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.