North End Development Sparks Debate Over Community Character and Affordability
NORTH END, Idaho — A proposed six-story condominium project at the intersection of 8th and Franklin is igniting discussions among Boise residents about the future of the historic North End. The development aims to include 13 residential units alongside underground parking and outdoor amenities, but it has garnered mixed reactions from the community.
Longtime resident Steve Brown voiced concerns over the building’s size and its impact on the neighborhood’s atmosphere. “I don’t like it when the buildings are so big that they block out the sun,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a community vibe that has shaped his family’s experience for three decades. Brown reminisced about the friendly environment where children could play on the streets, expressing fears that large buildings could alter that dynamic.
Conversely, some neighbors support increased housing options, highlighting the region’s escalating affordability crisis. Cliff Green lamented that “a lot of people can’t afford to live in the North End anymore,” pointing out that even renting has become increasingly difficult.
Parking remains another significant concern. Residents have reported struggles with street parking and the potential congestion the new development could create. The proposed plans include 22 underground parking spots, along with bicycle storage and alleyway access, aimed at easing some of these issues.
Despite assurances from developers that the project will adhere to downtown design standards—including landscape buffers and upgraded sidewalks—some residents fear that rapid development might displace long-standing families within the community. “It does drive up the prices, so multi-generational people here in Boise are driven out,” cautioned one resident.
The project is pending final design approval from the City of Boise, as the community continues to weigh its potential impact.
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