[Vision2020] Alturas

[B. J. Swanson]

In a dream world, a private developer would have done Alturas Park.  The
Economic Development Council had that same dream in the early 1990's.  In
the real world, after two years of trying, the EDC realized that would never
happen.  Pullman, Lewiston, Orofino and other small communities came to the
same realization.  Small communities with a need for high paying jobs and a
diversified economy but without the population base, interstate highway,
airport, other private businesses, etc., to make it happen.  All realized
that in exchange for a Port District or an Urban Renewal Agency, jobs and
diversity could be achieved.  Alturas Park has made 80 jobs and $3.5 million
in salaries happen.

B. J. Swanson





-----Original Message-----
From: vision2020-admin@moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-admin@moscow.com]On
Behalf Of John Danahy
Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2003 5:04 PM
To: 'Vision2020'
Subject: RE: [Vision2020] Alturas


The Alturas Park was an interesting experiment that has not really fulfilled
expectations.  As such, it is not possible to either abandon the park or
return to a failed idea of what should have been.  However, neither should
it continue in its current incarnation.  The time is coming quickly when the
bonds for development will be paid off, and as such, the best approach is to
recognize it is time for the city to get out of the RTO development
business.  I suggest we simply allow the park to "go private".  The park
should pay taxes just as any other business venture.

John



_____________________________________________________
 List services made available by First Step Internet,
 serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
               http://www.fsr.net
          mailto:Vision2020@moscow.com
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////