Local governments should not be allowed to form such agencies. Local governments have no business being business boosters. Government should take care of consumers, not businesses.

Caldwell Guardian, how did you arrive at these numbers?

I’m not arguing that URDs should not have more or better or revamped oversight, but…

URDs are not necessarily a bad thing. I know nothing of the ones in Canyon County. So let’s discuss the proposed west downtown Boise one.

I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again. The government, i.e., you, you personally are at least partly responsible for the economic downturn and degradation of Boise’s Fairview/Main corridor. Construction of the Broadway/Chinden connector in the early 90s has benefitted thousands but sadly to the detriment of west downtown.

Where there used to be car lots, not that I’m a big fan, and other viable businesses, now there are vacant lots. The connector took the traffic away from Fairview/Main and killed the businesses.

Meanwhile, suburban growth has taken nearly all the tax revenue generated in the north end and west downtown. Look at all the suburban roads that have been widened in the last 15 years. Look at the 2 ParkCenter bridges. Look at the new West Boise City Hall. All the new schools for years have been built in the suburbs.

All this, and yet, the greater north end area pays more taxes per acre than any similar sized area in the whole county.

How can you argue that this is fair?

When will money be spent to improve the Fairview/Main streetscape? Compare Fairview/Main to the new Linder overpass, 5 lanes of Overland all the way out to Ten Mile and the East Parkcenter Bridge.

I’m waiting for reasonable answers.

EDITOR NOTE–Cynic, I can’t argue with most of what you say. Our ongoing and collective complaint is that for 24-30 years after they pull the trigger, CCDC gets all the tax revenues on improvements and all those businesses they seek to establish pay NO TAXES to the city, county, ACHD or schools–they pay taxes, but it all goes to CCDC! All those dumpy houses and businesses in the 27th to 29th area will be removed or upgraded and the tax on improvements goes to CCDC. At least out West those properties yield some tax revenues.

None of us oppose UR, we oppose the way it is run…their staffers make more than the mayor and his staffers. The director was charging his Arid Club dues to CCDC until the GUARDIAN blew the whistle! The same folks who run your city are the ones who created the westward movement sprawl as they annexed and approved every zone change. It was Boise city officials who purchased the 25th/Fairview property, then the 2800 Fairview car lot property, then sold all the 25th land for a hospital that never happened. Those same officials granted a 50 year lease to the rock wall/dog kennel as well. Insanity and bad judgement reign supreme.

Every step of the way they fought the public and common sense.

I can remember when Urban Renewal raised it’s nasty head in Boise. I did not pay much attention til I learned that folks that owned property (real and buildings) in Boise were getting UR monies to do what they should have been doing in relation to upkeep. Let John Doe homeowner let their property run down and they are reported or take a loss on a sale. I wonder how many legislators benefit from UR monies. One just has to love government.