In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around a proposed development project near Black Cat Road, raising significant concerns about traffic flow and safety in the area. The project, which includes multifamily housing, has prompted questions regarding its impact on local traffic patterns, particularly with the proximity to a nearby school.

Commissioners and developers debated the layout of the project, specifically the decision to place amenities such as a pool and dog park away from the apartments. Developers explained that this decision was made to minimize noise and traffic disruptions from the school across the street, which experiences heavy traffic during peak hours.

A key point of contention arose regarding the lack of a traffic signal at the intersection of Black Cat and Ramblin' Road. The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) confirmed that a signal is not planned due to eligibility requirements, which necessitate a half-mile distance from existing signals. This has raised concerns about safety for residents entering and exiting the subdivision, as traffic on Black Cat is expected to increase significantly.

Wade Ramsey, president of the Bainbridge Homeowners Association, voiced concerns on behalf of local residents about the anticipated influx of vehicles. He highlighted that approximately 700 cars would be directed south on Black Cat, exacerbating congestion and potentially pushing traffic onto residential streets like Vanderbilt, which are frequented by pedestrians and schoolchildren.

Ramsey also pointed out that current plans for sidewalks are insufficient, leaving children to navigate roadside travel in areas with a 45 mph speed limit, posing a safety hazard. The community is particularly anxious about the lack of immediate traffic control measures, such as stoplights or a roundabout, which are only planned for the future.

As the meeting concluded, the developers acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated that they would continue to work with local authorities to address traffic and safety issues as the project progresses. The discussions underscore the ongoing challenges of balancing development with community safety and infrastructure needs.