[Vision2020] development (was Brady)

Mon Jan 15 13:11:39 PST 2007

It wasn't my intention to suggest that you were too dense to understand the 
issue, Anita.  My thought was that sometimes opponents of the developments 
there were not as clear as they could be.  No offense intended.

It might surprise you to know that I have no problem with James Toyota 
relocating there; with Moscow's city limit kissing the state line on the 
west and not much development potential east, it's hardly a surprise that 
the dealership, wanting to grow and to serve both communities, would expand 
into Washington.  Short of taking over the Applebee's parking lot, it's all 
they can do.  If, for example, the state line were equidistant between 
Moscow and Pullman, I'd be willing to bet that they'd prefer to be in Idaho. 
  It isn't, though, and if they want to expand, their options are limited.
I wish James Toyota could go someplace else, because I like the idea of 
keeping Moscow and Pullman separated by farmlands.  It's not likely to 
happen, though, given that the only significant traffic into Moscow is 
either from 95 south or the Pullman Road, which allows no "in-Idaho" 
expansion to the west.

I don't understand your concern about coffee shops downtown.  I realize that 
Moscow's economic future is greatly enhanced but not utterly dependent on 
small, locally-owned businesses.  What makes Moscow as wonderful as it is is 
the proliferation of people-oriented, walkable, locally-owned outlets that 
appear to not only exist, but thrive.  But downtown doesn't meet every need 
people have, and the options appear to be either consume less (not likely 
for most people), shop online (and direct all dollars out of our community), 
or allow for retail expansion, which keeps at least some money around here.  
I intend to buy all of my home improvement products from Moscow Building 
Supply regardless of how many Lowe's and Home Depots are built here, but if 
there were no MBS, I'd rather shop at the nationally-owned stores than go 
online for, say, replacement hardware for my vintage cabinets.

I'm not an economist, and my liberal tendencies don't incline towards 
assuming that all development is bad (that high school thing, again!), but 
it's a tricky issue and I don't think the City Council and other 
environmental/community activists' concerns can be easily dismissed by 
charges that they're just "no-growth zealots."  Likewise, all development, 
like all economic growth, isn't good.  I'm glad we have people who care 
enough to fight what they see as harmful, even if we ultimately disagree.

So, again -- sorry I offended you.  I sense that offering to buy you a latte 
downtown probably isn't something you'd welcome, but the offer is sincere.

keely

From: anitasonriente at aol.com
To: kjajmix1 at msn.com
CC: vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Why I didn't vote for Brady......
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:55:30 -0500

Keely,

I am not confused by any matter.  Thanks for the thought though.  I am quite 
capable of understanding things.  Truly how bad of an impact is building 
this mall and the James Toyota dealership going to be on the water?  It was 
my understanding that the study had already been done and everything was in 
compliance.  The amount of coffee shops in downtown Moscow are ridiculous!  
Foot traffic?  Big deal!  Tell me how having all of these cofee shops 
downtown benefit downtown Moscow.

Essentially, the City of Moscow needs to take care of things in their own 
front yard before barking and complaining about someone elses.

~Anita

-----Original Message-----
From: kjajmix1 at msn.com
To: anitasonriente at aol.com
Cc: vision2020 at moscow.com
Sent: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 10:18 PM
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Why I didn't vote for Brady......

You don't sound bitter, just concerned -- and maybe confused about what our 
concerns are. Coffee shops (and yes, there are a lot) don't impact the 
environment, particularly the water supply, in the same way that huge retail 
complexes do. The coffee shops downtown allow for a great deal of foot 
traffic, whereas not many people will walk to the big boxes. And while I 
strongly supported the construction of a new high school out on the Trail 
property northeast of town, it was because of the enormous benefit to the 
community, a benefit that I don't see from out-of-town retail behemoths.

But welcome to the fray!

keely

From: anitasonriente at aol.com
To: kjajmix1 at msn.com
CC: vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Why I didn't vote for Brady......
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 23:51:37 -0500

Keely,

If Moscow suffers economically from the impact, then it should fall on the 
shoulders of the city council. They are the ones that do not want the new 
business'. And besides, Whitman County is being smart.....they want to grow 
with the times and they realize that by bringing these retail shops in, they 
are not only keeping business local, they would have more jobs for their 
community, etc. Oh yeah, but did I mention that Moscow hasn't kept out the 
coffee shops? If I seem "bitter", it is because I would like to see Moscow 
grow as I live here and I believe in my city and I shop locally. But when 
you can go down main street and there are 8 places within a block that are 
either coffee shops or they are restaurants that sell coffees, ie mocha's, 
lattee's, etc., it gets to be a bit much.

Anita :)

-----Original Message-----
From: kjajmix1 at msn.com
To: anitasonriente at aol.com; vision2020 at moscow.com
Sent: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 8:18 PM
Subject: RE: [Vision2020] Why I didn't vote for Brady......

I think, smiling Anita, that a lot of folks believe that Moscow would suffer 
from the impact of a huge strip mall between here and Pullman. The state 
line separates jurisdictions; it doesn't eliminate threats or risks from out 
of state.

keely

From: anitasonriente at aol.com
To: vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: [Vision2020] Why I didn't vote for Brady......
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 22:33:13 -0500

I feel that Kai has made a very valid point. To some the hand shake may seam 
trivial, but I was always taught that making a good first impression is very 
important. The politicians know when they step into the political arena that 
they will be embarking on a long grueling journey with long hours, bad food, 
and even bad breathe for that matter. To make excuses as to why Brady had a 
limp hand shake is simply that....an excuse. I have a hard time with 
politicians in general because I simply do not believe a word they say. For 
example, tell me how many of the fine City of Moscow city council members 
are acting on what they promised in their campaigns? They were going to make 
Moscow even better. What, with a another coffee shop downtown? Maybe instead 
of Mayor Chaney and the Moscow City Council sticking their noses in the 
happenings of events going on accross the border in Washington, perhaps they 
should keep their vision on what is better for Moscow and go back to what!
   they promised us, the voters during their campaigning :)
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