HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ - Annexation Narrative Idaho State
University
Brian Sagendorf
Vice President of Operations
Idaho State University
June 17th, 2024
Bruce Freckleton
Community Development Director
City of Meridian
33 E. Broadway Ave.
Meridian, Idaho 83642
RE: 785 S. Locust Grove Road - Meridian, Idaho
Annexation and Zoning Narrative
Dear Mr. Freckleton,
Idaho State University is pleased to submit the attached application and required supplemental
materials for the annexation and zoning of a future General Retail & Service Commercial (C-G)
land development project located at 785 S. Locust Grove Road.
Introduction
Idaho State University seeks annexation of
23.254 acres of university-owned property into .
the City of Meridian. This annexation will --
incorporate the university's land within the city's
jurisdiction, providing access to essential — -
municipal services and infrastructure. This
proposal outlines ISU's intent for annexation, r
envisioning a comprehensive 30-year Master
Plan for the development of the land. The plan -
includes facilities for academic, residential,
clinical and community needs, as well as -
enhancing education and regional economic
impact in the health sciences. The Meridian
Health Sciences Campus is a significant I
investment in preparing future healthcare
professionals for Idaho.
Our plans align with the City of Meridian's comprehensive plan, showing the property in a
proposed commercial area with readily available utilities,transportation, and infrastructure.
Office of Campus Operations
921 South 8th Ave.,Stop 8310 1 Pocatello,ID 83209-8310 1(208)282-2953 1 isu.edu
Idaho State
University
Background
Idaho State University provides statewide leadership in health and related biomedical and
pharmaceutical sciences and is committed to quality teaching, research, and clinical services in
Southwest Idaho.
ISU's presence in the Treasure Valley began in the early 1970s with clinical pharmacy rotations
at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Boise and the Nampa State School. Since then, ISU—
with approval from the Idaho State Board of Education— has added more than 32 graduate and
undergraduate degrees to its academic offerings in the Treasure Valley with most fields of study
in the health professions and sciences.
ISU-Meridian is located at the Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center, 1311 E. Central
Drive, which houses eleven distance-learning classrooms; the L.S. Skaggs Pharmacy Complex;
the L.S. & Aline Skaggs Treasure Valley Anatomy and Physiology Laboratories (TVAPL); and
human patient simulation and medical science laboratories. ISU-Meridian serves the Treasure
Valley community by offering affordable, community-facing patient services through the Delta
Dental of Idaho Dental Residency, Speech/Language and Audiology, Physical Therapy,
Counseling, Primary Care, Integrated Mental Health, and Medication Therapy Management
Clinics.
Unique to ISU-Meridian is its partnership with West Ada School District, whose administrative
offices and Renaissance High School are adjacent to the university. Renaissance students have
the opportunity to graduate with an Associate of Arts in General Studies from ISU through dual
credit courses in the Early College Program. Also unique to ISU-Meridian is its colocation and
partnership with the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, (ICOM). They utilize ISU's TVAPL
laboratories to educate their students, and we have partnerships with the Renaissance High
School to matriculate students through select programs at ISU, and in turn we have similar
agreements with ICOM to give opportunities to our students to attend their programs.
ISU is a prominent educational institution with a commitment to academic excellence, research,
and community engagement. Located within the boundaries of the growing city of Meridian,the
university recognizes the potential for collaborative growth and development through the
annexation of its property into the city limits.
Objectives
The primary objective of this narrative is to request the annexation of ISU's property into
Meridian, enabling future facility and service expansion to better serve students and the
community. This will foster closer collaboration with the city and support educational,
economic, and cultural initiatives. Annexation will also allow ISU to utilize capital funding for site
and infrastructure development.
ISU requests that all existing structures on ISU property remain intact and in use until new
storage facilities are constructed. This construction is expected to be associated with our initial
phase of development. Additionally, we request a waiver of public utility connection as these
structures will no longer be needed as site development progresses in future phases. The
Office of Campus Operations
921 South 8th Ave.,Stop 8310 1 Pocatello,ID 83209-8310 1(208)282-2953 1 isu.edu
Idaho State
University
temporary retention of these structures is important to meet the university's operational needs
without interruption during the transition. Removing these structures before new facilities are
ready would cause logistical challenges and disrupt university activities.
