*****UPDATE: Board of Commissioner's Public Hearing is November 12, 6pm Ada County Courthouse- See you there!

Ada County is reviewing a proposal for a 395-home development along Highway 55, adjacent to Shadow Valley Golf Course. Many residents believe this would have major impacts on the rural foothills, public safety, and the character of our community.

The project would require changes to current Rural Residential and Rural Preservation zoning. If approved, it could open the door to more development and fundamentally change a scenic, low-impact corridor between Boise and the backcountry.

Why We’re Concerned:
    •    Traffic: The project would significantly increase daily traffic on an already dangerous stretch of Highway 55, which has a history of safety concerns.
    •    Water Use: Plans to drill new high-capacity wells raise questions about impacts on existing wells. Past attempts to drill in this area have reportedly been unsuccessful.
    •    Sanitation: A planned sanitation pond near homes and the highway could introduce odor or health concerns, particularly during warmer months.
    •    Wildfire Risk: More development in this fire-prone area could strain limited emergency response capacity and increase risk.
    •    Wildlife Disruption: This area serves as habitat and a migration route for elk, deer, and other native species. Development could reduce available habitat and increase human-wildlife conflict.
    •    Loss of Rural Buffer:  High-Density housing here would eliminate a longstanding natural buffer between Boise and the mountains.
    •    Commercial Development: The proposal includes new commercial buildings, though existing amenities are just 10 minutes away.
    •    Noise, Light & Community Impact: Residents worry that increased noise, light pollution, and traffic would permanently change the character of an area where many families have lived for decades.
    •    Infrastructure Pressure: Local schools, roads, and emergency services are already under stress. Additional development may push them beyond capacity.

Not “Smart Growth” — A Risky Gamble

This proposal doesn’t align with what many of us consider thoughtful, sustainable growth. The developer, Larry Kine, has drawn criticism in other communities for aggressive development tactics. For example, news reports from Bend, Oregon describe disputes over tree preservation and land use. Given that history, many locals are understandably concerned about how development would be handled here.

We’re not accusing anyone of wrongdoing—but the track record raises fair questions about how this project might unfold.

We Urge the County to:
    •    Reject this rezoning proposal (Case #202402701-PC)
    •    Uphold existing rural zoning protections
    •    Defend the ecological and community integrity of the foothills

Take Action:

By signing, you’ll receive updates on how to:
    •    Submit an official comment letter the planner, Brent Danielson- bdanielson@adacounty.id.gov
    •    Attend the Wednesday, November at 6pm public hearing at Ada County Courthouse
    •    Spread the word to neighbors, outdoor users, and concerned citizens

Let’s protect the foothills. Let’s protect our future.

For questions or to help us organize, contact us at: info@stopshadowvalleyrezone.com

We appreciate your support and look forward to hearing from you, thank you!