One of the fastest-growing cities in the country could be making space for even more growth.
Margaret Carmel reports on the initial public hearings for the Murio Farms development, which would be located on a 380-acre parcel in Southwest Boise.
"The property, which was a dairy operated by the Murgoitio family for generations, is located near the New York Canal between Maple Grove and Cole Roads," according to Carmel.
"If the application is successful, it could include 3,560 housing units, 246,000 square feet of commercial space, an elementary school, and a network of paths and open space by 2040. The density of the lots will vary from block to block, ranging from traditional single-family homes on large lots to mixed-use blocks with apartments on top of commercial spaces."
A team of developers is planning to create a specific plan for the site. According to Carmel, "This unique style of zoning allows a developer to create a planned community with customizable zoning requirements that is approved all at once, although it is built in phases. It requires the developer to submit a high level of detail upfront, including a transportation plan, landscape concepts, dimensional standards, prototypes for specific blocks, and a detailed map of pathways and roads."
The article digs into the traffic study—already under review by the Ada County Highway District—connected to the development proposal, as well as questions about infrastructure, like adding fire department capacity and new parks.
FULL STORY: Boise gears up for proposal to build 3,500+ homes: traffic, fire, parks all early questions
Different Approaches to Fast Growth in Idaho's Treasure Valley
Three cities on the periphery of the fast-growing Treasure Valley showcase different approaches to a sudden influx of newcomers.
Why California Should Not, Cannot Solve Its Housing Crisis By Building New Cities
A recent essay advocates for the development of a new city in California to alleviate the state's housing crisis. The argument needs a few tweaks.
The Potential of New Towns
Richard Peiser and Ann Forsyth discuss their latest book, New Towns for the Twenty-First Century: A Guide to Planned Communities Worldwide, with the Penn Institute for Urban Research.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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