RAMP: Closure to hurt merchants

The Fourth of July fireworks show brought a great flotilla from all over the lake to observe the city's celebration. Most of those in attendance launched their boats at the city dock. When this area is closed, how will the downtown stores continue to make a profit when boaters will be forced out of town?

No more lake tourists - the mayor and her cronies will then see the goof they made. Boaters on the river will go to Highway 95 and up to the supermarkets and malls when there are many varieties and choices as well as less expense. If there is a landing at Silver Beach, the distance to Coeur d'Alene is too far out of the way, so might as well go on to Spokane where there are lots of things to see and do.

As to the carousel, why not put it in the direct center of McEuen Field with the ball fields and tennis courts around it? When the flower gardens come in, let it remain in the center as an added attraction, much as the carousel at Griffiths Park in Los Angeles. It became quite a calling card.

TERRI DOUGHTY

Coeur d'Alene