Re: Alturas

[bill london <london@moscow.com>]

B-
My responses below between your paragraphs.....

Bill Strand wrote:

> As a company that has successfully made the transition from the Business
> Incubator to Alturas Research Park, I would like to make several
> observations.
>
> I don't believe that the issues involved in making this transition are
> addressed by "tightening up the rules" as Bill London has suggested. When
> Pacific Simulation moved, we were on a strong growth curve with the critical
> mass to take on the fiscal requirements. But it still took strong support of
> the community (primarily B.J. Swanson and Gary Schell at Bank of Pullman) to
> make the move. How many small companies can fork out the million dollars to
> fund a new building, furnishings and infrastructure? It stretched our
> resources to near the breaking point to make the move. Additions like the
> Park Place Plaza are a necessary step in making this transition - a lower
> cost, lower risk alternative for many businesses. I heartily support this
> development and have made my support known to Duncan Palmatier who I believe
> is now on the URA.

I would have no quibble with the new building (Park Place Plaza) if it fit
within the original intent of Alturas, which was providing space for high-tech
businesses like the one you represent.  Unfortunately, Park Place Plaza (as I
understand it) will house 5 businesses, two of which could be classified as a
high-tech startup (the three others are office for stock broker and accountant
and coffee shop).  That transition to professional mall is my concern.  Once we
open that door, how are we going to close it?
BL

>
>
> The easy way out is to stand up and yell for more rules and regulations -
> isn't this the way of big government? But in reality, it takes involvement
> by the community at a variety of levels to develop the program that attracts
> the right businesses. Putting in Alturas was the first step, not the last.
> We as a community need to work towards the desired resolution.

Agreed.  Since it is the community of Moscow that created Alturas, I agree that
we all should decide its fate.  That is not what is now happening.  The local
economic development groups are successfully pushing to make Alturas into a
tax-supported professional mall.
BL

>
>
> As for Greg Brown's comments, I just will respond that - without any
> knowledge of my company or the people who run it and work here - his post
> was insulting and ignorant. I suppose that when you remove yourself from
> daily contact with the actual situation as he has, it is difficult to offer
> a constructive opinion. Exactly what did he hope to contribute with his
> posting?

Perhaps Greg will respond.  I thought his point was satire.
BL

>
>
> Finally, I am continually perplexed by the comments about "corporate
> welfare". We paid full price for the land, full price for the building and
> full price for all the services associated with the running of this
> building. Do I have a rebate coming? Where should I send my request?
>

You may have paid full price for the building etc, but the Moscow taxpayers
built the infrastructure (roads, utilities, and that cute park with waterfall)
by shuffling tax money from the entire shopping area around Alturas.
BL

>
> B.C. Strand
> Technical Operations Manager
>
> Invensys Performance Solutions
> Pacific Simulation
> 1187 Alturas Drive
> Moscow, Idaho 83843