Boise neighbors sued to block apartments. What an Idaho judge just decided
A group of Boise neighbors went to court in May over a proposed development of 189 apartments and other homes near Boise State University. But those efforts were stymied.
The Londoner Neighborhood Association asked a judge to review the Boise City Council’s approval, arguing a rezoning was inappropriate. But on Monday, Ada County District Judge Jonathan Medema dismissed their request, ruling that they filed their petition too late.
“Petitioners had 28 days from April 7, 2025 to file a petition for judicial review,” Medema wrote. “Petitioners did not do so within that period. Therefore, the motion to dismiss is granted.”
The 5.7-acre site, at 1519 S. Londoner Ave., is south of popular restaurant Barbacoa Grill and northeast of the intersection of Broadway and Boise avenues. The land originally was not slated for many homes. But that changed as developers moved on infill projects and as the city has tried to solve the Treasure Valley’s housing shortage.
In 2021, Austin, Texas-based developer Payette Forward asked Boise for 43 single-family homes along Londoner Avenue. But the Planning and Zoning Commission wanted denser development.
The developer came back in 2024 with the new proposal calling for four times as much housing. The plan includes 189 units in two three-story buildings with retail and office spaces on the ground floor, and in two two-story “urban flat” buildings. The proposal also includes a pool and outdoor garden patios, according to Jan. 13 Planning and Zoning meeting minutes.
Doug Russell, with Eagle’s The Land Group, which is representing Payette Forward, told the Planning and Zoning Commission that the project was “quality infill development.”
“We know that if approved, this project will definitely contribute to help alleviate, if only a little bit, to some of Boise’s current housing crisis,” Russell said.
But neighbors complained, arguing the development would worsen traffic, increase noise and undermine the neighborhood’s “unique charm and cohesiveness,” according to public comments filed with the city.
Brian Ertz, who represented the neighborhood association, said by email Tuesday that he and the residents would be “reviewing the decision and deciding upon next steps.”
Asked for comment on the ruling, city spokesperson Maria Ortega said by email Tuesday that the city did not “have any additional information to share at this time.”
