By:  Richard Llewellyn, President, Boise Working Together

August 5, 2021

Re: CPA21-00002 and CAR21-00020

Dear Planning and Zoning Commissioners,

As Boise Working Together watches these annexation proceedings in SW Boise unfold, we are reminded of a similar situation a little more than two years ago, when the City of Boise requested a rezone of the parcel at 801 South Capitol Blvd, better known as the land that holds the main Boise Public Library, and historic Cabin (CAR19-00007).

During those proceedings, when the Planning and Zoning Commission asked why the rezone was needed, but the applicant was not willing, or prepared, to discuss the Safdie Library Proposal, or even admit that the rezone was related to this controversial project, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously denied the request.  This was an appropriate decision, as it upheld our law and the intent of rezones to be in the general interest.  If an applicant refuses or is unable to discuss the larger intent of an application, the Planning and Zoning Commission has no solid grounds on which to evaluate the request.

Annexations are, by Boise City Code, allowed in order for the city to expand when the Council deems it to be for the public convenience or necessity, or for the general welfare.  We ask that the Planning and Zoning Commission determine the true goals of the annexation, and debate in an open and transparent nature whether these are in the general welfare of Boise residents.

Boise Working Together believes that only the School District parcel that is being sold (S1125212400) should be annexed at this time, as there are no benefits that the public has heard to annexing the other four parcels.

Thank you for your consideration, and for your considerable dedication and service to our city,

Richard Llewellyn, President

on behalf of the Board of Directors of Boise Working Together.