[Sawtooth]

I must say I had my doubts about JUMP, but these renderings might change my mind.

Also, does anyone else think that the parking lot by the US bank would be a good place to start for infill? Would a high rise on the parking lot be too dense for Boise?

There was actually some news a few years or so ago about Unico Properties, who owns the US Bank tower, building a smaller tower on that tiny sliver of a parking lot in the future. This info may be buried in this thread somewhere, or available by Googling.

[boisecynic]

God Dammit! I've had it up to here with the Boise Guardian circle-jerk-a-rama. Remember a few years ago when a few of us went over there on a comment raid. It's time for another comment raid.

The Boise Guardian and his sheep are hell bent on destroying the ability of cities to create Urban Renewal Districts. To any of you living near downtown you should take this personally. The freaking suburbs have been on the receiving end of the majority of government spending for decades, what the heck is their problem with URDs?

BG argues here: http://boiseguardian.com/2011/02/18/guardian-in-support-of-urban-renewal-reform/

While the intent of urban renewal is noble, it has evolved into a gigantic slush fund that reports to no one. Taxes on the APPRECIATED VALUE and all IMPROVEMENTS are diverted from the schools, cities, counties, and all other districts such as libraries and fire protection. That is called the INCREMENT. The result is property taxpayers have to make up the difference.

There would be no improvements without the urban renewal district for a variety of reasons which I've repeatedly argued. For example, Fairveiw/Main properties were carved up before current planning and zoning requirements were enacted. Current zoning laws require parking and storm water mitigation and most of the lots of Fairview/Main do not have the size to meet these laws. There is no simple solution. In fact the only solution is the power given to cities to create renewal districts.

Hotlinking to the guardian's pic, let's see how long he allows the hotlink:
http://boiseguardian.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Capt.-Dave2.jpg


/end rant
/still begging for a comment raid

[Evo5Boise]

The final design might actually end up looking a little bit different than that, according to someone at Boise State that I know who's working on the project. They hired the same architect firm that did the Phil Knight Arena for the Oregon Ducks, so it'll be really interesting to see what comes out. Supposedly the biggest change we'll see from those drawings from what I hear is that the new athletic facility (as seen in the northeast corner) will actually end up being larger than what's on those drawings.

The two things that REALLY bug me about that design in those drawings -- a) how the north end zone seating doesn't connect with the rest of the seating, so it just looks awkward, and b) to add to the awkwardness, the north end seating has sharp corners whereas the rest of the stadium seating is rounded off like in a bowl.

It'll be really interesting to see what the final product will be though. :yes:

I feel the same on both accounts that you pointed out. It looks so disconnected.

[Visualize]

God Dammit! I've had it up to here with the Boise Guardian circle-jerk-a-rama. Remember a few years ago when a few of us went over there on a comment raid. It's time for another comment raid.

The Boise Guardian and his sheep are hell bent on destroying the ability of cities to create Urban Renewal Districts. To any of you living near downtown you should take this personally. The freaking suburbs have been on the receiving end of the majority of government spending for decades, what the heck is their problem with URDs?

BG argues here: http://boiseguardian.com/2011/02/18/guardian-in-support-of-urban-renewal-reform/



There would be no improvements without the urban renewal district for a variety of reasons which I've repeatedly argued. For example, Fairveiw/Main properties were carved up before current planning and zoning requirements were enacted. Current zoning laws require parking and storm water mitigation and most of the lots of Fairview/Main do not have the size to meet these laws. There is no simple solution. In fact the only solution is the power given to cities to create renewal districts.

Hotlinking to the guardian's pic, let's see how long he allows the hotlink:
http://boiseguardian.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Capt.-Dave2.jpg


/end rant
/still begging for a comment raid

Judging by this article, it seems like the problem is coming from other Idaho cities that appear to be inappropriately using urban renewal districts.

http://www.idahoreporter.com/2011/iff-report-says-urban-renewal-agencies-taking-millions-without-much-benefit-to-taxpayers/


and taken from the Guardian article:
The conservative group pushing for reform has gotten the ear of the legislature, triggering consternation among local politicians and many media pundits. For the most part, the bills seek voter approval to create a district, approve public debt, or allow affected districts like schools to “opt out” prior to formation of a URA district.

If these conditions are placed on urban renewal districts they will most likely cease to exist. Nobody in Boise will vote for an urban renewal district in the 30th Street area because as it sits, it holds no value to them. They will not approve debt to improve one area of the city because they are greedy and will just say, "well my neighborhood has problems I want to see fixed too", even if those problems pale in comparison to the 30th St. area and their potential to improve lives, create jobs, and eventually generate a large amount of tax revenue when the district expires.

I don't know what the proposed boundaries are for the 30th St. urban renewal district, but I think it is a fairly safe assumption that all the empty lots and remaining small businesses don't generate very much tax revenue as it is. For this to be captured in tax increment financing, along with future taxes coming from any new development in the area, and then put back into improving this extremely valuable and long forgotten part of the city seems just.

[Sawtooth]

:previous: :previous: :previous: Humpty Dumpty!
http://ghostradio.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/humpty_dumpty_doll.jpg

[Sawtooth]

another city ranking for Boise:



(The mountainous and coastal regions of the West and Rocky Mountains earned the top rankings for lots of healthy, physical activity).





1. Boulder, Colorado
2. Santa Fe, New Mexico
3. Medford, Oregon
4. Santa Cruz, California
5. Boise, Idaho

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/02/19/1534563/whats-the-uss-most-active-city.html#ixzz1EW9LXYC0

[CaliforniaKid]

4. Santa Cruz, California


LOL.. Looks like I'm one up on you guys. Santa Cruz is where I live. :haha: :notacrook:

[CaliforniaKid]

Just an FYI.. When it comes to weather and scenery, Santa Cruz beats Boise hands down. However it comes with a price tag, you only get a few months worth of it here. The winters here are usually cloudy and wet, as it is now, and the summers are extremely cold and foggy.

So if we are looking at averages, and since I've lived in both cities and can make the judgment, I would say that Boise takes the cake here.. ;)

[Sawtooth]

Just an FYI.. When it comes to weather and scenery, Santa Cruz beats Boise hands down. However it comes with a price tag, you only get a few months worth of it here. The winters here are usually cloudy and wet, as it is now, and the summers are extremely cold and foggy.

So if we are looking at averages, and since I've lived in both cities and can make the judgment, I would say that Boise takes the cake here.. ;)

Santa Cruz is beautiful for sure, the ocean and beaches. Judging scenery is really subjective and usually boils down to a persons personal taste. Boise has got it going on, like biking along the Boise River and spotting the wildlife and seeing the mountains above the trees, or driving up to the forest at Bogus and watching the sun set over the valley or looking out over the wilderness of mountains and woods behind Boise. The four seasons here are perfect for an active lifestyle, Boise is with good company in this list.

I just have to say that Spring fever is setting in, I already have crocus starting to pop up in my garden, they haven't bloomed yet, but should within a few weeks.

[Visualize]

Just an FYI.. When it comes to weather and scenery, Santa Cruz beats Boise hands down. However it comes with a price tag, you only get a few months worth of it here. The winters here are usually cloudy and wet, as it is now, and the summers are extremely cold and foggy.

