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Yes indeed Ron - a very clever development project. And good for
local consumers. Lowe's has a reputation for good product lines,
fair pricing and reasonable customer service. Of course, there will
be some overlap with existing businesses (e.g., MBS, TriState and
J&J), but Lowe's does also have some very unique product lines that
will appeal to local shoppers. I have every confidence that the
existing local businesses are up to the competitive challenges.
Successful businesses are always prepared to "compete" - it is
what makes the system strong and viable.<br><br>
The absolute miracle of consumer choice - if a business finds the right
product mix at reasonable prices, consumers will benefit as will the
local economy. It will be interesting to see what businesses choose
to settle in the adjacent retail spaces - and hopefully fruitful for
Idaho business just across the line. Those establishments may well
benefit from WA shoppers driving to the state line and just crossing over
to visit the Palouse Mall (of course, vice-versa is in play).<br><br>
Local activists and officials don't seem too worried about the tax issue
- although the sales tax dollars associated with retail sales are
substantial. If the buzz I hear is correct, Lowe's had considered
settling on the Idaho side, but were discouraged by the anti-growth, evil
big box store rhetoric and consequently moved to a more business friendly
location.<br><br>
The restrictions being proposed for local business may well fuel
accelerated development in the corridor. By subjecting local
existing business to an expensive and lengthy Conditional Use Permitting
process before it can expand (to enhance it's competitiveness) may drive
those establishments into the corridor. <br><br>
Oh, that soft sucking sound you hear - don't pay any attention to it - it
is simply the sound of the air escaping from the balloon. <br><br>
<br><br>
At 12:02 PM 11/16/2005, you wrote:<br>
<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite=""><font size=2 color="#0000FF">
Actually, it's pretty smart for some-- Whitman County gets the taxes,
with no danger of the land being annexed by Pullman. <br>
</font> <br>
<font size=2 color="#0000FF">I wonder who'll provide the services?<br>
</font> <br><br>
<font size=2>**********************************************<br>
Ron Force Moscow ID
USA<br>
</font><br>
<font size=2> <a href="mailto:rforce@moscow.com">
rforce@moscow.com</a><br>
**********************************************</font> <br>
<dl>
<dd> <br>
<dd><font size=2>T-<br>
<dd>many thanks for providing the link to the Hawkins Company plan for
the Moscow-Pullman Highway extended strip mall.<br>
<dd>There is smart growth and there is dumb growth -- and this is a
blatant example of the dumbest kind of growth....BL<br>
</font>
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<dd> <br><br>
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