Palmer has many options to consider

Frontiersman editorial board

There's a struggle going on in Palmer these days over how Fred Meyer can ensure suitable access to enable them to build a store along the Glenn Highway. Fred Meyer doesn't want to break ground unless they can be sure their customers will have easy in and out access to their parking lot, and the city is having trouble figuring out how to make that happen.

Many people in Palmer would be happy to have their own Fred Meyer, and it's always good to have competition in your community. Another advantage for the people of Palmer is that those who currently shop at the Fred Meyer in Wasilla are contributing sales tax revenue to the city of Wasilla. Shopping at their own Fred Meyer would keep those revenues closer to home. Perhaps, though, before the deal is done, it's worth considering some other options.

Perhaps there's an opportunity for Palmer to lure some other kind of business, or a different retailer, to their side of the Valley. If Palmer nabs a business that doesn't already exist in Wasilla, the city could lure sales tax revenues from Wasilla shoppers for a change. It would be an opportunity to bring in services or products that aren't currently available in the Mat-Su, and it would also bring a little balance to the cash flow scales that currently swing in Wasilla's favor.

The Valley is hungry for more than just increased shopping opportunities. The people here would also benefit from increased variety. Many Valley shoppers make the drive to Anchorage to spend their money at Costco or similar places. A large warehouse-style store would help keep those shoppers closer to home. A retailer that offers goods and services not available here would also be appealing. A specialty retailer that offered electronics, home improvement items or sporting goods would be a welcome addition.

There are opportunities outside of retail, as well. We should also be thinking about employment opportunities, and a business that employs professional people or a manufacturing company would bring in higher-paying jobs that people currently commute to Anchorage for. In the end, a new business in Palmer will be an improvement.

A new business in Palmer will be an improvement, and hopefully it will give the community an edge in luring other new businesses to the area.