Despite the efforts of Think Boise First, the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Boise Association and other well intentioned groups, local business districts like downtown Boise and Hyde Park are struggling. We are entering into the third year of reduced sales for many small businesses and we've lost virtually countless local businesses. What really took its place? With Macy's closing the downtown store is it possible that many of the smaller downtown businesses will start shutting their doors?

I have heard, seen and been amazed at the stories that are unfolding in our business and professional community in and around the Northend. Personally, I rarely venture outside the Northend for anything. My auto mechanic is on the other side of State Street but my clothing, food, sporting goods, coffee, dining and everyday necessities are pretty much available right here in the Northend. And I, for one, know what they are going through... Many of these businesses are not only people I know, but many are also my friends, family and clients. That makes their struggles, courage and persistence that much more inspiring for me.

Here are a few of things I see these folks doing that I don't see with the "big box stores" and the businesses at the dreaded mall:

• They are purchasing more locally produced products.
• Small business owners are taking cuts in pay to keep others employed.
• Northend businesses are maintaining the same high standards of service.
• They are doubling and quadrupling inventory and purchasing management.
• They continue to support the causes that are important to all of us.

The bottom line is - they are fighting to stay in business for you! Let us know your thoughts about these neighbors and thier importance to maintaining our way of life.

I suppose it depends on your perspective. A record decline in state revenue produced the need to cut budgets while holding the line on taxes - sales and income taxes. But the opportunity to do much more was there and "it" got kicked down the road again. Sure, our roads need repair - especially bridges, but the proposed option tax that would allow funding for public transportation - commuter rail service such as the plan envisioned for the Valley for the past 3 decades (click here for my take on transportation)

As I reference in the article above, not once has the governor or almost any Republicans, discussed light rail. The fact that Boise (also part of Idaho) has one of the premier railroad equipment manufacturers in the U.S. in Motive Power, not one of their light rail commuter locomotives is in use anywhere in the state as far as I know. Wouldn't allowing us to choose to tax ourselves to relieve pressure on the roads in and out of the valley (reducing maintenance costs), putting valley wide light rail into service (reducing our dependence on oil and reducing air pollution), and creating new jobs and demand for one of our own businesses, be something everyone could get behind? Seems not.

An article titled "Save 14th Street" by Tamara Shores and Sally Thomas in the Winter 2009 issue of the "North End News" discusses the impact of the project to save the Immanuel M.E. Church initiated by the new arts group named TrICA - the Treasure Valley Institute for Children's Arts. Some of the comments made may or may not be accurate, may have created an impression that the planned facility will include things like "commercial office space", etc.

The bottom line is, that if the Immanuel ME Church is going to survive and a "best possible use" would be to have it turned into a children's art center with no more impact on the neighborhood that the Mennonite Meeting House 2 blocks away or the normal on street parking that comes from Hyde Park, then some give and take and "thinking outside the box" may be necessary or even work!

We have heard proposals ranging from keeping any "long term parking" over in Hyde Park proper, changing Eastman to a one-way street with diagonal parking between 13th and 15th and using the space around the buildings effectively to maximize "allowable" off-street use without removing the little house might easily meet any parking requirements the city may have.

Just asking..........in any event, let's talk!!!!

The Hyde Park Historic District is in need of maintenance, repair, improvements and other possible upgrades. Many of the projects can or will be filled by NENA working with the property owners, merchants and Hyde Park neighbors, but first a dialogue should be established.

In reading minutes of the NENA board meetings there were mentions of NENA funding Hyde Park entrance "gateways" and discussions about entry "landscaping". While the idea may have some merit and deserves discussion, it became apparent that the ideas had not been discussed with property owners or merchants except possibly on a very limited basis.

The other concern that was raised by several property owners and businesses was the current state of repair of the public areas of Hyde Park as displayed in the slide show available at the link below.

To view commentary and slideshow click here

To keep local businesses alive, much less thriving is now the key to keeping your neighborhood whole. Or would you prefer Starbucks or a Gap store in Hyde Park? Every locally owned business I am associated with is trying everything they can to stay in business. The owners are working more hours and doing more with less. They are putting their own livelihoods at risk to help others, keep their employees going and they keep giving to the community. Can you help? What would do you see that others should know about? Who do you know is going above and beyond the call during these tough times?

"If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and the corporations which grow up around them will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."

- Thomas Jefferson

"Gentlemen, I have had men watching you for a long time, and I am convinced that you have used the funds of the bank to speculate in the breadstuffs of the country. When you won, you divided the profits amongst you, and when you lost, you charged it to the bank."

"You tell me that if I take the deposits from the bank and annul its charter, I shall ruin ten thousand families. That may be true, gentlemen, but that is your sin! Should I let you go on, you will ruin fifty thousand families, and that would be my sin! You are a den of vipers and thieves. I intend to rout you out, and by the eternal God, I will rout you out."

- Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, to a delegation of bankers in 1832

Are the measure taken at the city level enough? One tagger was reported to have been caught with the goods on him but, by city estimates, there are at least 30 different taggers at work in the Northend. Possibly more. One possible solution is to put in some webcams so Northenders can monitor areas most often affected - like Hyde Park, Boise High School and North. The first line of response is reporting graffiti and then painting it over as soon as possible. The reason for the need for prompt action in painting over graffiti is once you are tagged you become a target for others.

Over the years we have received complaints about the food, dishonest vendors, musical lyrics, near death experiences along North 13th and more. We've also gotten notes of encouragement, applause directed to specific vendors and thanks for the event in general..."a great party". This year we've heard about $3.00 bottled water, too few trash cans and the usual gripes about parking. Lets hear your stories - good and bad - about the 2007 edition of the Hyde Park Street Fair!