So if we are looking at averages, and since I've lived in both cities and can make the judgment, I would say that Boise takes the cake here.. ;)

Just an FYI.. When it comes to weather and scenery, Boise beats Santa Cruz hands down. And it comes with a cheaper price tag, and it lasts most of the year. The winters are cold but bring some snow in the mountains for recreation, as it is now, and the summers are heaven on earth with warm temperatures, outdoor dining, live music and art.

So if we are looking at averages, and since I am familiar with both cities and can make the judgment, I would say Boise wins all around. ;)



Edit: Ahhh! Ya beat me to it Sawtooth. hahaa

[CaliforniaKid]

Santa Cruz is beautiful for sure, the ocean and beaches. Judging scenery is really subjective and usually boils down to a persons personal taste. Boise has got it going on, like biking along the Boise River and spotting the wildlife and seeing the mountains above the trees, or driving up to the forest at Bogus and watching the sun set over the valley or looking out over the wilderness of mountains and woods behind Boise. The four seasons here are perfect for an active lifestyle, Boise is with good company in this list.

Spring fever is setting in, I already have crocus starting to pop up in my garden, they haven't bloomed yet, but should within a few weeks.

We got critters here too.. Raccoons, deer, and mountain lions. Not to mention sharks, elephant seals, harbor seals, etc.. But yes, when it comes to overall wildlife, I think Idaho takes the cake. Just over the hill is San Jose, Yuck.

if you want the four seasons and great skiing, wildlife, etc.. There is nothing like Boise. AND more sunny days.. overall Boise wins IMO..

[CaliforniaKid]

Other bad thing here.. It's VERY expensive to live here, even with the housing market going kaput. I came here in the 80's before silicon valley came, so I had my roots established here already. Lucky me I guess..

Also the Santa Cruz mountains are wimpy compared to Bogus Basin. It's only in the Sierras where they really get big.

[Sawtooth]

Edit: Ahhh! Ya beat me to it Sawtooth. hahaa


Sorry:cheers: I would give you one of my dark German beers I am drinking, but you are too far away.

How about that humpty dumpty look alike Boisecynic posted?

[Visualize]

^^^I would totally take you up on that if I could.

And nah, Humpty's big melon should be used as shooting practice.

[boiseaninexile]

St. Lukes is looking to expand with this 89' building. They are requesting approval to construct a 3 story subterranean parking garage with 5 floors of medical office building above grade. The grade floor would have both parking and enclosed building space. A proposed sky bridge at the third level would connect the new building to the existing east tower of St Lukes across North Avenue B (Broadway).

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m48/visualeyez1983/stlukes.png
http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/details.aspx?id=CUP11-00003&type=doc

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Big-expansion-for-St-Lukes-underway-116704054.html

This is a link to a story about St. Luke's recently expanded laundry and lab buildings which will be supporting their expansion downtown and in Meridian. In the video, Dr. Pate, CEO of St. Luke's health care system said the additions at the Boise and Meridian campuses will be "very substantial," and the story says they plan to invest $1.27 Billion in expansion and development over the next ten years. Some of this will be in the Magic Valley but most of it should be right here in the Boise MSA. More good news!

[BoiseAirport]

Random bit of small news... :)

Starting on April 1st and lasting for 4 weeks, Delta Air Lines will put a once-weekly Boeing 757-200 flight on their Boise to Salt Lake City route (plus an extra flight on April 3rd). The reason this is noteworthy is because the 757-200 will be the largest scheduled passenger airliner that has ever served Boise. :)

In addition to that, in the summer Delta, on their Boise to Salt Lake City route, will go from the 2x daily mainline aircraft they've had for the last 10 years, and increase it to 3x daily. It's a pretty significant addition of seats. Boise to Minneapolis will also see an increase of seats as the morning regional jet will be upgraded to a mainline A319 aircraft.

Overall it's small news that you probably won't notice, but it's symbolic of the fact that traffic levels at BOI which have been dropping since 2007 have finally leveled off and are starting to actually go back up again, leading to more/upgraded service. :)

[Cottonwood]

:previous: That is good news.

What do you think about this BoiseAirport....will this help the airport become a freight hub as is envisioned and eventually gain International status?

http://idahobusinessreview.com/2011/02/11/boise-airport-opens-customs-and-border-protection-building/

Boise Airport opens Customs and Border Protection building
by Robb Hicken

Published: February 11th, 2011

In 2010, Customs and Border Protection at the Boise Airport conducted more than 400 private, cargo and corporate general aviation flight inspections and reviews.

From the confines of a singlewide, 600-square-foot trailer, CBP agents inspected shipments on the tarmac near the airport terminal. International travelers were made to stand outside, exposed to the weather, while baggage and airplane were inspected. There were no restrooms.

“Our ability to process shipments through international customs becomes an even more vital component for economic growth,” Boise mayor David Bieter said.

On Feb. 11, the airport opened its expanded inspection station at the east end of the runway. The new station is the first general aviation CBP facility in the nation to be built to meet the latest design standards.While the new 5,000-square-foot customs building at the Boise Airport is huge in comparison to the past facility, its construction provided numerous design challenges.

“We have doubled in size,” said Richard McConnell, airport director. “We know the airport is going to grow, as are the freight inspections, so we’ve planned for future expansion.”
The new building will hold 107 people, with a processing capacity of 35 passengers per hour. It’s designed strictly for the purpose of international customs.Matt Petaja, deputy director of Facilities & Engineering, said the move to the far end of the airport was essential so the CPB building didn’t conflict with commercial air traffic.

“We’ve solved a lot of the problems other airports are going to encounter in building a similar facility,” Petaja said. “This is the first of a kind facility to meet the latest transportation and safety standards.”He said overcoming issues involving security in such a small building had to be reviewed and implemented. The CBP building includes search and interview rooms, and a secure holding area.

In addition to international passenger charters, international import/export inspections can be done.
“The new facility provides increased freight capabilities, which is expected to have a positive impact on local business,” McConnell said.

Total cost of the building was $1.3 million, paid for through federal grants and the Airport Enterprise funds. It was designed in partnership with HNTB and CSHQA. The contractors on the project included King Excavation, Tri-State Electric, Advanced Heating, Inselman Plumbing, TV Fire Protection and Hawkeye Builders.

Complete URL: http://idahobusinessreview.com/2011/02/11/boise-airport-opens-customs-and-border-protection-building/

[BoiseAirport]

:previous: That is good news.

What do you think about this BoiseAirport....will this help the airport become a freight hub as is envisioned and eventually gain International status?


That's a very good question, and I'm not totally sure what the answer would be. I do think it is inevitable that we will become an international airport, and I think it could very well happen in the next 5-10 years (scheduled passenger international service on the other hand, is probably a very long way out I'm afraid). I'm honestly not sure what more we have to do beyond those facilities to actually become "Boise International Airport."

Regarding the cargo hub, I know FedEx was eyeing Boise as a candidate for a major western cargo hub about 10 or 12 years ago, which unfortunately never came to fruition. The good news is that with the growth of online shipping, air freight has seen and will continue to see tremendous growth, so it wouldn't shock me to see FedEx and UPS establish 1 or 2 more major cargo hubs in the Western US, and it wouldn't shock me if they started looking at Boise again.

As I recall, the main reason FedEx didn't choose to turn Boise into a cargo hub a decade ago was due to our airport being limited to CAT-I status only, meaning that if there was even a slight bit of fog, the airport would have to close. Also, I think they ultimately scrapped the idea of a new cargo hub because at the time air freight was experiencing a drop in demand.

