NAMPA, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
Moves have been made to develop over 200 acres in southwest Nampa which consists of undeveloped and agricultural land.
A project approved by the Nampa Planning & Zoning Commission on Nov. 12 includes the eventual construction of 161 single-family homes adjacent to the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. The residential development would be known as Deer Flat Ranch.
To the west of the residential area and east of the refuge, a mix of private and public amenities would serve as a buffer. This includes athletic fields, a Japanese botanical garden, vineyards and an event center.
“We’re trying to capture a lot of what Nampa’s about,” one of the developers involved with the project said.
At the Nov. 12 meeting, over a dozen community members spoke against the proposed development.
“I think everybody gains from this development except our neighborhood,” homeowner Debbie Bartlow said. “It loses all the value of being near the lake, it loses all the value of having a rural road that was a smaller arterial.”
Some key concerns included increased traffic congestion and changing the nature of the rural area.
Neighbor Chip Kinzler supported the project’s approval, but emphasized considerations for traffic.
“Something that is complementary to the community is better than high density, 500 or 600 houses by a bigger developer,” Kinzler said. “Getting surrounded by houses isn’t exactly exciting, but it’s part of the reality of the area we live in.”
The city recently discussed plans for growth into the southwest area of Nampa.
In the city’s research process, discussions with property owners in the area showed that a majority were interested in developing their land. This encompasses a total of over 800 acres of land.
Residents also emphasized the importance of not ruining the view of the lake.
Scott Kido, a property owner of one of the lots that will be used in the development, said that the developers have been working thoughtfully.
“I believe, with the years it’s taken to get to this point, they do have a vested interest in Nampa, and I can appreciate that,” Commissioner Bret Miller said, echoing a similar sentiment.
The proposal saw a number of added conditions after government departments and other stakeholders provided input.
Planning & Zoning councilors believed that access to the lake would remain easy and added an additional condition to protect the view of the lake.
While the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge was given the opportunity to provide feedback, Commissioner Steve Kehoe hesitated to make a vote without their presence at the meeting.
“I just don’t feel like I’m ready to make a decision tonight without knowing more about what their plans are for the future and how they are going to mitigate some of these questions,” Kehoe said. “Maybe protecting the refuge isn’t our job in the first place, but still, they’re in the community and the community here is upset.”
Further discussion quelled Kehoe’s concerns, with the plan including details on fencing and providing a large buffer for wildlife.
“It’s a big project and it’s a lot of change,” Chair Ron Van Auker, Jr. said. “But I think the developer and the applicant have done a good job in trying to mitigate those concerns.”
The commission voted unanimously to approve the project.
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
