Boise business

[Jarndyce]

Yesterday and today we've had 4 new inches--heading to 5", but it's supposed to warm up and maybe turn to rain this afternoon.

The snow is an important aspect for the environment. I made my first trek to Bogus Basin (AWESOME PLACE) recently. My only concern is that the local snow removal issue could be a NONISSUE (I think) if the city and Ada County just came together somehow and put a realistic plan in place. Also, a lot of the snow hassle could be alleviated if businesses removed their own snow but given all the business vacancies and businesses looking to trim their own expenses...this is like the "perfect storm" confluence of snow and lack of money.

I see plenty of private citizens attach snowplows to their trucks. Somehow a plan could be put in place where people earn money for plowing much in a similar manner that football stadiums pay people to remove snow from football stadiums in New England, Pitt and other places...a per day or per hour charge...maybe?

[kristinl5]

I would have to back Torrie up on the snow in Boise, it doesn't seem to get depressing..actually the snow in Boise can be quite pretty and the roads aren't all that bad..yes some of the side streets get kind of messy but not too bad. As for the gloomy greys? I lived in Salt Lake City for 27 years and the inversion there got to be awful (I actually turned into oncoming traffic one time as I couldn't see the road due to the inversion!). Here you get some snow, then some clear skies...January can get cold and icy but February gets better...I'd say January is truly the hardest month in Boise for cold weather.

[boi2socal]

Originally Posted by ds495

Re: biz, there were many closures all over. At least 1, and sometimes 3 in min-malls. Surprising. In LA it has not been as visible in that way. I think larger cities can weather economy downturns better, but also are harder to live in due to the expense. Hope that hleps.

I haven't been to Boise for a year so I can't really compare present situations but I am seeing a lot of shuttering businesses here in LA too. Just in the last week I went to a fave restaurant to find it closed and then to a yogurt place...also closed. I think there are a few reasons things appear worse in Boise, a ton of new retail developments has caused a shift in the market and probably a high vacancy rate. Just a guess. Because last year I visited I saw this scenario being set up.


Anyways, I don't think the state and metro has done enough to keep business in Boise or lure new business. Most anti-growth and fiscally conservative people don't want to hear it but tax cuts to businesses and a better higher education system are needed ASAP. Otherwise it could be years for a Boise recovery. My family may have to leave and I'm sure there are others facing this future...

[Torrie]

Originally Posted by maui08

Are many shops/stores closing up around Boise? I know here in Maui we are seeing stores close their doors almost everyday!

-Also a little off topic....do the Boise winters get grey and depressing like the winters in some other states like Michigan and New York that we have visited? It would seem like weeks before the sun shined in those states during the winter which kind of freaked us out.

Thanks

Just came across this article,...might shed some light on what's going on here:

2008 not as bad for Idaho retailers as you might think, official says | Business | Idaho Statesman