County
Houses To Bloom In Dry Creek Area
September 26, 2016 
The Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on October 6, 2016 to consider an amendment to a “planned community” application to build 1746 residential units its Northwest of Boise. Growthophobes will note the development is nearly eliminating any retail services which will, of course, increase traffic to the city.
“Planned Communities” rely on developer-friendly laws that encourage “leapfrog growth.” From experience Growthophobes remember that Hidden Springs was originally approved as a planned community, providing its own fire protection, sewer and water. Same thing with Avimor. Hidden Springs was eventually allowed to be just another subdivision in the foothills.
This latest project is east of Highway 55 near Dry Creek, just west of Hidden Springs.
The problem with these bedroom communities is they depend upon the services of their big city neighbors. They build in the area subject to massive wildfires and either contract or beg for “mutual aid” from Boise, Eagle, and the BLM. Many hundreds of thousands in public money was spent to save Avimor residents this past summer and similar responses are common at Hidden Springs.
Here is the complete meeting notice:
The Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on October 6, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Main Hearing Room #1235, on the first floor, at 200 W. Front Street, Boise, ID to discuss Project #201601258 ZOA-CPA-S-DA-M-HD-FP, BHH LLC, Dry Creek Planned Community Amendment: A proposed amendment to the Dry Creek Ranch Planned Community. 1,746 residential units are proposed, which is an approximate 50% reduction in residential density; an approximate 85% reduction in commercial area to 85,000 square feet; updates to the wildlife mitigation plan, economic analysis, open space and trails plan, and traffic plan are included; and one elementary school site is proposed. The development will be served by private sewer and water; pressurized irrigation will be provided where water rights are available; and agreements with service providers will be required. A comp plan amendment, zoning text amendment, pre-plat, DA modification, floodplain, and hillside are required. The property contains 1414 acres and is located at N BROKEN HORN RD BOISE 83714, Section 1 4N 1E / 2 4N 1E / 25 5N 1E / 35 5N 1E / 36 5N 1E / 30 5N 2E.
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Comments & Discussion
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Sep 27, 2016, 12:50 pm
http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/town-on-paper/Content?oid=1013332
This project has been on the books for a while, in various forms and ownership. See this from 2008.
Sep 28, 2016, 6:55 am
Again… perhaps a surcharge on property tax for homes that lie in to fire-prone areas.
Sep 28, 2016, 10:42 am
The concerns are legit. Hidden Springs was presented in a much different scheme. It was to be far more self-contained than it turned out. That is a proven reality by which to judge new planned communities. They are just subdivisions.
Sep 28, 2016, 10:49 am
Another impediment to a future foothills parkway.
I don’t always see eye to eye with BG but BG is right. Those of you who live downtown will understand as population grows the use of the greenbelt and the great downtown parks also grows. I’m astounded by how much traffic has increased in just the last 5 years.
But especially events like Fit One and Fat Tire Parade and YMCA Halloween Fun Run, you know the type. How many are there now? A dozen? Two Dozen.
All these events render downtown nearly unlivable by blocking the streets we need to conduct our daily business even if that day is Saturday or Sunday.
What if thousands of downtowners and north enders flood your Harris Ranch neighborhood or your Hidden Springs neighborhood every single summer Saturday? Making it much more difficult for you to get around? You’d get sick of it too.
All this new urbanism downtown livability is paradoxically making downtown more unlivable.
Denver enacted a moratorium on public events which use public parks and streets. It’s time someone in Boise at least discussed it.
Sep 28, 2016, 12:35 pm
Planned community without retail seems self defeating.
Sep 28, 2016, 4:07 pm
I’m a Nthender and am not in the least bothered by activities downtown. It is a hassle, but that is the beauty of being five minutes from the Boise core.
The downtown business district is thriving and a great area to work and recreate. The same is happening in Meridian. I moved here 30 years ago and have only positive thoughts about the direction of our City. Anyone can point to issues/irritations, but overall this is a great place to live.