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2019-12-09 COMPASSCommunities in Motion 2040 2.0 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 2.0 (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 2.0 goals. Recommendations The Franklin Road corridor is the highest local priority in the Communities in Motion 2040 2.0 plan. Franklin Road connects Nampa, Meridian, and Boise and serves as an alternate to I-84. As congestion on I-84 increases, Franklin Road will need to accommodate more automobile traffic and significantly more walking, biking, and public transit. Franklin Road will be widened from two to five lanes, between Star Road to Black Cat Road, and will include curb, gutter, sidewalks, and bike lanes. It is currently unfunded. The proposal is located in an area identified in the Communities in Motion 2040 Vision as Transit Oriented Development. Typically, at least 7 dwelling units per acre (DU/acre) are needed to support public transportation. The proposal is almost 14 DU/acre. The higher density is supportive of nearby bus service. ValleyConnect 2.0 proposes increased bus service from Caldwell to downtown Boise via Meridian. There is currently a stop less than 1/3 of a mile from this development. Please ensure adequate pedestrian infrastructure along Franklin Road to encourage bus connectivity. More information about COMPASS and Communities in Motion 2040 2.0: Web: www.compassidaho.org Email info@compassidaho.org More information about the development review process: http://www.compassidaho.org/dashboard/devreview.htm Development Name: Ascent Agency: Meridian CIM Vision Category: Transit Oriented Development New households: 72 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: Yes Farmland within 1 mile: 884 acres Housing within 1 mile: 1,720 Jobs within 1 mile: 220 Jobs/Housing Ratio: 0.1 Nearest bus stop: 0.3 miles Nearest public school: 2.1 miles Nearest public park: 1.8 miles Nearest grocery store: 1.5 miles CIM Corridor: Franklin Road Pedestrian level of stress: R Bicycle level of stress: R 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: 3.8 miles Nearest fire station: 2.2 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.