Luckily, the Boise Airport turned that huge disadvantage to a major advantage by making major improvements to our ILS systems, which gave our airport CAT-IIIb status, one of the highest possible statuses meaning aircraft can land in virtually everything but zero visibility.

As a cargo hub, Boise actually makes a lot of sense versus other airports in the Western U.S. We have a stable local economy, we are in a climate that doesn't experience a whole lot of harsh weather, we are geographically suited for a cargo hub as a lot of Asia-US flights are routed directly over Idaho, and we are a fairly inexpensive airport to operate out of. There are a multitude of reasons, which is why I think we have qualities that give us an edge if FedEx or UPS were to establish a new base.

In short, I think a cargo hub is a very real possibility in the future. I don't know what the status is of that one Chinese company building large manufacturing plants south of the airport is, but I do know that if that were to happen, that could be the spark that would make a cargo hub happen.

That's just my hunch though, I'm not as in tune with the business of air freight and cargo operations as I am with passenger ops. I hope that helps! :)

[greenbearcub]

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Big-expansion-for-St-Lukes-underway-116704054.html

This is a link to a story about St. Luke's recently expanded laundry and lab buildings which will be supporting their expansion downtown and in Meridian. In the video, Dr. Pate, CEO of St. Luke's health care system said the additions at the Boise and Meridian campuses will be "very substantial," and the story says they plan to invest $1.27 Billion in expansion and development over the next ten years. Some of this will be in the Magic Valley but most of it should be right here in the Boise MSA. More good news!

I know that the hopeful plan for the downtown campus is to go from 403 beds to 500+ in five years. As well the whole skybridge on that new building isn't supposed to be the only one at the downtown location. I have heard of three others, and as far as i heard all on the third floor for obvious path movement.

[BoiseAirport]

I received a very kind response from someone at Rafanelli & Nahas regarding my inquiry about Capitol Plaza and the Boise Plaza developments.

In short, CAPITOL PLAZA IS NOT DEAD! :notacrook: :cheers: :pepper: :ohyeah

Though it may be a while before we see it built. It's likely that the Boise Plaza development will be built first. But the fact remains that Rafanelli & Nahas is still committed to the project.

[Visualize]

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Big-expansion-for-St-Lukes-underway-116704054.html

This is a link to a story about St. Luke's recently expanded laundry and lab buildings which will be supporting their expansion downtown and in Meridian. In the video, Dr. Pate, CEO of St. Luke's health care system said the additions at the Boise and Meridian campuses will be "very substantial," and the story says they plan to invest $1.27 Billion in expansion and development over the next ten years. Some of this will be in the Magic Valley but most of it should be right here in the Boise MSA. More good news!

That's a nice chunk of change, can't wait to see what it buys. I'd really like to see another tower above the underground parking garage at the downtown St Lukes.

[Boisekid]

Great news about Capitol Plaza! Hopefully some specific details emerge about that or the Boise Plaza Developments soon.

[Boisekid]

No HOV Lanes in Idaho (Boise Weekly)

Don't expect to see high occupancy vehicle lanes in the Treasure Valley anytime soon. While tens of thousands of commuters face I-84 each morning and afternoon, a proposal that would allow most Idaho communities to introduce HOV lanes got stuck in a legislative traffic jam this afternoon.

The House Transportation and Defense Committee voted 10-5 to kill a bill by Boise Democrat Phyllis King to expand Idaho's ability to build HOV lanes. Currently a 2009 law allows only counties with populations of 25,000 or less to introduce HOV lanes for carpoolers and buses. King told Citydesk that she crafted her measure after hearing from her Boise constituents on a need for HOVs.

Meridian Republican Marv Hagedorn led the charge against King's motion.

"I think we're opening up a door that we don't want open," said Hagedorn with his no vote.

But Moscow Democrat Shirley Ringo countered with her experience in other cities.

"HOVs work very well in Seattle," said Ringo. "It incentivizes carpooling."

But Republican Bob Nonini of Coeur d'Alene disagreed.

"Comparing Seattle to Boise to comparing apples to oranges," said Nonini. "We should hold this bill."

And so they did, in effect killing the measure. Republicans Leon Smith of Twin Falls and Richard Wills of Glenns Ferry joined the committee's three democrats in a losing effort.

[City Of Trees]

That is such a crock of crap. I cannot stand how this state legislature sets up all of these rules to prevent localities to develop as they wish. Why anyone in some town hundreds of miles away cares what another town does is beyond me.

[Sawtooth]

I'm surprised that a Northern government person opposed this and a Meridianite, usually it is the zealots from Rexburg, St. Anthony, Idaho Falls which is my hometown, Blackfoot, and some other eastern Idaho I-15 village opposing issues that will benefit Boise, their capitol city.

Bob Nonini needs to pull his head out. He needs to be placed in Caldwell for a few months and forced to commute to the Statehouse in downtown Boise every morning and back to Caldwell every evening and maybe he will be enlightened.


http://media.spokesman.com/photos/2009/04/28/aaa-nonini_t470.jpg?84974f3f373deb0dda0f75a22ddd9b7d3a332b26
I hope you plan on recycling that plastic water bottle:)


That 2009 law is a joke, where the hell did that come from, who's ass was that pulled from?


Meridian Republican Marv Hagedorn, you represent Meridian, right in the center of the gridlock, wake up!! What does opening up a door mean??
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://media.spokesman.com/photos/2011/01/13/hagedorn-1-13-11_t400.jpg%3Ffd5af0684d698ce74dd4392bafb4f89a6dc66ee3&imgrefurl=http://m.spokesman.com/galleries/2011/jan/14/2011-idaho-legislature-week-1/&usg=__72LdxxyqEuJ2QfqUmC1hIdNr0E8=&h=300&w=400&sz=21&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=Nm4C_0xVRuQ_IM:&tbnh=153&tbnw=204&ei=PANmTQ-MvrEDneTg-wQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmarv%2Bhagedorn%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D1440%26bih%3D664%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=323&oei=kQFmTZjLJ4aisQOFhszuBA&page=1&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:14,s:0&tx=127&ty=82

[BoiseAirport]

Wow, that really makes my blood boil. Killing a bill like that... WHY!?!

What logical reason is there to prevent HOV lanes from being built. I can't think of a single one that offsets the benefits. What's so evil about encouraging carpooling!? GAHH!! Who voted for these imbiciles!?! :brickwall: :brickwall: :brickwall:

[Visualize]

While I don't necessarily think that the state should decide what cities do, Boise isn't the one financing the interstate. Not everyone is able to carpool, in fact very few are. So tons of money is being shelled out to widen the freeway by an extra lane that would actually benefit very few people if designated as HOV, and congestion would remain the same.

I will say that if the potential for HOV lanes was given, it doesn't mean it has to be implemented. I think an extensive study needs to be conducted first to determine the need. Then again you can always put up the sign with ridiculous fines for driving in it without 2 people in the car, and then when the lane is sitting virtually empty during rush hour take them down in a month when everyone realizes it was a bad idea to begin with.

[Boisekid]

I feel the same way about HOV lanes. Ya, they're nice when you have a couple people in the car and can utilize it, but to spend all that money on widening the freeway another lane just so a few select people can use it is a little silly. If I lived in Eastern Idaho and the Treasure Valley was spending all this state-wide tax money on an HOV lane, I'd be against it too. If were going to widen the freeway, just add another regular lane. Until an area reaches 1.5-2 million, i think HOV lanes are not necessary.

