Here are a few comments people have placed on
the
petition to the Ada County Commissioners.
They're too good not to share:
"This haphazard
growth must end! When your constituents are asked
why they moved to Boise, one of the most frequent
answers is "Quality of Life." When they are asked to
define Quality of Life one of the top things is the
close proximity to the recreation in the Foothills.
As the City of Boise discovered people do not take
kindly to the Foothills be ripped apart for
development. Please stop this now!!! Your
constituents are speaking loud and clear. It is now
your job as our elected officials to listen to us."
"In your capacity as
Commissioners, how do you want to be remembered, for
goodness sakes? If you believe housing developments
must be built in the Dry Creek Valley area, why are
you encouraging developments that are
higher-high-density? Surely you understand the
resultant impact of such development on current
residents and environs, so why are you choosing to
be a large part of the current problem?"
"We must take a stand
on quality of life issues for the generations to
follow. Urban sprawl and greed can be controlled.
The Meridian schools can't keep up and parents don't
understand why. The entire area where I live
extended sewer and the schools are over capacity
consistently. I have friends whose school boundaries
have changed 3 times already in elementary in
Meridian! The highway department is exploding and no
foreplanning is happening. Let's learn from other
cities and remember all these developments mean
cars. cars and more cars without public
transportation! Lets put the cart before the horse
and consider IMPACT in all areas including the
animals! Thank you."
"Please get a handle
on the exploding growth in the foothills area. I
have never known of a developer being denied his
desired density, but it's really not your purview to
make sure his development is profitable. If they
cannot make a profit without these enormous
densities, they have to make a decision--just as any
other business does with regard to profitability.
The current taxpayers should not be subsidizing
these developments."
"It appears the
commissioners are attempting to create a California
environment here in Idaho. People come to this state
because of the quality of life, nothing more. Once
you have destroyed that quality of life, what will
hold Idaho together during the recessionary periods?
I own two ten acre parcels up dry creek which I
anticipated building on due to the rural environment
which exists in that area. Once you have destroyed
that environment, will you then agree that I can
subdivide my parcels so I can sell them off, since
they will be totally worthless for the purpose I
originally purchased them for? Where is all this
going? If you folks don't put some common sense into
this whole development process and do what it takes
to maintain the rural environment, there is not one
of you who will retain their positions. There is
getting to be such a groundswell of resentment to
what you are doing, it is very apparent you are not
enforcing the will of the people. According to the
way I read state law, you and every other planning
and zoning commission have the responsibility to
ensure that the development you approve has no
substantial detrimental affect on surrounding
property owners. Are you accomplishing that? I don't
think so, and I don't think the courts will see it
that way either. You know because of the way you are
approaching development, and the decisions being
handed down by liberal judges, there is a
groundswell movement for every state to adopt the
same kind of accountability laws that were enacted
in North Dakota recently. People are fed up with the
inept decisions being made by people who should be
representing them."
"I'm writing as a
concerned citizen of Idaho. Please, please, please
do not let the developers of the 21st Century take
away the beauty and intrinsic value of the Boise
Foothills. Many people live in Boise and the
surrounding cities and make blue collar wages (at
best). One of the few compensations is the serenity
of the foothills within easy reach. Please do not
let it be destroyed. Also, the animals that reside
there need that ground for winter grazing. Plus, I
can not imagine the horrific traffic issues and
water issues that will result if any of the proposed
plans go through. These hills are used by people
from a wide range of interests. Horse-back riders,
hikers, bikers are just a few of the groups who use
and appreciate these areas. Please do not through
them away. We do not want to become the next L.A."
"The problem with
this state is that any zoning or planning has been
haphazard and based upon lining investor's pockets.
They have allowed urban sprawl to create havoc with
urban use, natural areas, agriculture, roadways and
the list goes on. Urban growth needs to be contained
within a reasonable distance from the hub of the
city, and the remaining area needs to be reserved
for exclusive farm use or reserved as natural
areas."
"Two of our
commissioners have had my votes and support in their
campaigns and businesses for years. It is my hope
that these people are truly in office to protect the
people of this area, and the area itself. The
greatest part about Eagle, to me, is that it still
holds a small town feel ... which we are slowly
loosing. I can't imagine that anyone who has been a
longtime citizen of Eagle would want that to change.