ISU is committed to maintaining the site before, during, and after development, ensuring it
remains free of detritus and debris. The university will implement regular maintenance
schedules and proactive measures to keep the site clean and orderly, preserving the aesthetic
and environmental quality of the area.
ISU's first step following annexation is to pursue a Planned Unit Development (PUD) with the
City of Meridian. This initiative will facilitate comprehensive planning and development of the
site, ensuring future projects align with the university's goals and the city's regulatory
requirements. The PUD process will enable ISU to effectively manage land use, infrastructure,
and community integration cohesively. Furthermore, ISU requests site access be addressed and
incorporated into our Planned Unit Development phase to better assess site conditions, roadway
access, and future development considerations. ISU will work closely with the City of Meridian
and local jurisdictions as we move forward with site design and development.
Master Plan
ISU has established a conceptual 30-year Master Plan that envisions the development of ISU's
property to accommodate the evolving needs of students and the community. At the time when
planning for these projects initiates, it will be accomplished in conjunction with the Division of
Public Works and their project management processes, and will be approved by the Permanent
Building Fund Advisory Council and the State Board of Education. ISU will continue to work with
industry partners, philanthropic donors, and the State of Idaho as we move forward with this
project in collaboration with the city and community leaders. The plan includes the construction
of a variety of buildings, strategically designed to support innovation and education in the health
sciences for the surrounding community, while also preparing Idaho's future generations of
health care professionals.
This master plan is a living document as programs, buildings, and prioritization change over
time. However, the initial purpose of this master plan is to engage the City and the State for their
input and to allow the development of the initial infrastructure to be designed to prepare the
property for future construction. The plan includes tentatively identified areas for:
Academic Buildings: State-of-the-art facilities for academic departments, research laboratories,
and classrooms.
University Housing: Residential buildings offering housing options for university students,
faculty, and staff.
Clinical Space: Specialized facilities for healthcare education, training, and community health
services.
Multi-Use Facilities: Versatile spaces for recreational activities, events, and community
gatherings.
Outdoor Amenities: Extensive landscaping, campus quad areas and green space, pedestrian
pathways, parking, and roadways to access the buildings.
Office of Campus Operations
921 South 8th Ave.,Stop 8310 1 Pocatello,ID 83209-8310 1(208)282-2953 1 isu.edu
Idaho State
University
Key Features of the Master Plan:
Phased Development: The buildout will be executed in phases over the next 30 years with
external partnerships, ensuring sustainable growth and alignment with academic and
community needs.
Community Engagement: Opportunities for community involvement through shared facilities
and collaborative initiatives. Fostering a strong sense of belonging and partnership while
creating opportunities to provide needed services to the community including interdisciplinary
clinical services.
Benefits of Annexation and Buildout
Enhanced Academic Offerings: Expanded facilities will enable ISU to broaden its academic
programs and research initiatives.
Economic Growth: The development will stimulate economic growth by creating jobs, attracting
investments, and fostering innovation.
Community Integration: Closer ties between ISU and Meridian will promote cultural exchange,
civic engagement, clinical services, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Conclusion
The annexation and buildout of ISU's property in Meridian represents a transformative
opportunity to strengthen higher education, community development, and regional prosperity.
This project will cultivate a dynamic educational ecosystem while contributing to the growth and
vitality of the City of Meridian.
In summary, this narrative outlines ISU's vision for annexation, emphasizing the long-term
benefits of collaboration between the university and the city. ISU's Master Plan reflects a
strategic investment in education, infrastructure, and community well-being, positioning ISU and
Meridian for a prosperous future.
Office of Campus Operations
921 South 8th Ave.,Stop 8310 1 Pocatello,ID 83209-8310 1(208)282-2953 1 isu.edu
1com
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
May 2, 2024
Bruce Freckleton
Community Development Director
City of Meridian
33 E. Broadway Ave.
Meridian, Idaho 83642
Subject: Letter of Support for Idaho State University's Annexation and Zoning at 785 S. Locust
Grove Road, Meridian, Idaho
Dear Mr. Freckleton,
I am writing on behalf of Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine to express our strong support
for Idaho State University's proposed annexation and zoning project at 785 S. Locust Grove
Road in Meridian, Idaho. We understand that this project is aimed at enhancing the university's
facilities and services which will significantly contribute to the educational, economic, and
community well-being of our region.