[Sawtooth]

Think of a HOV lane as a way to encourage more people to car pool. I work with several people from Canyon County who do car pool into Boise so there are merits to it. An extra lane on I-84 between Meridian and Nampa/Caldwell isn't going to necessarily solve traffic jams or backup, so it is possible that designating a lane as HOV during peak hours could help traffic flow if more people carpooled and that is not silly. I agree with Visualize about a study to determine the need, but at the same time remain open to that need. I also know that many Eastern lawmakers would be against it even if there was a proven need.

[Visualize]

You can encourage people all you want to use HOV lanes, but the main factor is whether or not it reduces the amount of time it takes to go from point A to B. Sure once you're on it it's smooth sailing, but I'd be curious to see how much time is added in through other factors, like picking up the other person/people you're carpooling with, or dropping them off somewhere other than your destination. I can see this easily adding quite a bit of time and frustration unless you're lucky enough to have these things aligned. I sit in stop and go traffic every day as people whip past me in the HOV lane at 65 mph. The incentive is there no question, but not the means to do much about it, and it would only save me about 10-15 minutes if picked up at work and dropped off at my front door. And no, I'm not going to find some random person on the internet that wants to fart and eat a greasy McDonalds breakfast meal the entire way.

The main advantage I see of HOV lanes that can potentially benefit everyone is for emergency vehicles. Boise could also use it for BRT, and the already established ValleyRide instead of trying to push for rail.

[City Of Trees]

Boise could also use it for BRT, and the already established ValleyRide instead of trying to push for rail.This, to me, is the biggest benefit at the moment. Right now, buses have to follow the same rules as any other vehicle on the road. Why deal with that if you can deal with the same thing in your car? If you give them a fast track, it makes their usage more attractive.

[boisecynic]

My experience with HOV lanes.

1) Sometimes they work great, as intended

2) Sometimes you get on and get stuck behind someone doing 50 when the rest of the freeway is doing 70. Remember, you have to enter and exit only at designated points. Crossing the line between those points gets you a huge fine.

3) The best ones, though most expensive to build, are the 2-lane reversibles. I-15 in San Diego and I-395 in DC's Virginia suburbs. DC also had non-freeway reversibles, Connecticut Ave was insane right at switching time.

[boi2socal]

2) Sometimes you get on and get stuck behind someone doing 50 when the rest of the freeway is doing 70. Remember, you have to enter and exit only at designated points. Crossing the line between those points gets you a huge fine.


Orange County is slowly getting rid of the exit/entry restriction. I think parts (or all) of the Bay Area have "open" carpool lanes too. I think the trend will continue. They're rather dangerous the way they are because people don't pay as much attention in the fast lane as they don't expect anyone to cross the carpool line, but they do. Seems to be where a lot of accidents happen.

[spark317]

3) The best ones, though most expensive to build, are the 2-lane reversibles. I-15 in San Diego and I-395 in DC's Virginia suburbs.

I-64 in Norfolk has a 2-lane reversible, with the speed limit 10 mph more than the adjoining freeway, which makes it very desirable to drive.

[SLC Projects]

I agree with you guys. You should get those HOV lanes. We have them here in SLC and they have been great. I hope you guys get them sooner then later. Same goes with lightrail.

[Evo5Boise]

I agree with you guys. You should get those HOV lanes. We have them here in SLC and they have been great. I hope you guys get them sooner then later. Same goes with lightrail.

Light rail for sure. Boise isn't a gigantic metropolis yet, however, why not get ahead of the curve. I was impressed with SLC that they had a light rail system tbh.

[SLC Projects]

Light rail for sure. Boise isn't a gigantic metropolis yet, however, why not get ahead of the curve. I was impressed with SLC that they had a light rail system tbh.

:previous:
are there any plans or talks for Boise to get light rail in the near future?

[andyroo]

I haven't heard of anything after Boise got denied the government grant for a lightrail. If we did get one I would hope phase 1 would include a stop at BSU. I know so many students who don't go downtown on the weekends because they don't want to deal with the hassle of finding a ride home...and paying for taxis gets old quick.

[Boisekid]

I know instead of the stupid East-West circulator that Bieter wanted, the City started to look into a route that would connect Boise State and Downtown along Capitol Blvd. Anybody have any update on that? I know it was determined that the Capitol Blvd bridge COULD support some sort of fixed rail with minor improvements.

[Sawtooth]

Spring teaser pics! taken last May.




http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/012-7.jpg









http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/owyh1.jpg









http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/owhy2.jpg










http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/024-13.jpg

[Cottonwood]

Growing biotech company Biomark could move into prime Boise-owned real estate Downtown
But not everybody says that’s the right thing to do with city property.
BY CYNTHIA SEWELL - cmsewell@idahostatesman.com
Copyright: © 2011 Idaho Statesman
Published: 03/01/11

Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/03/01/1546599/whats-the-best-use-for-boise-warehouse.html#ixzz1FMgJxw2q


..............Downtown developer Mark Rivers is one of those questioning whether there aren’t better ways to use the site near the Boise River.

“The city needs to be a smart, strategic steward of its properties,” he said. “This is the city’s last developable site along the Greenbelt in the Downtown core — it is beachfront. Shouldn’t it be used for a grand purpose?” said Rivers.

In an effort to help promote the city’s cultural district, Rivers this month offered to give the city $25,000 to strengthen its cultural district plan.



Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/03/01/1546599/whats-the-best-use-for-boise-warehouse.html#ixzz1FMgWn3CE





Also, thanks for posting those pics Sawtooth, they are beautiful, the greenery is amazing.

[Visualize]

^^^I think it all boils down to how long the lease is, and what future building density will be allowed. If Biomark is going to be doing serious renovations, I imagine the lease would be for quite a while, which could actually be a good thing as long as it's not something out there like 15-20 years, in order to ensure the future redevelopment of the property is worthy of one of the most desirable lots in the city. I think leasing to this company as being a placeholder rather than the permanent decided use for the land. Unless someone wants to step forward and build a 15 story mixed use building I think it's a good idea. On the contrary, if Boise is going to stick with it's riverfront tree line height standard, I'm sure a four story building would be marketable much sooner than the length of the lease, in which case I don't think they should do it.

[boisechev]

Idaho census to be released next week...

census.gov

click on the data portion in the middle for an interactive map.

My guess:

650k metro

(ada, canyon, gem, owyhee, boise)

our metro does not include elmore county, or payette county. If you include those 2 counties we could get much closer to 700k.

I understand payette county not being in the metro, but Mtn. Home is 30 minutes from east Boise.

[boiseaninexile]

Idaho census to be released next week...

census.gov

click on the data portion in the middle for an interactive map.

My guess:

650k metro

(ada, canyon, gem, owyhee, boise)

our metro does not include elmore county, or payette county. If you include those 2 counties we could get much closer to 700k.

I understand payette county not being in the metro, but Mtn. Home is 30 minutes from east Boise.

boisechev,

I agree with you about the 650k estimate. At the very least we will be over 600k, which will place us very solidly as the third biggest metro in the NW ahead of Tacoma (as a separate entity from Seattle) and well ahead of Spokane. This isn't exactly news, but I think we will see definite separation.

