Early Notice And Public Review Of A Proposed Activity In A 100-year Floodplain
This is to give notice that the City of Boise, a Responsible Entity under Part 58, has determined that the following proposed action under Lusk Street Redevelopment is located in the 100 year floodplain and the City of Boise will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988 in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. Two proposed buildings on the proposed project site are located within AE Zone (area of special flood hazard with water surface elevations determined) as indicated on Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel 16001C0277J, effective 6/19/2020. This project is (a) new construction and (b) a multifamily housing project of greater than four units and, for both of these reasons, E.O. 19988 applies. An evaluation of direct and indirect impacts associated with construction, occupancy, and modification of the floodplain is required.
The proposed project is located at 1025 S. Capitol Blvd., 1020 S. Lusk St. & 855 W. Royal Blvd. in Boise City, Ada County, Idaho.
The proposed project includes redevelopment of approximately 5 acres in the Lusk District of Boise with approximately 1.7 acres located in the 100-year floodplain. The buildings would be situated between Royal Boulevard to the north and Island Avenue to the south, and Lusk Street to the west and 9th street to the east in Boise, Idaho in Ada County. The buildings would be a maximum of 85 feet high and would consist of residential housing (apartments), parking stalls, office lease area, commercial lease area, and amenity spaces for residents and the public. There are four buildings proposed, with a total of 472 residential units, 17,400 square feet of commercial space, and 34,500 square feet of office space, around a three-story parking garage with approximately 490 stalls. Approximately 400 of the residential units will be affordable for low to moderate income households. Locating the project at Lusk Street will have minimum impacts to the floodplain because the structures will be elevated a minimum of two feet above the base flood elevation (BFE) and all stormwater will be captured onsite and infiltrated within the development. The design will also minimize potential damage to the property should the area experience a flood event. The area has never experienced a flood event documented in local records. This property was originally purchased with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; at that time, the parcels were not located in the 100-year floodplain. The City of Boise is a member of the National Flood Insurance Program and, therefore, any structure owned by the city that is in the flood zone must be covered by flood insurance.
In addition to concerns for life and property, the city considered the natural and values of the floodplain. The natural resources of the floodplain include water, biological, and societal resources. Due to structures, parking lots, and impervious surfaces existing in the proposed project area, new buildings and parking features will not increase impervious surface. There will be no change to the values of the floodplain compared to existing.
Societal resources were also considered during the design process. The designs are meant to offer an aesthetically pleasing structure and integrate with the unique characteristics of the Lusk District. Approximately 38,200 square feet of open area/planting are planned around the buildings. The project will also result in improved access to public transportation.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in the floodplain and have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain and alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the City of Boise at the following address on or before April 29, 2024: City of Boise, PO Box 500, Boise, ID 83701 Attention: HCD - Compliance. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at 150 N. Capitol Blvd. Boise, ID 83702. Comments may also be submitted via email at Housing@cityofboise.org.