For Immediate Release December 2, 2005

TOP TREASURE VALLEY DEVELOPER UNVEILS INITIAL PLANS FOR CONSERVATION-BASED PLANNED COMMUNITY
Habitat protection to be focus of “The Cliffs” public meetings to be held in early 2006

BOISE – Skyline Development Company, one of Treasure Valley’s most respected neighborhood developers, today announced preliminary plans for “The Cliffs,” a conservation-based planned community to be built on privately-owned property above the Black Cliffs in Ada County near the intersection of Idaho 21 and Warm Springs Boulevard.

Plans for the 1,200- to 1,400-home community are expected to be submitted to Ada County in early spring. As currently envisioned, The Cliffs will consist of 707 acres, at least half of which will be set aside as open space, the majority of which will be designated as restored habitat for a variety of wildlife. As part of its planned outreach effort, Skyline representatives will host a series of public meetings in early 2006.

“The Cliffs will quickly become a model for responsible, environmentally friendly planned communities in the Treasure Valley and, we believe, nationwide,” said Tucker Johnson, Skyline Development Company principal and developer for The Cliffs. “There are many examples nationally and locally that show development and wildlife can co-exist and even benefit each other. The Cliffs will continue the legacy by striking this balance.”

The family comprising Skyline Development Company, a 38-year-old home-grown Idaho business, has developed and designed more than 15 Treasure Valley neighborhoods totaling 5,000 homes, including The Hickories, Vienna Woods and Rockhampton. About 15,000 people valley-wide live in Skyline neighborhoods. The Cliffs will be Skyline’s signature community because of the extensive habitat improvement the company will complete. Decades of unplanned housing development, wildfires, invasive weeds and abuse have degraded the property and surrounding area, greatly reducing its ability to support wildlife.

Noteworthy features of The Cliffs include:

• Habitat improvement and wildlife protection: At least 50 percent of the property will be set aside as contiguous open space. Included in this area will be a significant portion of developable land, most of which will be restored to native habitat, creating a reliable source of food for wintering big game. Restored native shrubs will shelter animals from harsh weather and provide cover. Some draws will be watered, improving habitat for nesting and migrating birds, amphibians, deer and other wildlife.

“Fire and invasive plant species have degraded this land and Skyline will restore the habitat in the wildlife buffers to its native state and increase the carrying capacity,” said Greg Kaltenecker, a biologist who is producing The Cliffs’ wildlife plan. Kaltenecker has studied Foothills and Boise River environmental issues for 15 years. “In my opinion, it will support more species after the restoration work is done,” he said.• Pedestrian-friendly design: The Cliffs will be walkable, with approximately 50 percent of residents living within a quarter mile of its village center, which will eventually include a restaurant, retail shops to supply daily needs and other services designed to reduce car trips. In addition, the development will be located near under-used State Highway 21 which provides direct access to major employment centers and other services.

“While Western Ada County has traditionally seen the most growth, The Cliffs will help ensure the county keeps a balanced population and strong tax base,” said Johnson. “The Cliffs represents sound planning because it helps meet a need for housing while using underutilized roadways such as Idaho 21, Federal Way, and Interstate 84.”

• Water management: In keeping with The Cliffs’ ecologically friendly approach, all waste water will be purified on-site to a level that exceeds the current quality of the Boise River. During the growing season (April – October), the water will be used to irrigate upland slope areas and wildlife habitat, as well as other open spaces. The development will produce a valuable water resource that currently does not exist and that will be critical to habitat restoration. United Water Idaho will provide domestic water service to The Cliffs.

“Water treatment will consist of highly advanced Membrane Bioreactors,” said Johnson. “After processing, the water will be clean and suitable for application to lawns, gardens and parks.”

• Regional impacts: The Cliffs is near and has convenient access to Micron Technology (the state’s largest employer), Interstate 84 and downtown Boise. Residents will support, through work and trade, new and existing businesses in the Federal Way area and those to be built near the future East Park Center Bridge. By placing The Cliffs so close to existing employment centers, Skyline will support Boise’s downtown core and manage growth with fiscal responsibility, discipline and creativity.

“It would be difficult to find a place that’s as well-positioned to support the regional economy with a wide variety of housing options,” Johnson said. “Ada County's population will grow from 361,000 today to 561,000 in 2030. Infill development can accommodate some of that, but other options, such as The Cliffs will be needed to keep our region desirable to people and to quality businesses.”

• Recreation improvement: The Cliffs will accommodate a range of sustainable recreation opportunities, such as rock climbing, hang gliding and hiking. In addition, there will be improved opportunities for wildlife viewing in the open spaces, which are currently private property and closed to the public. Johnson said he expects The Cliffs will connect with the Ridge to Rivers trail system. In addition, conservation-based education programs for area K-12 students will also be a prominent part of The Cliffs.
“Recreation is part of our heritage as Idahoans,” Johnson said. “By designating areas for recreation, we can ensure residents, recreationists and wildlife live in the greatest harmony possible.”

• Other services: The Cliffs will be largely self sufficient. Essential services such as drinking water, on-site waste water treatment, fire protection, a school site and transportation improvements will be paid for by homeowners, developers and builders. Impact fees for public roads will be calculated by and paid to Ada County Highway District. Whitney Fire District has approved annexation of the property into its fire protection area. Skyline is providing land, a building and equipment for a fire station in the Whitney Fire District. Additionally, the company will set a precedent by subsidizing operations and maintenance costs until the local tax base is sufficient enough to ensure a stable funding source. The Cliffs will produce an estimated $8 million a year in property taxes when built out, according to current projections.

Johnson said he expects to submit an application to the Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission by early spring 2006. The county approval process for developments of this size is rigorous. To earn approval, the proposal must meet the Ada County Planned Community Ordinance, including detailed plans for 14 elements. These include plans for land use, housing patterns, geographic analysis of natural features, public services and utilities, open space and financing. After initial approval, developers must come back to the county for a review of each building phase.

“Ada County will give The Cliffs a thorough, professional review to ensure it meets the collective best interests of Ada County residents,” Johnson said. “At the same time, we value input from the general public, because that will make The Cliffs the best community it can possibly be.”

To that end, Skyline will be holding a series of public meetings in early 2006. Dates, times and locations will be announced.

Media Contact:
media@thecliffsidaho.com
Jeannette Duwe, office: 208.321.1253, cell: 208.794.2620,
Martin Johncox, office: 208.658.9100, cell: 208.407.0700