Boise is on its way toward 1 million +, and eventually it might spread far enough east-west to get Payette or Elmore counties included in the MSA figures.

Here is the link to the census page: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/

[TonyAnderson]

boisechev,

I agree with you about the 650k estimate. At the very least we will be over 600k, which will place us very solidly as the third biggest metro in the NW ahead of Tacoma (as a separate entity from Seattle) and well ahead of Spokane. This isn't exactly news, but I think we will see definite separation.

Boise is on its way toward 1 million +, and eventually it might spread far enough east-west to get Payette or Elmore counties included in the MSA figures.

Here is the link to the census page: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/

Was Idaho's actual state population for 2010 above or below the 2009 estimate? That will give you a good idea as to where you're at regarding metros.

With Utah the 2009 estimate was about 100,000 overestimated, so each of the metros took big hits when 2010 date came out (compared to 2009 estimates).

[Cottonwood]

Downtown news....... arts and music.

www.colorcubeboise.com



http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/03/04/1550687/lylyly.html
A new Treasure Valley venue for aspiring musicians and artists
BY MICHAEL DEEDS - mdeeds@idahostatesman.com
Published: 03/04/11



Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/03/04/1550687/lylyly.html#ixzz1FeSAKMwa

[BoiseAirport]

boisechev,

I agree with you about the 650k estimate. At the very least we will be over 600k, which will place us very solidly as the third biggest metro in the NW ahead of Tacoma (as a separate entity from Seattle) and well ahead of Spokane. This isn't exactly news, but I think we will see definite separation.

Boise is on its way toward 1 million +, and eventually it might spread far enough east-west to get Payette or Elmore counties included in the MSA figures.

Here is the link to the census page: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/

What's interesting to see is how the incorporation of the Coeur D'Alene metro area into the Spokane will affect their metro population numbers. Sadly it wouldn't surprise me to see Spokane pull out ahead of Boise in population when including Coeur D'Alene (Which I don't think is particularly fair... Spokane getting their dirty little hands all over one of the most beautiful gems of Idaho :haha:).

And yes, I agree that the Boise metro area is well on its way to 1,000,000+. I can't remember who said it on this thread, but by all means I see Boise as being much like Austin, Texas 20-30 years ago. :)

[Cottonwood]

:previous: I read that Spoke and CD'A might not combine for a few years, but I remember reading Coeur d'Alene has not been very happy about being combined with Spokane in the past so it would be interesting to hear what the Chamber in CD'A thinks now, if they like the idea of being associated with Spokane or want to be independent. Either way, if and when their metro population is slightly larger than Boise's, it will be because of an Idaho city. Boise's metro is all in state. (Ontario, Oregon is not considered part of our MSA is it?)

[Boisekid]

Ontario isn't in our MSA, but like what has been said earlier, you could make an argument that Mtn Home, Payette and Ontario (Malheur county??) could all some day be in our MSA.


BTW, i'm guessing 644,000 for our MSA.

[jimthemanincda]

:previous: I read that Spoke and CD'A might not combine for a few years, but I remember reading Coeur d'Alene has not been very happy about being combined with Spokane in the past so it would be interesting to hear what the Chamber in CD'A thinks now, if they like the idea of being associated with Spokane or want to be independent. Either way, if and when their metro population is slightly larger than Boise's, it will be because of an Idaho city. Boise's metro is all in state. (Ontario, Oregon is not considered part of our MSA is it?)

As most know, metros are based on commuting patterns between counties. For automatic inclusion as one metro area, the commute rate betwen counties must be 25% or above. Anything over 15% is optional, and, if each county agrees, they will be joined in a metro area.

After the 2000 census, the commute % for residents of Spokane County, WA and Kootenai County, ID was a little over 15%. Not enough for automatic inclusion but enough for each local jurisdiction to decide whether to join to become one metro area. Spokane County was for inclusion as one metro area, Kootenai County was against inclusion, for various reasons. The metros are separate as a result.

The Census Bureau hasn't yet released the commute % for 2010 so we don't know what is going to happen, but my guess is the counties are still below the 25% automatic inclusion number and the same thing will happen as happened in 2000. Just my thoughts...

[boisechev]

What's interesting to see is how the incorporation of the Coeur D'Alene metro area into the Spokane will affect their metro population numbers. Sadly it wouldn't surprise me to see Spokane pull out ahead of Boise in population when including Coeur D'Alene (Which I don't think is particularly fair... Spokane getting their dirty little hands all over one of the most beautiful gems of Idaho :haha:).

And yes, I agree that the Boise metro area is well on its way to 1,000,000+. I can't remember who said it on this thread, but by all means I see Boise as being much like Austin, Texas 20-30 years ago. :)

even if CDA is added to Spokane, I don't think they pass us.

Spokane County is at 471k and CDA 134k (estimate in 2007)

So If CDA reached 150k by last April 1, then their metro would be 621k.

Ada and Canyon County alone should be 610k, if not more. (hopefully)

If for some reason the Spokane MSA was larger, (unlikely) we still have the option to blast Spokane for not being remotely close.... to the awesomeness that is Boise.

Not even in the same universe....:)

[NYC Rick]

even if CDA is added to Spokane, I don't think they pass us.

Spokane County is at 471k and CDA 134k (estimate in 2007)

So If CDA reached 150k by last April 1, then their metro would be 621k.

Ada and Canyon County alone should be 610k, if not more. (hopefully)

If for some reason the Spokane MSA was larger, (unlikely) we still have the option to blast Spokane for not being remotely close.... to the awesomeness that is Boise.

Not even in the same universe....:)

What a hilariously laid out response. Kind of like a military assault on Spokane,

Funny! Basically you are talking about a few thousand people making a difference. Yeah we win!!! Classic!

[Boizean]

Here's the population list I pulled together quite a while back. Should be interesting to see how the actual census numbers compare to COMPASS estimates. Personally I think COMPASS is a little bit high.

My extrapolated 2010 estimate puts us at 653,000. My actual guess would be closer to 635,000.

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/2707/population2252009.jpg

[boisecynic]

The comparison metric I like to use is Boise's rank among metro areas.

Boise is steadily moving up the list. Not long ago it wasn't even in the top 100. Now it's #85. Look at the list of metros just above and below. Over the last 20 years or so Boise has passed Madison and Des Moines (and many others) which are very comparable cities and I'm pretty sure no metro's population has surpassed Boise. I'm betting Boise will move into the top 79 when the 2010 census numbers are finalized.

Provo/Orem and Cape Coral/Fort Meyers may surpass Boise in the next 10 to 20 years, however, that's a bit of apples to oranges.

Comparing Boise to SLC or Denver or Portland, even past versions of those cities is more apples to oranges. SLC and Denver have oil. Portland has a seaport. All 3 of those have north/south and east/west interstate highways.

My quick and easy source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_of_United_States_Metropolitan_Statistical_Areas

[Sawtooth]

COBE

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Concordia University




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Protesting Geese


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/028-10.jpg

[Boizean]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/028-10.jpg

"Protesting Geese"

Nice caption Sawtooth. :haha:



The comparison metric I like to use is Boise's rank among metro areas.

Boise is steadily moving up the list. Not long ago it wasn't even in the top 100. Now it's #85.

Yeah, I like to observe Boise's MSA national ranking too. Adding Canyon County back in 1990's sure helped us step up the ladder then and now adding Owhyee, Gem and Boise Counties in 2003.

