To The Eagle:

When I heard about the mayor's plans to make what was formerly a parking lot into a park I thought what would be the intent? This town clearly does not have enough parking especially when there is something happening at the courthouse or, God forbid, a new business opens downtown. Right now with cars parked on the street outside the "park" it’s actually a bit dangerous to enter Cathlamet. It's clear to me that someone thinking of starting a business downtown would now think twice with a large amount of parking removed for making a park! This park is barely larger than my house, how can it earn the name-Park?

This is a very bad idea. It tells the world we do not want to expand our local economy and it is a wasteful use of this property. Our town needs additional parking. We are surrounded by some of the most beautiful "parkland" in the US, why would we need to create the same downtown? I am surprised that the Chamber of Commerce has not come out to oppose this, frankly, strange idea. Our council members certainly are not in touch with our community. Please reconsider this rather strange idea.

Eric Skemp

Puget Island