2020-01-21 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
This proposal exceeds growth forecasted for this area. However, the proposal for multi-family housing in downtown
Meridian supports the Communities in Motion 2040 2.0 Vision which encourages “the highest densities and land-
use mix, including housing, office, and retail jobs. Downtowns typically are centers for culture and activity” in
Downtown areas. This proposal would provide higher density, infill housing nearby an employment and retail area,
which can mitigate congestion by decreasing the amount of single occupancy vehicle trips generated on the
transportation network and encourage non-motorized travel. Typically, at least 7 dwelling units per acre (DU/acre)
are needed to support public transportation; this proposal exceeds 58 DU/acre. The proposal is also a mix of
residential and retail, which can mitigation congestion by decreasing the amount of single occupancy vehicle trips
generated on the transportation network and encourage non-motorized travel.
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: Meridian Station Agency: Meridian
CIM Vision Category: Mixed Use
New households: 360 New jobs: ±300 Exceeds CIM forecast: Yes
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: 72 acres
Housing within 1 mile: 4,110
Jobs within 1 mile: 10,010
Jobs/Housing Ratio: 2.4
Nearest bus stop: >4 miles
Nearest public school: 1.3 miles
Nearest public park: 0.2 miles
Nearest grocery store: 0.9 miles
CIM Corridor: Main Street
Pedestrian level of stress: PG
Bicycle level of stress: PG-13
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: 1 mile
Nearest fire station: 0.2 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.
The Union Pacific railroad corridor could see new development in the future, including
increased freight traffic, passenger transportation, and/or a multi-use trail. COMPASS is
involved with planning for the latter two opportunities but both are unfunded and would
require agreement from Union Pacific. On the west side of Meridian Road, the City of
Meridian will be constructing a multi-use pathway in the City of Meridian parallel to the
railroad tracks for approximately ½ mile west towards Linder Road from Meridian Road. This
project has an anticipated construction year of 2022 (Key #13918). This proposal has
committed to extend that pathway on the east of Main Street.
The site is not currently served by public transportation. ValleyConnect 2.0 proposes bus
service between downtown Boise and the West Boise Research Center, via downtown
Meridian, with 20-minute frequencies in the peak hours. The closest bus stop would run
along North Main Street when that route is operational. Work with Valley Regional Transit
on design that would accommodate future service.
The proposal requests to continue to use the two vehicular access points on North Main
Street, an arterial road, and closing the access on Broadway Avenue. Consider closing on
access location on North Main Street and keeping vehicular access on Broadway Avenue.
This will help with efficiency on the arterial roadway and improve safety for bicyclists and
pedestrians by taking away one conflict point.