Owners of Smoky Davis shop just got more local-government cash. This time, no lawsuit.
Land next to the now-demolished Smoky Davis, the iconic Boise smoked meat store, is set to become mixed-income housing after the Boise City Council approved the purchase of the land from the Davis family.
The property is at 3912 W. State St., on the north side of State Street just east of the shop torn down in 2017 after 53 years in business.
The shop, owned by Gary and Dee Davis, was torn down to make way for a bigger intersection at State Street, Veterans Memorial Parkway and 36th Street.
The city is buying the parcel, which is just less than an acre, for $765,000, according to council documents. Records from the Ada County Assessor value the property at $450,400.
The property’s attractions include its proximity to public transit and several nearby stores as well as the nearby Collister Library branch, said Elizabeth Koeckeritz, of the city’s legal department, in a memo.
The city also plans to add commercial spaces.
The Davises could not be reached for comment Tuesday. The council approved the sale Tuesday without comment.
The city has 90 days to evaluate the property, according to documents. The purchase is expected to close in late November.
The Ada County Highway District acquired the Smoky Davis shop through eminent domain, which is the government’s right to take private property for public use as long as the owners are paid.
The Davises and their store stayed in headlines after they refused ACHD’s offer of $248,260. ACHD sued, spent more money on legal fees than it had offered the Davises, and eventually settled the case for $1.8 million.
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