[Vision2020] Palouse Mall plantings

[bill london]

    My nominee for the red-tape tie-up of the decade award goes to the 
Palouse Mall, the city of Moscow, the University of Idaho and the Idaho 
Department of Transportation for effectively delaying the replanting of 
the trees and bushes in front of the mall for FOUR years, so far.
    Recall that in the fall of 2000, the Palouse Mall hired a contractor 
to cut down trees and bushes in the planting strip along the 
Moscow-Pullman Highway, in clear violation of city ordinance.  They were 
caught and agreed to pay to replace the plantings.  That was three years 
ago.
    In July of 2003, a few months ago, the Idaho Transportation 
Department OK'ed the landscaping plan.  And now the Palouse Mall is 
suggesting that water-saving plants maybe should be used instead.  That 
is despite the earlier recommendations (that the mall ignored) from the 
city tree committee and many individuals that drought-tolerant species 
(xeriscaping) be used in order to save water.
    Now, that change to xeriscaping will cause further delays.
    Perhaps the mall will break ground on the landscaping in the spring 
of 2004, and then plant in the fall of 2004.  At least that is the most 
optimistic plan.  And that's four years after the plants were cut.
    This topic is tentatively scheduled for discussion at the 
Administrative Committee of Council in Council Chambers at 4pm on 
Monday, Oct 6.
BL