To the editor:

The op-ed on Winslow Parking in the recent Review reminded me of FOX News – “fair and balanced”?

Parking is a serious issue. The Review dumbed the issue using an imaginary Islander whom does not want more parking in Winslow but does not need it either — they don’t drive, they don’t shop in Winslow, etc.

The op-ed ignores the insightful parking analysis and recommendations by a COBI consultant. The consultant’s recommendations were many and optimistic that the parking crunch during a few peak hours can be remedied.

It is comforting that solutions are at hand but no less important ask why is there a parking problem, and even if is there a parking problem, and wonder who has a parking problem.

Each parking spot is estimated to support $54,000 in annual sales yet the city of Bainbridge Island provides about 80 free parking stalls for staff and also provides inexpensive parking passes for shop workers in Winslow. And there are in excess of 500 people working in Winslow weekdays.

In 30 years I have never not been able to park in Winslow, except July 4. Sometimes I have to walk a block. No one I know has ever not been able to find parking in Winslow.

Parking in front of the business where you shop is ideal but is it a parking problem to walk a block.

Let’s not default to building our way out of a problem with easy remedies.

The Review should be more thorough in their assessment and reporting.

KENT SCOTT

Bainbridge Island