Economy
Growthophobes Speaking Up To Politicos
February 21, 2018 
Opponents of new subdivisions are organizing to make their voices heard. The following is an excerpt of a letter sent to the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) protesting a proposed subdivision along Victory Road West of Maple Grove.
“Southwest Ada County Alliance (SWACA) and the residents that live within it’s boundaries are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact new developments are having on existing infrastructure and roads.
Most roads in Southwest Boise and South Meridian to Kuna are two lane section line roads, there are several intersections that are not yet signalized and some that are still two way stops. This area of Ada Co. is projected to grow at an enormous rate over the next two decades, and COMPASS projections show that South Meridian, SW Boise and Kuna will add over 60,000 residents by 2040.”
Meanwhile, Dry Creek Valley Coalition is fighting HB 568 in the legislature. The bill would exempt land use issues from the referendum process. The bill is being pushed by the Ada County Commishes after a 4th District judge ruled against a previous attempt to disallow a petition put forth by the group opposing a massive development in the Dry Creek area.
It appears to the GUARDIAN our society is facing a major split between the governed and the governors. If the law (or constitution) favors the citizens, the politicos simply change the law. Examples abound, but simply put, there seems to be a growing movement against the rampant growth championed by developers and politicos.
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Comments & Discussion
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Feb 21, 2018, 1:52 pm
Correct me if I am wrong, but as I understand HB 568 right it refers to agriculture field burning.
EDITOR NOTE–David, perhaps you did a search and got a prior year or even a statute. Here is the official summary:
“INITIATIVES AND REFERENDA — Amends, repeals and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding initiative or referendum elections, to provide that certain initiative and referendum procedures shall not apply to any local zoning legislation and to provide that counties shall follow certain procedures for an initiative and referendum.”
Feb 21, 2018, 11:38 pm
The legislators who voted in favor of House Bill 568 did so primarily to protect private property rights and give developers some reassurance that their project would not be subject to referendum. What they did not appreciate is that this massive development in the Dry Creek valley is an Ordinance, subject to voter referendum and HUGELY impacts the property of surrounding land owners. The referendum is a property issue and the last resort of land owners who were not afforded a meaningful voice before the Ada County Commissioners. The decision was made before citizens could speak. Onward with the referendum. No doubt this will appear before the Supreme Court.
Feb 22, 2018, 8:14 am
After much travel that has taken us to many large cities here and internationally we have experienced many of the issues that Growthophobes are concerned with. The Treasure Valley is a treasure and could remain that with with some thoughtful guidelines to protect it. After living abroad for several years (7) we returned to our home in the Treasure Valley. We drove around our valley to find and be utterly amazed at the thoughtless developments throughout the valley, and poor planning of infrastructure to support the growth. Sadly, it appears the Treasure Valley is set on the path to become JUST another metropolis with the TREASURE losing it’s luster. Take the time to plan for schools, roads, protective services, and good things will still come to the Treasure Valley. It may not be the instant gratification that many have come to expect but well supported growth will have benefits for all.
Feb 22, 2018, 10:14 am
Explosive growth is always good for the economy. It is never good for quality of life or trying to keep something special. In these cases, sound planning decisions always seem to come after the “cat is out of the bag”. Overall Boise has always been smart with its planning decisions, not perfect but smart. The number of parks along the river are very rare. The greenbelt, the open space levy and Ridge to Rivers Trail System. The movement in the city council to create a planning district in east Boise behind Micron, Harris Ranch etc, etc…. For opposing actions look at Meridian. It went in the other direction and created as many building lots as possible with as little oversight or overall planning as possible. Look at Eagle, the Boise River is developed to the river banks and will belong to the few that can afford to buy there. Few parks, many subdivisions. IMO it is alwasy wise to pause, contemplate and adjust to current trends to promote wise development. It creates long term value, something we as society have difficulty with. It is here and now that matters, not next year or 10 years from now. Look for more laws from the legislature restricting citizen input. We don’t matter, PAC’s lobbyists, land owners and big business does. Just look at the new trespassing law being proposed.
Feb 23, 2018, 7:36 pm
So, to take counsel from DK, please vote for new representatives.
Like national news lately, why are citizens still voting for the agenda of the NRA? There are enough guns.
Why are we still voting for the agenda of the ______ in Boise, and in Idaho.
There are enough commercial and retail establishments, too.
Learn to vote your sanity and personal interest, not a platform. Or a cult.
Feb 23, 2018, 10:16 pm
Hearing You, the libs don’t give a crap about school safety. It’s just something useful for them. The anti-gun agenda is one of the most important increments of the overall socialist agenda to enslave us all.
Look to China and USSR. It was the educated liberal minded thinkers who paved the way for the ruthless dictators who them promptly killed them.
So, no, I don’t like your shortsighted analogy.
Feb 27, 2018, 9:36 am
It isn’t logical to think of school safety as a lib vs. other issue. Back to the bill. The constitution of Idaho guarantees citizens the right to initiatives and referendums. Taking away that process could require a constitutional amendment. Currently elected commish should not be trying to change the process. They should be embracing the public involvement. Property rights are not, not absolute. China and the USSR are way off track for any of our local issues.
Feb 27, 2018, 12:13 pm
The referendum is very much a citizens’ rights issue as well as a property concern as the Ordinance challenged would affect property owners, not just the developer. This is a much larger issue than Dry Creek. House Bill 568 which just passed the House and is moving on to the Senate seeks to preclude the citizens’ right to pursue referendum on a land use decision. The referendum is a daunting undertaking. That it is underway should inform us of the seriousness of this issue. Registered voters of Ada County are weary of governmental overreach and lack of a meaningful voice.