For obvious reasons ($cha-ching)I can understand the
developers point of view. But I have grown up in
this area, I have seen the small herd of antelope
run down Brookside Lane (this spring!), I appreciate
the Great Horned Owls and Hawks, and I am very fond
of finding fresh deer tracks in the mornings. PLEASE
protect our wonderful area from this development.
Thank You."
"I strongly agree
that the planning department needs to start being
more responsible. Though the developers may be in
compliance with whatever codes may be in place for
that area and own the land, we are losing our
wildlife habitat and I would think that Planning and
Zoning should recognize that and take steps to
ensure that this doesn't happen. If they can't
justify stopping this development for the sake of
nature, the traffic congestion and flooding problems
(that certain areas experienced this spring) should
be enough of a deterrent."
"Please, please
listen to what we asking you. I have watched Eagle
grow from 3000 to its present disaster. My
children's schools are abysmal, the traffic becoming
increasing intolerable. This is not progress- this
is greed. What this valley had is gone-there needs
to be a two year moratorium on growth- take time to
think and rethink what you are creating, instead of
providing a green light to each and every whim of
the developers. How about a developer that lives
here for starters? Right here- one in Dry Creek, so
they can reap what is sown. This certainly is not
what Mr. Jeker would have wanted or envisioned."
"Growth can be
expected. Managing it properly is your job. This
proposal is for a high-density development which is
better suited to desert development - not foothills.
Such high-density living is only appropriate when
there are adequate SERVICES for the people there.
Otherwise we clog the roads & create an unlivable
environment. The proposed Avimor Development is just
north of Dry Creek and that will add many residents
(and hopefully many services as well?) Please, no
high density. Keep open spaces for the wildlife as
well."
"The integrity of our
comprehensive plan is as stake here. Unfortunately,
the planned community ordinance allows
mega-developers to bring out of state money and out
of state interests to our area without ANY regard
for responsible growth. I understand that Dry Creek
will be developed, but you as the commission are
charged with the responsibility of protecting it and
making sure that that the requirements of ACO 621
are actually followed. I mention this because Hidden
Springs has fallen short of promises made without
consequence. When traffic, air, water, wildlife,
recreational, and esthetic concerns are considered,
the plan soon to be proposed by Dry Creek Ranch
falls short on all accounts. The idea behind 621 is
to force all mega developers who come here to be
responsible. Unfortunately, there has been very
little enforcement by you once ground is broken. I
will not stand for this any longer. I do understand
that developers do have the right to develop
privately held lands so long as they follow 621. I
also understand that you have failed in many ways to
enforce restrictions. I invite you to come out to
Dry Creek to experience its serenity and truly
unique beauty before you blindly sign its death
warrant."
"We are totally
opposed to big, out of state developments in Eagle
and other outlying areas of Boise City. It is time
for building moratoriums before we overbuild and
existing houses remain unable to sell."
"Turning left onto SH
55 is already dangerous, I can only imagine the
scenario with Dry Creek Ranch and Avimor in place!
The traffic headed North towards McCall is more than
enough of an impact on this area without adding
10,000+ trips/day. "
"Is there any
consideration on how Julius Jeker had wanted his
land to be preserved. I had spoken to Julius for
years on how he had hoped his land would be
preserved when he was gone. I disagree with these
plans not only because we live here and enjoy all of
the many things Dry Creek Valley has to offer, but
hate to have Julius wishes not considered. It's
really hard to say all the things that one needs to
say after all this years. I hope the developer does
not completely rape the land and wildlife of all
it's natural beauty "
"When I think of
people who have done wonderful things for Idaho in
general, and the Boise area in particular, I tend to
think of the things that have been set aside for
future generations. Ann Morrison and Julia Davis
Parks are prime examples. Please leave a legacy for
future residents of Idaho to admire. Protect the
Boise foothills and deny the application for this
development."
"The density of this
plan is not only insane, but relies on a lot of
assumptions about the surrounding areas and
services. Things like expanding Hwy 55, improving
roads, building new schools, equipping local
police/fire/ambulance should, at a minimum, be a
cost of the developer. Eagle doesn't even have its
own ... they are extended from Boise. Do you think
Boise or Eagle are going to provide these? Is the
Meridian School District going to have the funds to
staff these new schools? How is Eagle supposed to
incorporate a community that is at least 4X its own
population? I just can't believe this is even being
considered."
