Update from Mayor Lauren McLean
Now that the potential land trade is off the table involving property the City of Boise owns between South Maple Grove Road and South Cole Road in Ada County, the city is taking stock of the updated value of the property and listening to community feedback related to its future before moving forward with the next steps in the annexation process. I’ve heard the calls from community members to slow down and engage, and I intend to do that.
I believe we can accomplish a variety of goals with the 157-acre Murgoitio parcel. This includes prioritizing housing at affordable rates that is desperately needed for Boise residents and the desire for a park at the site. I have directed staff to take the time needed to create a proposed plan that best serves the residents of the city and to create a proposal for meaningful community engagement. I have asked for this planning to be completed by the end of the year.
I understand that there is a high level of interest in how this process moves forward, and for that reason I have also asked staff to provide monthly updates – open to the public – to the Boise City Council on their work. I encourage those who are invested in the future of the Murgoitio parcel to get involved.
Next Steps in the Planning and Annexation Process
- The August 9th Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing on annexation and land use map amendment applications for the adjacent Boise School District property and airport-owned properties will move forward without the Murgoitio parcel. All correspondence received to date related to the Murgoitio parcel will be submitted with future applications.
- According to the city’s zoning ordinance, the Planning and Zoning Commission can only make recommendations on the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map every six months. If the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the school district map amendment, the soonest the commission could consider updated applications for the Murgoitio parcel is February 2022.
- The removal of restrictive covenants and the surplus process previously considered for the Murgoitio parcel will not move forward at this time. No date has been identified for this action.
- At the August 17th work session presentation to Boise City Council, staff and council members will discuss the process moving forward. Work sessions are open to the public pending capacity limitations. Meetings are also streamed live on the city’s Public Meetings YouTube channel. Work sessions are not public hearings so no testimony will be taken.
Updates will continue to be posted regularly on the City of Boise’s website.