Boise council puts brakes on Syringa Valley

Boise City Council members said Tuesday they want more specifics on a proposed plan to build more than 2,000 homes, schools, a city park and some commercial space on 600 acres southwest of the Boise Airport over the next two decades.

The plan came before the council after the city's Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the overall plan, but denial of the first phase of development. That phase, known as the Kirsten Subdivision, would entail building more than 450 homes on 101 acres northeast of the corner of Lake Hazel and Cole roads.

The council was scheduled to hold a public hearing on the plan and subdivision, but backed off when they, as well as Mayor David Bieter, decided their first look at the project brought up more questions than answers.

Neighbors in the area are alarmed at some of the development's implications. Traffic is a major concern for them. Also worrisome is the new development's potential to reduce water flows in existing wells.

The council voted to hold at least one work session on the project before returning for a required public hearing at which the public can speak. Work sessions are usually less formal than standard council meetings and give the council and mayor a chance to thoroughly understand a project's details.

This story was originally published March 29, 2016 at 11:03 PM with the headline "Boise council puts brakes on Syringa Valley."