Idaho State University has outlined a 30-year Master Plan that promises to bring substantial
benefits to our community. These include:
• Educational Advancements: Expansion of academic programs, particularly in health
sciences, which is critical for training the next generation of healthcare professionals.
• Economic Growth: The project will stimulate economic development through
construction, ongoing operations, and the attraction of additional investments into our
area.
• Community Engagement: The inclusion of multi-use facilities and community-focused
services will provide increased opportunities for local engagement and partnership.
We believe that the success of this project will not only benefit Idaho State University but will
also have a lasting positive impact on the broader community by providing advanced educational
opportunities and fostering a vibrant, collaborative environment.
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine acknowledges the strategic efforts of Idaho State
University to align this development with the City of Meridian's growth plans, ensuring that the
project supports the city's objectives and infrastructure needs. Therefore, we lend our support
and encouragement for the approval and prompt execution of this annexation and zoning plan.
1401 E.Central Drive,Meridian,ID 83642(208)795-ICOM
icom.edu
1com
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Please consider this letter an endorsement of the project, reflecting our belief in its potential to
enhance the quality of life and economic landscape of Meridian and its surroundings. We look
forward to seeing the positive changes that the university's expansion will bring to our
community.
Thank you for considering our support as part of your decision-making process. We are eager to
assist in any way that furthers the progression of this valuable initiative.
Sincerely,
3�
Tracy Farnsworth, Edl), MHSA, MBA
President& Chief Executive Officer
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
1401 E, Central
Meridian, Idaho 83642
tarnsworth@icom.edu
1401 E.Central Drive,Meridian,ID 83642(208)795-ICOM
icom.edu
SEgL
Idaho State Police .� - p
Service Since 1939
Colonel Kedrick R . Wills Brad Little
Director Governor
Colonel Kedrick Wills
Colonel / Director
Idaho State Police
Kedrick . Wills@isp . idaho . gov
May 28 , 2024
Bruce Freckleton
Community Development Director
City of Meridian
33 E . Broadway Ave .
Meridian , Idaho 83642
Subject : Letter of Support for Idaho State University ' s Annexation and Zoning at 785 S . Locust
Grove Road , Meridian , Idaho
Dear Mr . Freckleton ,
I am writing on behalf of Idaho State Police to express our strong support for Idaho State
University ' s proposed annexation and zoning project at 785 S . Locust Grove Road in Meridian ,
Idaho . We understand that this project is aimed at enhancing the university ' s facilities and
services , which will significantly contribute to the educational , economic , and community well -
being of our region .
Idaho State University has outlined a 30 -year Master Plan that promises to bring substantial
benefits to our community . These include :
• Educational Advancements : Expansion of academic programs , particularly in health
sciences , which is critical for training the next generation of healthcare professionals .
• Economic Growth : The project will stimulate economic development through construction ,
ongoing operations , and the attraction of additional investments into our area .
700 South Stratford Drive • Meridian, Idaho 83642 - 6202
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
• Community Engagement : The inclusion of multi - use facilities and community - focused
services will provide increased opportunities for local engagement and partnership .
We believe that the success of this project will not only benefit Idaho State University but will also
have a lasting positive impact on the broader community by providing advanced educational
opportunities and fostering a vibrant , collaborative environment .
Idaho State Police acknowledges the strategic efforts of Idaho State University to align this
development with the City of Meridian ' s growth plans , ensuring that the project supports the city ' s
objectives and infrastructure needs . Therefore , we lend our support and encouragement for the
approval and prompt execution of this annexation and zoning plan .
Please consider this letter an endorsement of the project , reflecting our belief in its potential to
enhance the quality of life and economic landscape of Meridian and its surroundings . We look
forward to seeing the positive changes that the university ' s expansion will bring to our community .
Thank you for considering our support as part of your decision - making process . We are eager to
assist in any way that furthers the progression of this valuable initiative .
Sincerely ,
Colonel Kedrick Wills
Colonel / Director
Idaho State Police
Kedrick . Wills@isp . idaho . gov