OPINION: Rethinking rail park may be good idea

I have watched with interest the development of the “rail park” project and with some degree of skepticism.

First, I have not heard of an individual or company that is interested in locating or relocating in the park, except CHS. If this is so, then there is not one single dollar of private or earned money committed to leasing space in the park.

Secondly, a 40-acre industrial park is not a real park. One good manufacturer or business could take up most of 40 acres. It appears that CHS would be subsidized to make the move. WHY? As a functioning viable co-op that appears to be successful, if the move is good for them, why can’t they pay for it? I believe they have stock holders and members in the entire valley and certainly have the wherewithal to pay for their own move if they indeed want to move.

Thirdly, I likewise haven’t heard of anyone wanting to develop, relocate or start a business in the hoped-for railroad right of way. Are there any private dollars waiting anxiously to invest? I surmise that this would turn into a very expensive city project, developed, operated, policed, maintained and paid for by the taxpayers of only Kalispell.

It no doubt would look nice with winding asphalt paths, benches, trees and hundreds of people strolling with their children, pets and of course out-of-town guests (who would probably rather stroll in Glacier Park). Oh yes, the bicycles also.

I admire Pam Mower who through her accountant and a feasibility study determined that she could not relocate her (now successful) business — Northwest Drywall and Roofing — in a fiscally prudent manner.

To put her in that rail park and then watch her business fail (the way we watched the deterioration of businesses on Main Street) would be a travesty, and all for the dreams of planners, city managers and councils that wouldn’t have a dime invested in the projects. I liken this to the First Avenue East beautification project which was to be the salvation of downtown Kalispell or at least all new businesses on that street. No one even uses the benches. Where has the city found the money to invest? Other than tax increment, which has outlived its purpose?

In conclusion, kudos to Pam, and a reminder to the planners (dreamers) who dared ask for a federal government grant for $10 MILLION to add to the $18 TRILLION in debt we now have? And who did we ask? The Department of Transportation! How many bridges and miles of highway are in disrepair and left unfunded? You have to be kidding!

P.S. How about letting someone from the private sector develop that 40 acres into a motor home (camper) park for our out-of-town/state visitors, as tourism seems to be the number one or two economic driver in our area?

Haarr, of Kalispell, is a former City Council member.