1) As Ray pointed out, the land proposed for development was already
zoned motor business. So while I agree that Hwy. 8 traffic is a problem
that really should be worked on before development, the alternative, in
my opinion, of motor businesses was worse in terms of traffic. I
would very feel differently about this project if it were outside the
city on land zoned for ag/forestry or something like that.
2) Diversification: We tell timber-dependent communities that they need
to diversify to fit the changing world. I think state government, which
includes universities, will be changing also -- probably downsizing.
Moscow probably does need to diversify some more in this climate.
3) Jobs for spouses: To attract and retain people at the universities,
spouses often need good jobs. A business park could provide some of
those. This particular proposal isn't so big as to create a huge influx
of people, though I will admit that future actions could lead to more
growth than we bargained for.
4) The proposal includes some possible accommodations for
bicyclists/pedestrians that would never come about through a motor
business. The sidewalks and linear park could help to improve
non-motorized use on the Troy highway.
I've had mixed feelings on this issue (especially the financing), but I
think it also has merit as I've mentioned above. I just wish they could
be improving the "blighted" area.
Diane Prorak
prorak@uidaho.edu