URA: One glaring omission

Congratulations to the Post Falls Urban Renewal Commission for its successful Riverbend urban renewal development. There is no doubt that many jobs have been created by the combined private/public efforts at the Riverbend Commerce Park.

In reading the self-congratulatory “My Turn” column authored by the URA Commissioners, however, I was, surprised that they made no mention of the herculean efforts of the developer of that successful development, the Jacklin family. The commissioners need to be reminded that the success of this development was due almost entirely to the fact that this local developer actively managed and marketed this development, used its own resources to build buildings to attract new employers and worked tirelessly to promote the location with local partners such as Jobs Plus. Indeed, this project started out as a failure. The URA financed the initial improvements with a bond which the URA sold. When the tax increment that the URA needed to service the bond payments was not generated as projected, the Jacklin family stepped in and avoided a URA default by paying off the bondholders.

The Jacklin family has a long history of involvement in the economy of North Idaho and deep roots in the community. They have and continue to actively manage this development. Their commitment ensured its success. Active development continued at Riverbend Commerce Park and new jobs were created there, even during the recent economic downturn because of the active management of the team at Jacklin.

Perhaps the key lessons the URA needs to take from this successful development are (a) work more closely with proven local developers and companies who have a solid track record and a continuing role in our community and (b) remember to thank those who actually created the success while patting themselves on the back.

LEN CROSBY

Post Falls