3,500 homes are planned to be built in southwest Boise

SOUTHWEST BOISE, Idaho – Big changes are coming to southwest Boise after the Boise City Council approved a project that would build more than 3,500 homes near Maple Grove Road and Cole Road.

• Murio Farms will be built in phases as part of a 20-year expansion plan.
• The development will include a variety of housing options, allocated affordable housing, open space for parks, commercial space, a public school and a new fire station.
• The developer will also pay millions of dollars in impact fees to support road expansion and provide additional city resources needed to finance the new project.
• Learn more about the South Cole Neighborhood Association and its upcoming meetings here.

(Below is the transcript of the broadcast story)

Big changes approved for South Boise as City Council signals OK to move forward with “Murio Farms,” ​​a massive long-term development aimed at eventually bringing more than 3,500 homes to the area that is currently farmland.

“Unfortunately this old farm is disappearing and becoming houses. “It was kind of inevitable,” said Phill Vansickle of the South Cole Neighborhood Association.

He says he’s concerned about the impact a project of this magnitude will have on his neighborhood – as it will bring thousands of additional motorists to the area.

“The biggest concern in this area, if you ask anyone, is the traffic,” Vansickle said.

Although there will be more traffic and more noise, Vansickle recognizes the need for expansion.

“I can’t say no because I understand the need for more housing in the Treasure Valley. However, we need solid transport infrastructure in this area of ​​the southwest,” Vansickle added.

As part of the project, developers will be responsible for millions of dollars in impact fees to help the Ada County Highway District make necessary improvements and expansions to accommodate growth, according to the Boise City Council.

The plan also requires affordable housing and designated parking areas, and before most of the construction can proceed, the city would have to build a new fire station.

“Well, it would bring more shopping and more services to this area. So I wouldn’t have to drive that far, so that could have some benefits,” said Councilwoman Kathy Corless.

I spoke to Corless on the phone. After much deliberation, she voted to approve the project.

“With the city’s approval, we now have the responsibility and ability to install guardrails and protective measures on the project,” Corless said.

“I would rather be part of the solution than just wash my hands of it and walk away,” Vansickle says. “Some people think it’s almost worthless to get involved, it’s not even worth their time, but what I would like to do is what we say has an impact.”