PZ - COMPASS ReviewCommunities 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 fronts US 20-26, which is the #3 priority in the Communities in Motion 2040 plan. US 20-26 serves
as one of a few east-west roadways that stretch from Caldwell to Boise. It is an alternate to I-84, which makes it a
vital transportation route, supporting more regional travel in the Treasure Valley than any other arterial roadway.
The site plan indicates vehicles will access Black Cat Road, not US 20-26. This access management strategy will
help maintain efficiency on the US 20-26 corridor and promote multimodal safety. A future widening of Chinden
Road (3 to 5 lanes) from Hwy 16 to Linder Road is currently in project development in the FY2018-2022 TIP. More
information about US 20-26 is available at:
http://www.compassidaho.org/documents/prodserv/CIM2040/3_US2026-MdltnRd-LcstGrvRd.pdf
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: Fairbourne (H-2018-0052) Agency: Meridian
CIM Vision Category: Future Neighborhood
New households: 176 New jobs: 100 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: Yes
Farmland within 1 mile: 1,029 acres
Housing within 1 mile: 644
Jobs within 1 mile: 40
Jobs/Housing Ratio: 0.1
Nearest bus stop: >4 miles
Nearest public school: 1.7 miles
Nearest public park: 0.8 miles
Nearest grocery store: 1.4 miles
CIM Corridor: US 20/26
Pedestrian level of stress: R- US 20/26
Bicycle level of stress: R- US 20/26
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: >4 miles
Nearest fire station: 2.3 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 proposal is a mix of residential and commercial uses, which can reduce congestion by
decreasing the amount of single occupancy vehicle trips generated on the transportation
network and encourage non-motorized travel.
There is no existing or planned public transportation at this location.
The Phyllis canal to the north of the site provides an opportunity for trail recreation for the
area. The Idaho Recreational Use Statute (36-1604) indemnifies and encourages private
landowners to allow access to land which includes trails for recreational purposes. Consider
working with irrigation and canal companies to allow such an opportunity.