasible.
Brandon also said staff are balancing operational considerations such as winter plowing — fewer islands makes plowing more efficient — against pedestrian and streetscape improvements. Committee members urged inclusion of secure bicycle racks (not just staple‑type anchors) and recommended placing racks near restroom and high‑use areas of City Beach and the waterfront path.
Process and next steps Brandon told the committee the drawing is a concept that will be presented to City Council for direction; staff expect to post the council agenda and materials shortly and to refine the design based on council guidance and committee input. He said some elements could be retained as removable or reversible (for example by blocking existing driveways rather than permanently removing them), and that the design will include ADA access aisles cut into curbing where needed.
No final design decision or contract award was made at the Feb. 13 meeting; staff said more detailed engineering and final cost estimates will follow council direction.
