Hi Neighbors!

As you may be aware, the Veterans Park Neighborhood Association (VPNA) has been in an ongoing dispute over the relocation of Interfaith Sanctuary in downtown Boise to our neighborhood. This proposed development at 4308 W. State Street proposes having capacity to temporarily house 200+ residents, composed of families and male and female singles (about half families and half singles). Interfaith Sanctuary is notably a low barrier homeless shelter and the only of its kind in Boise. Low barrier means barriers to entry are reduced; in the homeless shelter environment, this means eliminating requirements for sobriety or engagement in sobriety programming, and no barriers based on criminal record or history, among other things. Low barrier shelter is an important part of serving the homeless, but given the greater risks for community impact with low barrier shelters, the VPNA has successfully argued for four years that this particular type of development is not safe in any residential area, and particularly, lower income and New American-rich neighborhoods such as VPNA, Sunset, and Collister. We have also maintained that a large warehouse housing both families and singles, close to a four lane, busy road, and far removed from necessary resources for the homeless- is not a good, nor safe, location for this type of development.

Since this development project was first proposed in January of 2021, the VPNA and our residents have put in countless hours writing letters, doing interviews, participating on task forces, and testifying before Planning and Zoning (P&Z) and City Council. Unfortunately, our City Council, including our district’s representative, Jimmy Hallyburton, capriciously overrode Planning and Zoning’s ethical and well reasoned decision to deny the project- based on anticipated negative community impacts. VPNA was able to raise funds over the last two years to hire legal representation and fight this underhanded decision, and was successful in obtaining the backing of the Supreme Court in our case. Per the Supreme Court: “we conclude that (1) the City Council’s decision to grant the CUP was arbitrary and capricious and based on unlawful procedure; (2) the Council’s reasoned statement was inadequate under LLUPA; and (3) VPNA suffered prejudice to its substantial rights.”

Sadly, but perhaps predictably, within two weeks of this decision, the City decided to “change the rules” so that they can now override P&Z, with no requirement on their part to justify their decision. This is concerning for ALL of Boise, as it will politicize every development decision, and give City Council the ability to green light any developer they choose, with no accountability to a planning board.

We know there is support far and wide regarding our neighborhood’s challenge to Interfaith, and we also know many have been rightfully afraid to speak out publicly. If you would like to support this ongoing fight for the voice, autonomy, and safety of our neighborhoods, please consider emailing VPNABoise@gmail.com and signing up for our mailing list- this will allow you to be up to date on the case and status, learn when hearings are scheduled, and see how you can support the cause. Please consider coming to our meetings and speaking up at future hearings. Please consider donating to support us in maintaining legal representation. VPNA is a 501C3 and donations may be tax deductible.

Sincerely, and thank you!

Veterans Park Neighborhood Board and Residents

VPNA Challenge 2.0

HELP VPNA KEEP OUR NEIGHBORHOOD SAFE