Proposed transit center frustrates Boise businesses
BOISE - There's been a lot of talk about building a transit center in downtown Boise, a single spot where buses and light rail could pick up and drop off passengers. A current proposal among transportation officials would put that hub in the area of 10th and Idaho Street.
Friday, local business owners say they didn't realize their street was part of the conversation. "There are quite a few concerns," said bookstore owner Trip Taylor, "and I haven't had all that addressed adequately."
Trip Taylor bookstore has been on 10th in Boise for nearly a decade. Taylor says the history and appearance of downtown is a big draw for customers. For a man who makes a living on sidewalk traffic, Taylor isn't excited about sharing the street with a fleet of buses.
"I think there will be problems with noise, emissions, general environmental problems ... And there could be any other number of questions that really don't know about," Taylor said.
Several business owners near 10th and Idaho feel the same way, that they've been left in the dark about the role their street could play in the transit proposal and it seems officials are in a hurry to pass it through.
On January 17, 2008, Valley Regional Transit spokeswoman Kelli Fairless said working with local business that could be affected was a crucial part of the transit center.
"We need to have partnerships with other private and public sector partners to make this a reality and part of what we're doing is educating people on what it can be," Fairless said.
The Mayor's office hasn't commented on the business owners' concerns.
Taylor says he wants answers.
"I'm going to wait to see what will be presented, but from everything I've heard to date I'm against it," Taylor said.
The next step is a meeting between transportation officials and business owners affected by the proposed transit center. It will be held Wednesday, February 18.
Friday, local business owners say they didn't realize their street was part of the conversation. "There are quite a few concerns," said bookstore owner Trip Taylor, "and I haven't had all that addressed adequately."
Trip Taylor bookstore has been on 10th in Boise for nearly a decade. Taylor says the history and appearance of downtown is a big draw for customers. For a man who makes a living on sidewalk traffic, Taylor isn't excited about sharing the street with a fleet of buses.
"I think there will be problems with noise, emissions, general environmental problems ... And there could be any other number of questions that really don't know about," Taylor said.
Several business owners near 10th and Idaho feel the same way, that they've been left in the dark about the role their street could play in the transit proposal and it seems officials are in a hurry to pass it through.
On January 17, 2008, Valley Regional Transit spokeswoman Kelli Fairless said working with local business that could be affected was a crucial part of the transit center.
"We need to have partnerships with other private and public sector partners to make this a reality and part of what we're doing is educating people on what it can be," Fairless said.
The Mayor's office hasn't commented on the business owners' concerns.
Taylor says he wants answers.
"I'm going to wait to see what will be presented, but from everything I've heard to date I'm against it," Taylor said.
The next step is a meeting between transportation officials and business owners affected by the proposed transit center. It will be held Wednesday, February 18.
