Entire community will benefit from Downtown Streetcar

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October 08, 2009

Clay Carley: Entire community will benefit from Downtown streetcar

READER'S VIEW STREETCAR

BY CLAY CARLEY - Idaho Statesman

READER'S VIEW STREETCAR

Should Downtown property owners support and help fund the proposed streetcar?

In the mid-1970s, the corner of Main and 6th streets in Downtown Boise was highly undesirable. Buildings were in disrepair, and active commercial life was nonexistent. Today, "Old Boise" is the largest collection of commercial historical structures in the state of Idaho and is recognized nationally and locally as a historic district. It is clean, vibrant and has a charm and character distinct in Downtown Boise.

The investment made at that time has paid off in very significant ways for Downtown and the city of Boise. Why did this investment take place? One property owner has been credited with this investment and transformation of an old, tired neighborhood, but in fact many property owners have invested in the district and contributed to its success. However, it did take the vision and guts of the one property owner to stimulate additional investment from others.

I believe the streetcar in many ways reflects the experience of "Old Boise." Today, Downtown Boise is clean, safe and vibrant. However, it would benefit from an infusion of economic stimulus and activity to propel it further toward the goal of "best in class." The streetcar project offers that opportunity.

The federal government has set aside more than $1 billion for TIGER funding. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community to benefit from potentially $40 million in federal stimulus money to reinvigorate our Downtown core and accelerate Boise into 21st century urban transportation. The money can be used only for the streetcar, and it is available only in this very small window of opportunity. To pass it up now means to never see it again.

Who benefits from this project? The entire community benefits. Rail transportation in Downtown Boise will demonstrate to all who use it what it feels like and how it functions. It will expose our community to the future of urban transportation.

In addition, property owners along the streetcar's route will benefit. There will be more pedestrian activity on the streets, as the car will attract riders who otherwise would not get around as easily. This encourages healthy retail and commercial activity and also will stimulate urban housing. This, then, will stimulate development in general along the streetcar's route and throughout the Downtown core. Additional foot traffic, increased density, additional investment and a new form of "fun" in getting around will make our Downtown better and more attractive to all who enjoy its diversity.

As a property owner along this route who will directly benefit from the streetcar, I support this project and am excited to pay my fair share of its cost. Since Downtown property owners are the largest beneficiaries, they should pay a fair portion of the cost.

How much is fair? How do we agree to what amount should be paid by each entity? How do we evaluate whether this is truly beneficial and sustainable? The streetcar task force is thoroughly exploring all of these issues. The public is invited to learn about this process and provide input on the pros and cons of this very significant and progressive project.

Like Old Boise's beginning, it takes the vision and guts of a few to gain the support and investment of others. The city of Boise and the CCDC should be credited for this effort and the process being undertaken to evaluate and implement this complex and forward-thinking addition to Downtown.

Clay Carley is the general manager of Old Boise LLC.