Editor,

A germ of another option popped up at the lift workshop on Tuesday. An older idea with a possible new twist: a participant suggested extending the waterfront alley to Boy and Dog Park, then using a lift to access First Street — a long distance and there are issues with adjacent property owners. However, a hybrid may be better: construct an elevator/bridge from the alley to the intersection area of Wharf Street and Cascade/First Streets, between Wharf Street and the Pizzeria.

Such an option would have no view blockage, is close to downtown — the same walking distance from the dock to the elevator except it’s on level ground (ADA). It’s also close to the police department (security), has less impact on waterfront homes, could operate on call (self-activated between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., for example), has some view access and a viewing platform as part of a First Street bridge.

Negatives include distance from the dock and from boat trailer parking at the church or Middle School; there might be some pedestrian/auto conflict but it’s a dead end. The alley to that point can be a shared street and still provides access to all waterfront activities. Able pedestrians can use Wharf Street, and families, people with packages, boat supply carts and physically challenged people can use the elevator/bridge to First Street and downtown.

Think about it — it meets grant requirements and makes the connection.

RON KASPRISIN

Langley