What you might have missed: GBAD expansion, Boise Cascade violation, food truck park’s move
From major downtown expansion possibilities for Boise’s auditorium district to a multimillion-dollar federal fine against a Boise-based company, here are the top stories from the Idaho Statesman on Wednesday, April 29. Coverage also included a popular food truck park’s spring opening and plans for new blue turf at Albertsons Stadium.
Here are key takeaways:
• Convention center expansion: The Greater Boise Auditorium District agreed to an option to buy a 1.84-acre property at 970 W. River St. for $12.5 million. Combined with a 4.13-acre parcel purchased March 31 for $21.25 million, the district will control about six acres for what has been called much-needed future expansion.
• Boise Cascade fined: The Boise-based wood products company was fined over $6.3 million after pleading guilty to a felony violation of the Lacey Act. The company bought more than $30 million in illegally imported hardwood plywood smuggled from China between 2018 and 2021.
• Meridian rape sentencing: Erik Carrasco Benitez, 26, was sentenced to eight years in prison, with the possibility of parole after four years, but the Mexican citizen agreed to be deported after serving his sentence. He also was ordered to pay $4,237 in restitution.
• Food truck park returns: Green Acres Food Truck Park will open Friday for its sixth season at a new location behind Payette Brewing Co. at 767 S. Pioneer St. in Boise. A twist for the opening weekend: Alcohol won’t be available due to permitting delays.
• Blue turf changes: Boise State will replace its famous blue turf in July, adding orange hash marks at the 2- and 11-yard lines to honor Heisman Trophy finalists Ashton Jeanty and Kellen Moore. The field also will feature Pac-12 logos for the first time and Idaho-shaped kickoff markers.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.