As with any small town, there must be some consideration in Metaline Falls of future development. One local blogger is already addressing this issue here.
I see two competing interests that vie for our consideration:
The first is that Metaline Falls is like any Western town needing to transform itself following the historical shifts of industry and population from rural, natural resource based economies into the present urbanized, service economy that is primarily present-day America. Many towns have turned to tourism with much success (as far as economy is concerned). Today, Metaline Falls and the Pend Oreille Valley are likewise courting tourism to bring in revenue. And what a beautiful area we have to present the world.
The second consideration concerns responsible development. While a small town needs to survive by finding new income sources while presenting an interesting life to retain residents, it must not lose its soul in the process. In my opinion, one has only to look south to the growing megalopolis that is Spokane, Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene to see what poorly regulated development can look like. Urban sprawl and strip malls are certainly an undesirable future. And while I don't think a McDonald's or a Walmart will be coming to our corner any time soon, we still need to consider our stance on growth and development nonetheless - if only to be prepared for that unlikely eventuality.
Also, there are smaller challenges that will present themselves - such as the RV subdivision proposal which is the theme of the aforementioned blog, http://pendoreille.blogspot.com/. I don't know enough about this proposal to comment at the present time, but it would be prudent and beneficial for all to apprise themselves of these developing issues.
We shouldn't fear development and change, because it is inevitable and even healthy. New faces are welcome. But we should also not hesitate to help guide that process of growth to shape the place in which we live.
It's my town and it's your town. Let's work together to make it all it can be.
I see two competing interests that vie for our consideration:
The first is that Metaline Falls is like any Western town needing to transform itself following the historical shifts of industry and population from rural, natural resource based economies into the present urbanized, service economy that is primarily present-day America. Many towns have turned to tourism with much success (as far as economy is concerned). Today, Metaline Falls and the Pend Oreille Valley are likewise courting tourism to bring in revenue. And what a beautiful area we have to present the world.
The second consideration concerns responsible development. While a small town needs to survive by finding new income sources while presenting an interesting life to retain residents, it must not lose its soul in the process. In my opinion, one has only to look south to the growing megalopolis that is Spokane, Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene to see what poorly regulated development can look like. Urban sprawl and strip malls are certainly an undesirable future. And while I don't think a McDonald's or a Walmart will be coming to our corner any time soon, we still need to consider our stance on growth and development nonetheless - if only to be prepared for that unlikely eventuality.
Also, there are smaller challenges that will present themselves - such as the RV subdivision proposal which is the theme of the aforementioned blog, http://pendoreille.blogspot.com/. I don't know enough about this proposal to comment at the present time, but it would be prudent and beneficial for all to apprise themselves of these developing issues.
We shouldn't fear development and change, because it is inevitable and even healthy. New faces are welcome. But we should also not hesitate to help guide that process of growth to shape the place in which we live.
It's my town and it's your town. Let's work together to make it all it can be.
2 comments:
You write very well.
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