Burns letter: Harris Ranch development

Look out, Boise, another fine example of urban sprawl and developmental greed is at hand above the Harris Ranch. Having ignored the prime deer and elk winter range, Harris Ranch is putting in a new subdivision in the Foothills above the existing development. There’s a myriad of issues that should be disturbing to all who are witnessing the earth moving that is taking place. Wildlife disruption, erosion problems, public access and most of all water usage — it has been reported by local utilities that this development is going to be using over 300,000 gallons of water per day. Given that we live in a desert and snow pack has been minimal at best over the last decade, what are these developers thinking? Boiseans spoke out in the latest election about how important the open space levy was to them and to the future generations who are being brought up here. It’s time for our city leaders to put forth a plan to address this urban sprawl and limit wanton development of the places that Boiseans cherish and recreate in.

This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 5:13 PM with the headline "Burns letter: Harris Ranch development."