"This massive
development will adversely affect everyone in the
entire valley. The traffic issues on Highway 55 and
State Street alone call for a reduction in density.
All of us will end up paying higher taxes and fees
to provide the needed services for this development.
The area voters have already indicated their
frustration with the unchecked development and
increased taxes these developments bring."
"I am opposed to the
high density building that is planned for the Dry
Creek area. Right now there are animals and plants
in the area that we will lose because of the
building. Since moving out here in 1977 we have seen
everything from bears, deer, foxes to rabbits and
snakes. These are part of a habitat that will be
destroyed by the building. Also some of the building
is planned for areas that although may not have seen
flooding in recent years have had severe flooding in
the past (i am talking about the draws where water
collects and floods down through in severely wet
years - springs)."
"I grew up in the Dry
Creek area with my family...who have lived on
Brookside Lane since 1942! In fact, I am the
one who named the road from a contest that Eagle Jr.
High had way back when?? I chose it for the old
one-room schoolhouse that was in that area...and one
that three of my older brothers actually attended. I
have many cherished childhood memories of growing up
in this wonderful area and feel so saddened to learn
of what is proposed in the years to come. I work for
the Meridian School District so I well know the
impact this huge development will have on schools,
highways, water, etc. So--I am NOT in favor of this
whole package----it has many areas that have yet to
be addressed and concerns me and my loved ones who
still live on Brookside Lane and Highway #55--Please
review these issues before proceeding--I am but a
small voice--"
"It is past time to
put a moratorium on massive planned communities and
developments in both the valley and the foothills.
Developers have run roughshod over this area for too
long and have been allowed to do almost anything
they want, no matter the impact on existing
residents and the land and resources. Nothing is
unlimited here and we will all suffer in the future
for the short-sightedness and poor (or non-existent)
planning involved in this uncontrolled building. I
work in the construction industry and am by no means
opposed to all development, but I am also a Boise
native and have watched too much of this beautiful
place be permanently destroyed by the greed of these
out of town developers. Now is the time to stop,
before it is too late to make any difference. We can
have sensible and controlled development that works
for everyone, but officials such as yourselves must
take a stand and defend the Treasure Valley as we
know it."
"I run in the
foothills, and I appreciate the trails and access
provided by the City of Boise. I think that the
country should adopt the same philosophy towards
open space and make the same sort of financial
commitment to open space that the City of Boise has.
We need to be good stewards of the land. This
development does not represent good stewardship.
"I will not vote for
any Commissioner who would give their blessing to
such a development."
"Why not enact a land
swap with more suitable development acreage, where
the issues of traffic, water and ecosystem
destruction will have less of an impact? According
to national figures, developments such as this
proposed high-density development are actually a
drain on county resources when calculating all costs
to the taxpayers-police, fire, schools, water,
sewage, roads, infrastructure, etc. The effects of
the huge increase on water run-off (due to such a
concentrated area of rooftops, concrete and
blacktop) and tampering with the existing creek and
tributaries will also elevate the risk of flooding
for downstream communities."
"Just a note that
I've driven hay truck on the Jeker property and
ridden horses. Once open space is gone, it never
comes back. You can't say "Oops, we wish we had kept
it. "Development and growth is not a bad thing;
rampant development and growth is. Keep Idaho Great!
"Open Space is needed
in this area. We need to draw the line a some point.
Its already to late to controll the problems along
Eagle Road. I would like to live here for the rest
of my life and don't want our beautiful habitat to
become a reason to move on to the next town. Look at
Portland for example. They are doing better then
anyone in the country because they do whats right
for the future, NOW. Lets stop making the same
mistakes over and over again. Lets learn from them
and move in the right direction.
"Growth is
inevitable, but needs to be managed in order to
balance the fragile eco-system that exists in the
area. The proposed density of the project will tax
the county resources. "
"As a native Idahoan,
I wish that you would consider the impact on the tax
payers of this county. Who will pay for the schools?
What happens when we go into another recession? If a
development like this was allowed, it should have
mandatory mass transportation which we do not have.
Who will pay for the schools and roads?? What about
the wild life??"