I don't think we reach the top #79 but would wager we edge out Colorado Springs at #83 though.

[Visualize]

Thanks for the photo update Sawtooth. COBE is going to have quite the presence on Capital Blvd.

For not really any reason other than it is interesting to note, is that of the top 100 metropolitan statistical areas, only 24 are west of Denver. I personally wouldn't mind seeing some Chinese multinational corporation office towers downtown mixed in with some of our own.

[Evo5Boise]

Comparing Boise to SLC or Denver or Portland, even past versions of those cities is more apples to oranges. SLC and Denver have oil. Portland has a seaport. All 3 of those have north/south and east/west interstate highways.

My quick and easy source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_of_United_States_Metropolitan_Statistical_Areas

That is an interesting point you bring up about the interstates. It makes you wonder how much growth Boise can sustain having just one interstate coming through town.

I guess Las Vegas only has one real interstate supporting it, however, comparing the two cities is apples and oranges.

[Visualize]

That is an interesting point you bring up about the interstates. It makes you wonder how much growth Boise can sustain having just one interstate coming through town.

I guess Las Vegas only has one real interstate supporting it, however, comparing the two cities is apples and oranges.

Considering I84 goes to the northwest it covers Portland, Seattle, and Spokane. It also runs southeast covering all of southern Idaho as well as Salt Lake City and beyond. US Highway 95 and 93 runs south to Vegas and connects to I80 which takes you to Reno and the Bay Area. There really isn't anywhere else to go. It's not really like a critical link is missing or anything.

[Sawtooth]

Thanks Visualize and Boizean. I like how COBE will be right on Capitol Blvd.

To add to the Interstate discussion, Boise is in a strategic central location between the PNW Coast, the rest of the Inland Northwest including Lewiston a seaport in Idaho, and heading south to SLC, so I think Boise could really turn into a major regional distribution center as growth continues, and become more of a distribution center than we currently are, and with just one Interstate system. We don't have oil like a few other regional cities which means we don't have the refineries thankfully, but there is a huge amount of varied food products grown in this valley which are shipped around the nation and to the rest of the world, and is a major industry.

[Boise Benchman]

Again apples to oranges (size and population wise), Phoenix and Tucson, AZ both only have the I-10 run through them.

But, there is one GLARING difference, if you've ever been in Phoenix they have the 101, 202, and 303 circular add-ons to the I-10. VERY easy to get around that top ten metro area. Much like in Vegas with the 215.

HOWEVER, in Tucson with a metro right at 1 million, the I-10 cuts through a portion of town leaving vast sprawling areas of town un-serviced by highway. (No 101's like Phoenix or 215's like Vegas) i.e. VERY LONG COMMUTES! trust me!

So, there are some examples of how to and how NOT to get around having one Interstate going through town.

[Cottonwood]

COBE

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Concordia University




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Protesting Geese


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/028-10.jpg




Thanks for the update!

[InlandEmpire]

boisechev,

I agree with you about the 650k estimate. At the very least we will be over 600k, which will place us very solidly as the third biggest metro in the NW ahead of Tacoma (as a separate entity from Seattle) and well ahead of Spokane. This isn't exactly news, but I think we will see definite separation.

Boise is on its way toward 1 million +, and eventually it might spread far enough east-west to get Payette or Elmore counties included in the MSA figures.

Here is the link to the census page: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/


Interesting to see how Boise and Spokane progress, I think a lot of Seattlites like myself think about moving to one or the other some day. I think they'll be close though, I don't see Boise blowing Spokane's size out of the water by any means:

The following is from Wikipedia:

With a population of 208,916, according to the 2010 Census, Spokane is the second largest city in Washington, and the third largest in the American portion of the Pacific Northwest, behind Seattle, and Portland, Oregon. The City Of Spokane is slightly larger than Boise, Idaho according to the Census data. Spokane is the principal city of the Spokane Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is coterminous with Spokane County. As of 2010, the county had a population of 471,221 .[8]

Directly east of Spokane County is the Coeur d'Alene Metropolitan Statistical Area, composed entirely of Kootenai County, Idaho; the combined population of the two counties was estimated at 600,152 in 2008, fourth largest in the Pacific Northwest behind Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver, British Columbia.[9] Spokane's Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is expected to be officially combined with Kootenai County by the Federal Government and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget once the 2010 Census is tallied. The new MSA is likely to be named "Spokane-Coeur d'Alene Metropolitan Area". It is expected that by that time, the area will have upwards of 650,000, and this change will occur no later than 2013.[10]

[Cottonwood]

:previous: I saw that too, but I wonder how accurate that Wikipedia entry is because the 2010 numbers for Idaho have not been released yet, so whoever put that in Wikipedia was using old or non 2010 census population numbers for Boise and using the new 2010 numbers for Spokane. Either way both cities are really close in numbers, although Boise has been the Northwest's 3rd largest since 05, back in 2005 Boise had an estimate of 208,200, so if in 2010 Spokane has 716 more people than Boise's 2005 number......it will be close.
Anyone know when Idaho's numbers will be released?

[boisechev]

Sometime this week we will have the county and metro results for Idaho.

The city results should be available very soon too.

I'm not sure if both are released at the same time.

[Boisekid]

The Census site says that Idaho is "coming next." When next is, I don't know.
http://2010.census.gov/2010census/pdf/us_st_release_c2k10_2-16.pdf

And regarding the freeway system discussion, I was in SLC over the weekend and it's just awesome what they've done there. I mean they have I-80, I-15, I-215, Legacy Pkwy, I-84 in south Ogden. Throw in Front Runner (the commuter train that will soon connect provo-SLC-ogden), Trax...that is one metro area that has done a great job with transportation. Utah still has the worst drivers on earth, however.

And as I drive to and from Nampa on Chinden, I always think how nice it would be to have another east-west limited access highway. I'd be fine with a southern belt route too, connecting east boise to Kuna-Nampa

[Sawtooth]

The 2010 Census already notified us all that Idaho was the 4th fastest growing state, so if this is known we should have city numbers soon.

[boiseaninexile]

Interesting to see how Boise and Spokane progress, I think a lot of Seattlites like myself think about moving to one or the other some day. I think they'll be close though, I don't see Boise blowing Spokane's size out of the water by any means:

The following is from Wikipedia:

With a population of 208,916, according to the 2010 Census, Spokane is the second largest city in Washington, and the third largest in the American portion of the Pacific Northwest, behind Seattle, and Portland, Oregon. The City Of Spokane is slightly larger than Boise, Idaho according to the Census data. Spokane is the principal city of the Spokane Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is coterminous with Spokane County. As of 2010, the county had a population of 471,221 .[8]

Directly east of Spokane County is the Coeur d'Alene Metropolitan Statistical Area, composed entirely of Kootenai County, Idaho; the combined population of the two counties was estimated at 600,152 in 2008, fourth largest in the Pacific Northwest behind Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver, British Columbia.[9] Spokane's Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is expected to be officially combined with Kootenai County by the Federal Government and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget once the 2010 Census is tallied. The new MSA is likely to be named "Spokane-Coeur d'Alene Metropolitan Area". It is expected that by that time, the area will have upwards of 650,000, and this change will occur no later than 2013.[10]

If Couer d'Alene is included and the Wikipedia numbers hold up, it will be much closer than I thought. Without Couer d'Alene, the Boise MSA will be significantly larger than Spokane's. I do think that it will be close on the actual city population. I've seen Boise estimated in the 215,000 range; but, there are so many different formulas being employed (Compass has one; BVEP has another; Census updating another; etc.) we will have to wait until the new figures come out.

