In a recent government meeting, a proposal for the annexation and zoning of a 35.29-acre property in Ada County was discussed, which aims to develop a mixed-use community featuring multifamily housing and commercial spaces. The property, located at the intersection of North Black Cat Road and West Chinden Boulevard, is currently designated for mixed-use regional and medium-density residential purposes.

The applicant seeks to extend the mixed-use designation to cover 50% of the medium-density area, allowing for a total of 312 multifamily apartment units, 10 townhome units, and 4 commercial lots. The development is planned to occur in five phases, with the first two phases focusing on residential units and subsequent phases introducing commercial spaces.

Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the adequacy of existing infrastructure to support the proposed development. Local residents expressed opposition, citing issues such as overcapacity in schools, traffic congestion, and safety concerns for children traveling to nearby schools. The Bainbridge Subdivision Homeowners Association highlighted that the proposed density could negatively impact the quality of life in the area.

The Ada County Highway District has mandated improvements, including a right-turn lane at the intersection of Black Cat and Ramblin Drive, and a traffic signal at the Rustic Oak and Chinden intersection to enhance safety and access. Additionally, the proposal includes landscaping buffers and noise abatement measures along the state highway.

Despite staff recommendations for adjustments to the phasing plan to ensure essential services are available before full residential build-out, the applicant declined to make these changes. The commission ultimately recommended denial of the project, citing concerns over infrastructure capacity and the integration of common open spaces within the development.

The City Council will consider the revised phasing plan and the community's feedback before making a final decision on the proposal.