The Boise Planning and Zoning Commission voted Monday night to move forward with the Clarus Town Center development in the Harris Ranch neighborhood. Spearheaded by KM Engineering and High Rhodes Investment Group in partnership with the Harris family, the plan has been in the works since 2018 and now includes 66 townhomes, two parcels earmarked for future mixed‑use buildings and a shared open‑space park called Village Park.
Project details and community amenities
Located on roughly 6.8 acres near East Wolf Street and Old Hickory Way, the proposal envisions a community‑focused town center that blends residential and commercial uses. In addition to the townhomes, the developers intend to create a central open‑space area of less than an acre that will serve as Village Park. Pathways will link the new development to East Warm Springs Avenue and an existing multi‑use trail south of Parkcenter Boulevard, providing residents with pedestrian connections to surrounding neighborhoods.
Affordability and height questions raised
During the public hearing, a commissioner asked whether any of the townhomes would be offered at below‑market prices to help families who cannot afford market‑rate housing. The developer responded, “I don’t believe that they’ll be adjusted,” offering no further detail on affordability options.
Another resident inquired about the height of the buildings along Wolf Tree and Old Hickory Way, expressing concern that taller structures might not fit the existing neighborhood character. The developer clarified that the townhomes could rise to three stories and noted that the design had been coordinated with the fire department.
Safety recommendations and next steps
While the commission approved the project, it recommended additional pedestrian safety measures, including a raised crosswalk with a flashing beacon at Parkcenter Boulevard and a marked crosswalk on Wolf Tree Avenue. The Ada County Highway District has not yet approved the raised crosswalk, but the commission’s recommendations can still guide future land‑use decisions as the proposal proceeds through the city’s review process.
With the Planning and Zoning Commission’s approval secured, the Clarus Town Center plan now heads to the Boise City Council for another round of review. Council members will consider the commission’s recommendations and the developer’s plans before granting final authorization.
Local impact
Supporters of the project argue that the new townhomes and mixed‑use space will increase housing options and stimulate local commerce, aligning with Boise’s broader goals of responsible growth and neighborhood revitalization. Critics, however, remain concerned about the lack of affordable units and the potential visual impact of three‑story structures in a traditionally lower‑rise area.
City officials and community members will continue to monitor the project as it moves through the council’s deliberations, ensuring that the development meets both safety standards and the needs of Boise’s growing families.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