Anyway, good stuff InlandEmpire. But, I still hope we jump into a solid #3 in the Northwest. It sounds so much better than #4. :yuck:

[GrandTeton]

I'm guessing Boise will surpass Spokane in population by about 2000. There seems to be a lot more going on in Boise compared to Spokane. But that is just my humble opinion.

Has Boise annexed any land recently to the south by any chance? Does anyone have an estimate of the population south of the Boise airport? Another question, has Boise ever considered annexing Garden City?

[Boisebro]

I'm guessing Boise will surpass Spokane in population by about 2000. There seems to be a lot more going on in Boise compared to Spokane. But that is just my humble opinion.

Has Boise annexed any land recently to the south by any chance? Does anyone have an estimate of the population south of the Boise airport? Another question, has Boise ever considered annexing Garden City?

boise should be proactive and annex all the open land south and east of the city.

and then tax the hell out of the whistle pigs. then we could afford our downtown trolly!

:)

[boisecynic]

Hah! The annexation of Garden City came up on reddit last month. There was a link to a Supreme Court case from 1907 where the State of PA forced consolidation of Pittsburgh and Allegheny. A citizen sued, it ended up at SCOTUS and they found in favor of the consolidation.

Very interesting read for all you arm chair urban planners:

http://supreme.justia.com/us/207/161/case.html

Boise can't annex GC because GC is already incorporated but the State of Idaho could force consolidation. Did you know Boise City Hall already handles all GC's building permits and inspections?

[CaliforniaKid]

I'm sure of one thing... If you take the whole treasure valley, it would blow out Spokane's valley population.. :whip:

[InlandEmpire]

How do ya figure? There are no other major population centers really...:shrug:

[boisechev]

I think he means if you went from Ontario and Payette all the way to Mtn home.

That would add roughly another 90k (estimate)

[GrandTeton]

Hah! The annexation of Garden City came up on reddit last month.

Nice to see a fellow redditor on here by the way.

I think he means if you went from Ontario and Payette all the way to Mtn home.

According to the newest census for Oregon, Malheur county is losing population. Do you think they're all moving to the Boise area or the Bend area? Estimates also state that Mountain Home is losing population.

[Sawtooth]

Nice to see a fellow redditor on here by the way.



According to the newest census for Oregon, Malheur county is losing population. Do you think they're all moving to the Boise area or the Bend area? Estimates also state that Mountain Home is losing population.

Malheur County offers a medical marijuana clinic in Ontario right on the other side of the state line, a quick drive from Boise, so I bet some people from Western Idaho are buying property there so that they can obtain Oregon citizenship and get their meds legally and not deal with facist Boise police:eviltongue: The past year Malheur may have gained some part-time citizens, Vale has some interesting architecture for such a small town.

Mountain Home is an air force town, so the population fluctuates.

[Cottonwood]

Nothing huge...three story infill at 514-526 S. 12 Street in downtown.

http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/PDS/PDF/Hearings/Design%20Review%20Committee/Minutes/2011/01-18-11_DRMinutes.pdf

[Cottonwood]

Idaho census numbers are to be released today. Is Garden City considered part of the numbers for Boise, or are they counted separately?

[greenbearcub]

Looks like they have released them on the web site.

[GrandTeton]

Shucks. I thought Boise would be larger than Spokane. :shrug:

[Cottonwood]

Shucks. I thought Boise would be larger than Spokane. :shrug:

About a 3000 people difference...that is why I'm wondering if Garden City has it own separate count or counted with Boise. If they are not, the numbers would really increase and be somewhat justified because Garden City is such a small sliver of a city surrounded by Boise.

[jimthemanincda]

Idaho census numbers are to be released today. Is Garden City considered part of the numbers for Boise, or are they counted separately?

Garden City and Boise are separate cities so there are separate numbers for each...

2010 population
Boise=205,671
Garden City=10,972

[Cottonwood]

Garden City and Boise are separate cities so there are separate numbers for each...

2010 population
Boise=205,671
Garden City=10,972

So...unofficially Boise's population is 216,643:)

[boi2socal]

So...unofficially Boise's population is 216,643:)
LOL. There are lots of cities surrounded by other cities. Just in LA there is West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.

I am also surprised Spokane is larger. Back to 4th for Boise. Has the Metro population issue been figured out? Is CDA officially part of Spokane's Metro?

[boiseaninexile]

I'm sure of one thing... If you take the whole treasure valley, it would blow out Spokane's valley population.. :whip:

How do ya figure? There are no other major population centers really...:shrug:

Well, it is quite simple really. Add up the current Ada and Canyon county numbers and you get 580,000+. In addition to Ada and Canyon, Boise MSA has three other counties to consider. With those the Boise MSA should end up in the 630-650,000 range.

Spokane on the other hand has an MSA of 470,000+. Even with Coeur d'Alene's number's the Spokane metro will probably still be smaller than Boise. And, as it currently stands, Spokane may be 3,000 bigger in city population but it is well over 100,000 behind in metro population.

So, while I don't have anything against Spokane, it should be noted that Boise's MSA growth and development is definitely outpacing Spokane's MSA.

[jakor21]

I highly doubt that Spokane's population is 208,000. This is wikipedia we're talking about. The editor of that page fluctuates Spokompton's population almost monthly as I have observed.

The OFFICIAL census bureau page does not have the 2010 numbers out yet, only the 2009 estimate.

Here are some #'s for Spokompton from the census bureau. (1990) 177,196 (2000) 195,629 (2009) 203,268 According to this Spokane hasn't even grown 10,000 over the last decade.

#'s for Boise (1990) 125,738 (2000) 185,787 (2009) 205,707

As you can see Boise has grown 20,000+ in the last decade when Spokane hardly experienced any growth. Long term the Boise MSA will far exceed Spokane MSA.

[Boizean]

What a mixed bag of expectations with this census.


For those comparing similar sized metros

Boise
392,365 Ada
188,923 Canyon
16,719 Gem
7,028 Boise
11,526 Owyhee
616,561


Spokane
471,221 Spokane
138,494 Kootenai
609,715 Total if combined


Colorado Springs
622,263 El Paso
23,350 Teller
645,613

[Visualize]

The new census page is just atrocious, I can't find anything. Can anyone tell me what the population of downtown Boise's census tract is?

In 2000 the population of Census Tract 1, which encompasses all of downtown, was 3,093.

I really want to know what that number is now with all the great residential projects developed over the past decade, but the new factfinder is making my brain bleed. :gaah:


Edit: The full census data set comes out April 1st, which I knew at one point but got excited with this preliminary release of state and city totals. Well that makes me feel a little better. hahaha

[boisecynic]

The new census page is just atrocious, I can't find anything. Can anyone tell me what the population of downtown Boise's census tract is?

In 2000 the population of Census Tract 1, which encompasses all of downtown, was 3,093.

I really want to know what that number is now with all the great residential projects developed over the past decade, but the new factfinder is making my brain bleed. :gaah:

I haven't even bothered going to the official census site. Gave up long ago trying to find anything on that abomination.

[Visualize]

^^I totally had it down and could find anything because I used it quite a bit, but nothing on there makes any sense anymore.


