Commission backs relocation of Treasure Valley Transition Home for up to 18 foster boys

The Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission on June 10 approved a conditional use permit allowing Treasure Valley Transition Home to operate a supervised residence for up to teenage boys at 115 Thirteenth Avenue North, with conditions addressing building-occupancy permits and standard safety requirements.

Applicant Jacqueline Sherwood, who identified herself as the chief administrator and owner of Treasure Valley Transition Home, told the commission the program provides 24-hour supervision, life-skills training and schooling support for youth in foster care and that the home has operated since 2005. She said staff-to-resident ratios meet state requirements (1 staff per 8 residents) and that the home typically staffs two employees from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to support community activities.

Sherwood said police involvement at the organization’s current location has been limited. She told the commission that "in the last couple of years, we've had to contact law enforcement a total of 20 times," and that most calls were for runaways, with the majority returning within hours or the next morning. Sherwood added that in 20 years of operation, "no staff have ever been harmed by residents, and our neighbors have never had to call or press charges on any of our residents."

Staff described the request as an "unlisted land use" under the zoning schedule; because code changes since 2007 removed an exact match for the prior category, the planning director brought the application forward as a CUP transfer. Christy Watkins, principal planner, told commissioners the property is approximately 7,000 square feet and that the building department had requested a commercial permit for R-3 occupancy; the building official will inspect and advise any safety-related changes needed.

Several former residents, program alumni and partner organizations spoke in favor. Luis Granados of Breaking Chains Development Academy and alumni speakers described the program as providing mentorship and stability that helped graduates secure jobs, housing and family stability. Commissioner comments were strongly supportive; the commission moved and approved the permit with the recommended conditions. Staff reminded the applicant of the 15-day appeal period before the CUP becomes effective.

Conditions require compliance with applicable building, fire and planning requirements and any upgrades identified in the building-department occupancy inspection. The commission’s approval allows the nonprofit to relocate and continue the residential foster-care work at the proposed address pending the appeal period and required building-department actions.