PZ - COMPASSCommunities in Motion 2040 Development Review
The Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) is the metropolitan planning organization
(MPO) for Ada and Canyon Counties. COMPASS has developed this review as a tool for local governments to
evaluate whether land developments are consistent with the goals of Communities in Motion 2040 (CIM 2040), the
regional long-range transportation plan for Ada and Canyon Counties. This checklist is not intended to be
prescriptive, but rather a guidance document based on CIM 2040 goals.
Recommendations
The proposal is an employment-centric area, with thousands of jobs within a mile of the site. The higher density
would be appropriate to support transit, however, currently there are no transit services near the site.
Communities in Motion 2040 2.0 plans for a bus route commencing at Saint Luke’s Meridian Medical Center,
running along Pine Avenue past this location. The route will have 15-minute headways in the peak hours and 30-
minutes in the off peak.
More information about COMPASS and Communities in Motion 2040:
Web: www.compassidaho.org
Email info@compassidaho.org
More information about the development review process:
http://www.compassidaho.org/dashboard/devreview.htm
Development Name: Whistle Stop Agency: Meridian
CIM Vision Category: Existing Neighborhood
New households: 68 New jobs: 0 Exceeds CIM forecast: No
Farmland contributes to the local economy, creates
additional jobs, and provides food security to the region.
Development in farm areas decreases the productivity
and sustainability of farmland.
Farmland consumed: No
Farmland within 1 mile: 169 acres
Farmland Value: N/A
Housing within 1 mile: 4,148
Jobs within 1 mile: 5,326
Jobs/Housing Ratio: 1.3
Nearest bus stop: 2 miles
Nearest public school: 0.7 miles
Nearest public park: 1.2 mile
Nearest grocery store: 1 miles
CIM Corridor: None
Pedestrian level of stress: PG-13-Pine Ave.
Bicycle level of stress: PG-Pine Ave.
A good jobs/housing balance – a ratio between 1 and
1.5 – reduces traffic congestion. Higher numbers
indicate the need for more housing and lower numbers
indicate an employment need.
Residents who live or work less than ½ mile from
critical services have more transportation choices.
Walking and biking reduces congestion by taking cars off
the road, while supporting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Level of Stress considers facility type, number of vehicle
lanes, and speed. Roads with G or PG ratings better
support bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and comfort
levels.
Nearest police station: 2.2 miles
Nearest fire station: 1.1 miles
Developments within 1.5 miles of police and fire
stations ensure that emergency services are more
efficient and reduce the cost of these important public
services.
The location is adjacent to the Union Pacific right-of-way and presents a unique opportunity to provide access to a
proposed Rails with Trails pathway. Communities in Motion 2040 Goal 7.1 is “promote development and
transportation projects that protect and provide all of the region's population with access to open space, natural
resources, and trails.” COMPASS is working with member agencies on a multi-jurisdictional Rails with Trails plan in
the Treasure Valley. Although the plan is not yet completed, best practices call for early coordination of
easements, license agreements, and/or property control along the Union Pacific right -of-way to ensure future
success of the regional rails with trails efforts. Also, consider pathway improvements to the Nine Mile Creek per the
2012 Downtown Meridian Neighborhood Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan .