Share your feedback on the Boyer Site scenarios!

We need your help! 

The City of Sandpoint wants input and ideas from the broader community on the future potential of the 75-acre University of Idaho owned property on Boyer Ave.  This survey is one way to join the conversation but you may also participate in person at an open studio at 113 Main Street in Downtown Sandpoint (former Truby's health Mart) on Monday, Feb. 5th from 12pm-6pm followed by a presentation at 6:30pm and again on Tuesday, Feb. 6th from 10am to 4:30pm.  Later that evening on Tuesday, the Planning Commission will also host a presentation and workshop beginning at 5:30pm in Council Chambers at City Hall (1123 Lake Street).  To stay updated about this project, please visit www.sandpointidaho.gov/uofi.

Background:

The University of Idaho notified the City of their intent to sell the property in the Fall of 2017.  The University has expressed a desire to release the property in a way that aligns with the priorities of the citizens of Sandpoint and has asked the City of Sandpoint to partner in this effort.  The City, through its Planning & Zoning Commission, embarked on a community outreach effort which included a series of public workshops and hearings.  The University of Idaho intends to begin marketing the property in May, 2018 in a way to incorporate the City priorities.  The City has also been researching outside funding opportunities that may allow the City to acquire the property in order to allow the City to have greater control over the ultimate use of the property in alignment with the community vision.

Based on the community input received, the City of Sandpoint amended its comprehensive plan [http://www.sandpointidaho.gov/your-government/departments/planning/current-projects/comprehensive-plan-update] on December 6, 2017 to reflect a more diverse pattern of land use on the property. The process to amend the plan was informed by a series of workshops and public engagement events, indicating that the community is generally interested in the following principles:

• The site should continue to provide some level of recreational opportunity and community facilities.
• The property should seek to support economic development activities and job growth, particularly at its north and south ends and along Boyer Avenue.
• There is an opportunity here to alleviate the community's tight housing market through targeted development.
• Any future use should protect sensitive habitat and shoreline areas and educate the public on their importance.
• Development should reflect historic use of the site with respect to education and agriculture. 

Here is what the comprehensive plan amendment calls for. But it doesn't really tell us what the site should look like, how it can take advantage of the adjacent open space, and how it should relate to the streets and neighborhoods that surround it. 

*Click on image to enlarge in new window.*

The City would like your feedback on approaches to development, considering the ways in which the site should be treated. The following questions will ask you to think about what should be emphasized and what shouldn't. We need your help to identify which features are best suited to the site and how we should consider defining development character.

What about an indoor recreational facility?

An indoor recreational facility could be a feature of any of the scenarios and will require additional study to determine if market and donation potential shows sufficient support to proceed. City participation, state and local foundation support, private donations and a strong partner such as a YMCA will be key factors for success. Maintenance and operations for a rec center and any open space on the site would likely require a combination of fees and contributions.