Edit: The full census data set comes out April 1st. That should make things easier.

[Sawtooth]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/029-8.jpg







http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/030-11.jpg







Zoommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/032-9.jpg










The Towers @ BSU, from the river between the 9th Street Bridge and Capitol Boulevard Bridge, pretty soon this view from the woods will be hidden by leaves. Come on Spring!



http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/034-8.jpg








Soon, the River will be rising. I was standing on a gravel bar and the trees separated me from BSU and The Greenbelt. To those from out of town, this historic railbridge is now a pedestrian and bike bridge and part of The Greenbelt connecting BSU to downtown, and connects the southside Greenbelt path to the northside Greenbelt path.



http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Idahomajesty/035-10.jpg

[Boisekid]

Awesome pics. I really like the one with the zoommmmmmmmm

[isangpogi]

Hey I've been following this forum for several years now. I just recently got around to registering so I could contribute. I have this forum in my favorites and whenever my interest is sparked by a news story about a new, cancelled or revived development I check it out. Once every couple months I'll find where I last left off and read until the most recent post. It's awesome seeing a core group of people so enthusiastic about development in our city.
I live out of town for the time being, going to school. I probably won't be a permanent resident again for quite some time, as I can't get the PhD I want in Boise :/. When it works out again for me I will be ecstatic to move back. I feel I have a responsibility to bring my education back to contribute something to the city that made growing up so great. It's sad, though, to see a city once the center of a very diversified economy turn into the city with the most call centers per capita and where Walmart ranks among the largest employers.
Thank you "sawtooth" for all the breathtaking pictures you post. Your photographs are a stunning representation of the beauty of our city in all four seasons. Boise really is the best-kept secret in the country. Someday soon the secret will be out. Boise will thrive and change and grow. The 84 and 184 freeways will complement the 284, the 384 and so on, the US Bank plaza will be unnoticeable next to the high-rises the market someday will certainly demand. When we reach that point, we will be able to look back to this forum and remember when the air was clearer and the roads were less congested.
Thank you all for your contributions and keep it coming!

[Cottonwood]

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/03/10/1560620/boise-makes-another-national-list.html

Boise makes another national list: Boise State is one of the nation’s most bike-friendly universities
- Idaho Statesman


Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/03/10/1560620/boise-makes-another-national-list.html#ixzz1GgZkqAIO

[Cottonwood]

Who knew...Boise is going to be 150 years old in 2013:5:


...some news form the City Department of Art's and History.

http://artsandhistory.cityofboise.org/Communications/NewsReleases/2011/page63268.aspx




P.S...there is an update at the IBR website about JUMP and construction, but the article is locked and not open to the public unless a fee is paid. Since when did local news become so coveted that a person has to pay to keep up on what is going on?

[boisecynic]

Just one of 10 new pics of the new footbridge and environs:

http://i.imgur.com/cVhRX.jpg

More in the Veterans Park thread: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=146714&page=4

[Boisekid]

In response to Cottonwood's inquiry of IBR's JUMP article...


JUMP plans being worked out with city and transportation planners


Jack’s Urban Meeting Place construction could begin by the end of the year.

Simplot spokesman David Cuoio said the Simplot team is finalizing details about the $70 million project with the City of Boise and the Ada County Highway District before building permits can be secured.

“We will be working out some details with Design Review, but don’t anticipate any major issues in regards to them,” Cuoio said.

Boise Planning Director Hal Simmons said work sessions will be scheduled with the Simplots when detailed renderings are submitted to the planning department.

“There are some questions about exterior materials, colors and final landscape plans,” Simmons said. “Some specifics about some other buildings on the site will also be worked out.”

Additionally, a required vacation request application was submitted to ACHD the week of Mar. 7, said ACHD spokeswoman Christine Myron.

It addresses potential access or land issues near where JUMP would be built between 9th and 11th streets in downtown Boise.

The process includes inviting property owners within 300 feet of the construction site to a meeting, and also completing a multi-page application that must be submitted to ACHD for consideration.

Also called a “vacation” of public right-of-way application, it refers to the acquisition of unopened or unused public areas that ACHD determines is no longer necessary for use.

“Ultimately, the ACHD Commission will determine whether or not to approve the requested vacation,” Myron said. “The applicant is also required to have the area appraised and if approved, pay fair market value for the portion(s) of right-of-way.”

If the request is approved, the Simplots have 120 days to pay ACHD based on the property appraisal. The entire process takes approximately two months, Myron said.

Cuoio said besides construction planning, the Simplots are also talking to local non-profits about what kinds of uses they would like to see at the facility when it is built.

“There are so many possibilities as far as programs for the studios,” Cuoio said. “We are looking at all of them.”

JUMP will house five different working studios, meeting spaces, and an outdoor amphitheater. It is intended as a tribute to late industrialist and potato magnate J.R. Simplot.

[boisechev]

In response to Cottonwood's inquiry of IBR's JUMP article...


JUMP plans being worked out with city and transportation planners


Jack’s Urban Meeting Place construction could begin by the end of the year.

Simplot spokesman David Cuoio said the Simplot team is finalizing details about the $70 million project with the City of Boise and the Ada County Highway District before building permits can be secured.

“We will be working out some details with Design Review, but don’t anticipate any major issues in regards to them,” Cuoio said.

Boise Planning Director Hal Simmons said work sessions will be scheduled with the Simplots when detailed renderings are submitted to the planning department.

“There are some questions about exterior materials, colors and final landscape plans,” Simmons said. “Some specifics about some other buildings on the site will also be worked out.”

Additionally, a required vacation request application was submitted to ACHD the week of Mar. 7, said ACHD spokeswoman Christine Myron.

It addresses potential access or land issues near where JUMP would be built between 9th and 11th streets in downtown Boise.

The process includes inviting property owners within 300 feet of the construction site to a meeting, and also completing a multi-page application that must be submitted to ACHD for consideration.

Also called a “vacation” of public right-of-way application, it refers to the acquisition of unopened or unused public areas that ACHD determines is no longer necessary for use.

“Ultimately, the ACHD Commission will determine whether or not to approve the requested vacation,” Myron said. “The applicant is also required to have the area appraised and if approved, pay fair market value for the portion(s) of right-of-way.”

If the request is approved, the Simplots have 120 days to pay ACHD based on the property appraisal. The entire process takes approximately two months, Myron said.

Cuoio said besides construction planning, the Simplots are also talking to local non-profits about what kinds of uses they would like to see at the facility when it is built.

“There are so many possibilities as far as programs for the studios,” Cuoio said. “We are looking at all of them.”

JUMP will house five different working studios, meeting spaces, and an outdoor amphitheater. It is intended as a tribute to late industrialist and potato magnate J.R. Simplot.

uh oh. Looks like Boise City will make them paint it brown like all the other buildings in town. Lovely...

[CaliforniaKid]

uh oh. Looks like Boise City will make them paint it brown like all the other buildings in town. Lovely...

That red they choose was awful.. It looked like Ronald McDonald's house... Hopefully they will change it. :yes:

[BoiseAirport]

That red they choose was awful.. It looked like Ronald McDonald's house... Hopefully they will change it. :yes:

Haha, I liked the red... it added a nice architecture color to the skyline, kind of like that one red skyscraper in Chicago that adds a unique touch to the skyline. If they colored it red, I would totally dig it. :cool: