Boise to fight private airstrip near Table Rock

Dean Hilde’s property lies just outside Boise city limits, but it’s in the area of impact, which means the land is expected to be annexed at some point in the future.

Boise’s legal team believes that fact gives the city standing to appeal the Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission’s approval of Hilde’s plan to build a private airstrip just north of Table Rock. Tuesday, the City Council directed its staff to draw up the documents to appeal the county’s P&Z decision.

The heads of at least four Boise departments recommended that the City Council oppose the airstrip. Parks and Recreation officials said they don’t have enough information about potential impacts to wildlife in the area around Hilde’s proposed airstrip. Boise Airport representatives are worried noise and low aircraft traffic patterns will affect neighbors. Planners pointed out that the airstrip doesn’t fit Boise’s Foothills Policy Plan, which is part of the city’s comprehensive plan. The Fire Department worried because the airstrip would be built outside any fire protection district.

The council voted unanimously April 19 to recommend the county deny Hilde’s airstrip.

On May 5, the county Planning and Zoning Commission addressed the Fire Department’s concerns by attaching a condition that requires Hilde to include the airstrip in a fire district. Planning and Zoning also said it would revisit the permit in five years.

It’s unclear exactly when the city will file its appeal. The deadline is May 23, Ada County Development Services Director Meg Leatherman said.

This story was originally published May 11, 2016 at 10:53 AM with the headline "Boise to fight private airstrip near Table Rock."