[Vision2020] May 24 TOWN CRIER II: What will be Moscow and Pullman's future?

[Dan Carscallen]

TOWN CRIER II: What will be Moscow and Pullman's future? 

By Wayne Olson 
Published: 05-24-2006 

I have been sippin' my morning coffee, and have been watching the battle
for the "no super Wal-Mart" over the last few weeks in the Daily News. I
have to raise an eyebrow and chuckle at the folks in Moscow who would
like to freeze Moscow in time, to keep Moscow from the large throes of
change. Well, I hate to burst their bubble, but Moscow and Pullman are
in the throes of radical change, and it is only going to accelerate. The
question is: What will the Quad Cities (Moscow, Pullman, Lewiston and
Clarkston) region and adjacent communities look like in the next few
years? 

Here is my best look at Moscow's changes in the near and distant future.
Let's start with the symbols of agriculture in Moscow, the downtown
granaries of the old Latah County Grain Growers and Idaho Seed. From
what I understand, they are sold and will come down within 18 months.
Though "under review" by the city of Moscow for historical reasons, the
Grain Grower's facilities will come down, as well it should - just like
the 1912 building should have come down. My best estimate is that within
seven to 10 years there will not be a granary standing within downtown
Moscow. 

So what do we get in exchange? Because of location and demographics,
those areas will most probably be apartments. What do apartments have?
More people and more people mean more cars. More cars mean more traffic.


Within three years we'll have a completed four-lane highway to Pullman.
Numerous businesses will be positioned there to pull from both Moscow
and Pullman. The proposed Lowe's shopping center is only a start of what
is going to happen in the corridor in the next few years. 
Taxes will go to the state of Washington and Whitman County. Moscow can
play the environmental card all it wants to try and stop businesses from
going there but, in time, that will be a losing proposition. So, Moscow
loses. 

Within the next few years there will be a four-lane highway to Lewiston.
Consider it done, even if the last six miles next to Moscow are never
completed. If Moscow continues to block businesses from this region,
where are many folks going to go to shop and work in seven to 10 years?
In Lewiston. What does that make Moscow? A glorified bedroom community
equal to Genesee, Uniontown, Colton, Palouse, and Troy. 
Have you looked around Moscow lately? There is a home building rampage
everywhere. And there is another major player in the game. What do folks
want for a home and lifestyle around here? Many folks want a few acres,
a nice home, and a barn in the countryside; and it is quickly coming
true. 

Now, where are the residents of Moscow and Pullman going to shop? More
than likely they will shop in Lewiston-Clarkston, which are more
"business friendly" than Pullman, and especially Moscow. All you will
have to do is hop the four-lane highway and you can spend your money
where the stores are located. I have a student from Washingtopn State
University who works for me. He and his wife shop almost exclusively in
Lewiston -Clarkston - Home Depot, Costco, D & B Farm & Home, Ziggy's
Building Center. While you are in the valley you have to stop for fuel
and a meal or two. I have to admit, for any large investment, that's
where I at least shop prices. Where are Moscow's dollars going to come
from or go to? It depends on decisions, rules, and regulations being
made today. 

Changes will come to this region in the next few years, faster and with
more impact than in the past 100 years. I sit and read of the new rules,
regulations, and decisions coming out of the City Councils, and watch in
wonder and amazement at which way Moscow and Pullman seem to be going,
and what decisions will shape tomorrow. 

We have all heard the term "Quad Cities" and adjacent communities. We
need to start thinking in that dimension now, more than in any time
before, because that is where we are going at lightning speed. Who
knows, this paper will probably roll off the presses in Lewiston in a
few years, and be called the "Quad Cities Daily Tribune." 

Keep Moscow or Pullman the same as the past? That isn't ever going to
happen, no matter which way you wish to grab your brush and paint the
picture. 
_________________________________

Tap 'er light, Moscow

DC