Sneak Peek: What Is Coming To Kuna Soon

The City of Kuna has given the OK for a development that would include a “big box” store plus various commercial and residential buildings. I have listened to many citizens concerns and this is what I am hearing.

The Pluses:

1. Competition: This is the American way. In order for businesses in Kuna to directly compete with a Walmart-type store, they will have to offer better and different products and superb customer services. That’s not a bad thing for the consumers.

2. Convenient: This is the most verbal aspect. As a Kuna resident, I’m always planning any shopping to correspond with going into town for other reasons. It’s a 20 min trip to the nearest big grocery store. With gas prices soaring, this shopping opportunity would definitely be easier and more economical for every Kuna resident.

3. Progress: Any growth in our community seems to attract more growth. This is understood and excepted by everyone that lives here. A necessary evil when living in a community that offers so much. Build one and the others will follow.

The Minuses:

1. Increased Traffic and Noise. This development will be on the corner of two already busy roads, Deer Flat and Meridian. Projected to add 12,000 more cars daily at the completion of this project, the current infrastructure will not be adequate. And with the High School so close, foot traffic will be certain along this busy road.

2. Downtown Business May Suffer. The concept of a “big box store” is to offer people one stop shopping. This will effect our downtown shops. Kim, the owner of the Wild Ivy, stated in a recent newspaper interview,”Lots of people shop at her store for last minute gift items”. Kuna will have to plan ways to keep the traffic coming to downtown area. Most of these stores already have competitive pricing and unique items.

3. Losing Our Small Town Quality: Kuna is a town that is quiet, safe and friendly. This is what many people who moved to Kuna don’t want to lose. Most big box stores do not fit into this image. The Planning and Zoning department needs to use this opportunity to keep Kuna’s character.

Attempting this will be a challenge for the City of Kuna, to control growth and sustain the quaint, agricultural atmosphere that make Kuna unique. I think the majority of residents in this town are ready for a change, needing more recreational options, jobs and conveniences closer to home. Change can be a good thing. I wonder if Kuna is up to the challenge?