"I oppose the
existing plan for Dry Creek Ranch. I urge you to
hold the land owners and developers responsible to
develop this parcel in a manner that's respectful of
the Treasure Valley community, the land, and the
wildlife currently living there. Their proposed high
density plan is disrespectful to all of the above.
Please hold these developers to the same high
standards the other developers in the area have been
held (Hidden Springs, Cartwright Ranch, Cimarron
Springs, Currant Creek, Red Hawk). The Treasure
Valley community trusts you'll understand the
negative impact a development of this size and
density will have on the foothills and our overall
community. I urge you to deny their proposed plan.
Thank you for your consideration."
"The landscape of the
foothills, coupled with the meandering river, is
what makes Boise such a fantastic place to live. I
understand that progress is necessary and don't
oppose it if it is done with careful planning and
consideration. However, it appears that Dry Creek
Ranch seeks to merely maximize home density and
profit at the irreversible expense of maintaining
the quality of the surrounding foothills and its
neighboring communities. I ask today that the
excessive density of Dry Creek Ranch be re-evaluated
to maintain the beauty of the foothills, the
wildlife that inhabits them, and the neighbors who
enjoy them. Thank you."
"Dear Commissioners:
From my perspective, these types of developments are
being allowed but roads are not being kept up to
handle the additional stress. In my neighborhood
Ustick and Meridian roads, there are developments
going all over the area. There are lines of cars for
miles every day at the 4-way stops, angry folks
trying to get home. The roads are clearly overloaded
and it seems as though nobody is paying attention.
Planned communities are just that...planned for the
little community they are putting it -- but where is
the planning for the roads that support these
communities? Thank you!"
"I am a native
Idahoan and I am disgusted at the lack of common
sense that is being put in to all of the building.
You are destroying exactly what makes this place
special. Pretty soon, the Treasure Valley is going
to look like every other huge Metropolis!. Please
stop this now, while our children still have open
spaces to see!!"
"Too many people in
this area, the traffic is outrageous, people that
live in eagle are paying for others to develop. That
wasn't the case 10 years ago."
" We're very
concerned about future flooding of Dry Creek. Our
neighborhood was flooded this year. We're hoping our
representatives will see the importance of
preserving our wildlife by limiting development in
the foothills. Once it's gone it's gone, and so is
the reason that we and many others live here."
"This is a bad idea.
Each time a new development goes in, nothing is done
to alleviate traffic. This valley will soon be a
clogged mess if development continues unchecked."
"Traffic and who is
going to pay for the road system that will be
required to handle this project as well as all the
others that flow into State Street, Gary Lane. Hill
road etc."
"Recent reports in
the local media have detailed concerns about
"leapfrog" developments in the Treasure Valley.
These concerns have tended to focus on the adverse
economic effects that will result from the necessary
extension of services to outlying residential
developments (sewer, fire, police, education,
traffic congestion). The proposed development of the
former Jeker property with its very high residential
density embodies all of the worst features of poor
property development. This transplantation of
urban-style densities into a rural setting should
not be permitted due to the financial burdens it
will impose and the adverse environmental effects it
will exact (degradation of the foothills
environment, little preservation of open space?"
"Allowing development
like Dry Creek Ranch is hypocritical to the stated
objectives of foothills development in Boise. I
strongly object."
"Please do your duty
to protect our foothills from development. The
entire ecosystem (including humans) of the Boise
Valley will benefit from your foresight if you
decide in favor of conservation regarding the Dry
Creek Valley. Thank you."
" I am all for new
development but lets be sensible when it comes to
density. Careful planning now will not ruin our
surroundings for future generations."
"This "proposed plan"
is not the Boise/Eagle that true "Idahoans" want to
live in. This seems like the politicians have just
simply been bought and paid for by the Developers.
Who's leading this county now? What we need are
leaders that will act out the will of the people,
not defy them. The people of Ada County will not
stand for money hungry politicians; we stand for
those that represent us."
"We believe the
proposed density is NOT appropriate for rural areas.
No further applications should be considered until
the county comprehensive plan involving growth for
all of Ada County is completed and approved."
"What a travesty on
the landscape this development would be. It makes no
sense in terms of land use, air pollution, traffic
congestion, habitat restoration, or quality of life
for inhabitants of North Boise. This is the mindset
of Meridian development cast into the hills of
Eagle. This is a very, very bad idea."
