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Airport-area hotel owner urges action on 'failing' business park near Boise Airport
Summary
Mark Rayton, owner of the Best Western Vista Inn at the airport, told the commission the business park east of the airport is failing after the loss of nearby restaurants and called for public-private action; staff described building deterioration and ongoing tenant recruitment efforts.
Mark Rayton, who identified himself as the owner of the Best Western Vista Inn at the airport, used the public-comment period to urge the commission to address blight and tenant vacancies in the business park east of the airport.
Rayton said the campus around his hotel had been well maintained in the past but called the area "a failing site" after the loss of a major restaurant (Copper Kitchen) and other departures. He told commissioners occupancy at his hotel fell 54% in 2025 compared with 2023 and asked the airport for help recruiting tenants and restoring the site.
Director Rebecca responded that portions of the area are outside the airport's span of control and that when Copper Kitchen closed it left the building in poor condition. She said staff have assessed the building and identified issues including lead-based paint, asbestos and a failing roof and that the airport had attempted to recruit replacements for Denny's and a coffee tenant (Starbucks) in the US Bank building without success. Rebecca offered to return to the commission with maps and a broader overview of actions and said the airport would be willing to discuss potential partnerships with the commenter.
The public comment exchange concluded with staff offering to follow up on specific concerns and to consult with county partners on properties not fully under airport control.
