In the early 1990s, the parking limit was extended to three hours and a point system for ticketing was devised. At the one-year anniversary of each offense, it would be dropped from that vehicle's record. Smith said he and Lynden merchants feel that the changes that were made helped alleviate the parking problem considerably. And there are visitors who come down to Lynden and are grateful to always find parking. Small towns face economic woes with revitalization Timothy Newcomb Lynden Tribune reporter Small towns are doing battle to reposition themselves to stay alive economically.
Every small town goes through it at one point or another.
It is the struggle between economic recession and revitalization. Everson, Nooksack and Sumas are all waging the battle and it won't likely stop for any of them. Everson and Nooksack want to get their residents to shop and eat at home instead of at the growing number of retail chains and malls in Bellingham. Sumas leaders realize that Canadians aren't travelling down like they used to and now Sumas must reach its at-home consumers. Sumas must also decide the best way to bring in outside customers, whether it be through niche businesses or unique eateries.