Planning commission recommends approval of seven-lot Eastport industrial subdivision despite neighbor drainage concerns

The Boise City Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday recommended approval of a preliminary plat for the Eastport Industrial Subdivision, a seven-lot industrial subdivision proposed at 2392 East Windco Court.

Planning staff described the project as a roughly 78.2-acre site in an I-1 zone with multiple overlays that will be divided into seven buildable lots for warehouses totaling more than 1 million square feet. The planning team recommended approval, saying the project complies with dimensional standards and design-review conditions previously approved for the development.

Jeff Bower, speaking for the applicant, told the commission that the project "meets all of the applicable subdivision standards and we also agree with all of the staff recommended conditions of approval." He said several buildings are already under construction under building permits and that a comprehensive engineered drainage plan has been provided to Public Works.

Neighbors near Blue Valley mobile home park urged caution. Linda Puchinelli, president of the South Eisenman/Blue Valley neighborhood association, told the commission the community is not opposed to industrial development but is "concerned that the storm water drainage, safety, aesthetics, and long-term maintenance issues are fully addressed before construction proceeds further." She said past grading and runoff associated with nearby construction sent sediment into the neighborhood pond and Five Mile Creek.

Mike Walker, a part owner of Blue Valley Mobile Home Park, described prior incidents in which on-site grading and a collapsed berm allowed water and sediment to flow under trailers and into the community lake. "Nothing has been done to remedy that situation," he said, urging the city to require durable on-site retention rather than temporary dirt swales.

In response, planning staff and the applicant said Public Works requires erosion-control measures and an approved drainage plan before building permits are issued. The applicant described a system of basins and infiltration facilities developed from test pits across the site and said maintenance of landscape buffers and drainage facilities will be managed by an HOA or management company.

After questions and discussion, a commissioner moved to recommend approval of SUB25-52 with the staff conditions. The commission voted on a roll call and the motion carried. Commissioners and staff reminded the public that appeals to the City Council must be filed within 10 days by someone who provided testimony at the hearing.

The Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Boise City Council for final action, and Public Works will continue to review and permit drainage and erosion-control plans as the project advances.