HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD_Homesteads at Wilson Creek_V1 CALDWELL SCHOOL DISTRICT #132
1502 Fillmore St.
CALDWELL, IDAHO 83605
(208) 455-3300 *FAX (208) 455-3302
www.caldwellschools.org
To: Caldwell Planning and Zoning Staff and Hearing Examiner
From: Paul Webster, Community Schools Coordinator
cc: Dr. Shalene French, Superintendent and Eric Phillips, Director of Safety
Date: August 26, 2024
Subject: Public Input Regarding Homesteads at Wilson Creek Development - CASE NO(s):
PUD24-000003
The Homesteads at Wilson Creek proposal is in the Caldwell School District, and it appears that it will
likely house a significant number of families with kids, thereby impacting our district, our schools, and our
community.
I will not be able to attend the Hearing Examiner meeting on August 27th, as I have a prior engagement
at that time. This written statement should provide you what you need.
The proposed Homesteads at Wilson Creek is currently zoned for Washington Elementary School (K-4),
Jefferson Middle School (5th-6th), Syringa Middle School (7th-8th), and Caldwell High School (9th-12th).
The development is proposed to include 251 dwelling units, all rentals, and mostly duplexes.
We communicated with the developer, Dominium, in February and March of 2024, and they were able to
provide some estimates of the number of school-age children who might reside in a similar development.
They based their projections on similar developments that they own out of state, and were helpful in
sharing the data and logic behind those projections. They estimated that a development of this size, with
this profile, might contain as many as 281 school-age children (5 years to 18 years old). Even if this
estimate is too high, it is clear that this neighborhood is likely to include a lot of kids, and we would need
to plan for that.
The developers were also willing to meet with district personnel and bus company staff to discuss the
best locations for school bus stops. Considering the number of kids who would be likely to wait for the
bus, we recommended that Ustick Rd was probably not a good location, and suggested slower side
street locations. We see that their plan references a school bus stop at the north end of the
development. We think that would likely be near 41st Ave and Everett St.
We do, currently, have the capacity to serve the number of school-age children who would likely live in
this development. However, we would appreciate ongoing updates, as the developer moves towards
occupancy, so that we can adjust staffing plans, and potentially school zones. There are a couple large
developments ahead of this that we need to anticipate, some of which will likely add kids to our schools
this school year.
Board of Trustees:
Marisela Pesina Madam Chair – Travis Manning Vice Chairman
Manuel Godina – Treasurer - Andrew Butler – Trustee – Trish Robertson - Trustee
Some Considerations:
● Detailed Plans for School Bus Stops: While the school bus stop would likely be on/near 41st Ave
and Everett St, and would likely be outside the property line of this development, plans should be
made to develop this bus stop waiting area, potentially requiring the developer to include that in
their plans, as they plan for the bridge across the creek at the north end of the development.
● Biking and Walking Routes: Biking and walking routes should be considered to schools and to other
community resources. Caldwell High School is the only one near enough to bike or walk to. This
neighborhood includes a plan for a path along the creek, but it may not go through to the current
subdivision, providing access to key destinations to the north and west. It is also unclear how the
path would cross Ustick Rd to integrate with the walking and biking routes to the south. Finally,
because so many key community resources are on Cleveland Blvd, to the east, planners should
consider whether safe walking and biking routes exist or will be developed to those destinations.
Generally, this development poses some benefits for our community. It would add to the overall housing
inventory, adding within the center of the city, slowing down sprawl, and providing opportunities for
families who need adequate and reasonably affordable housing.
Feel free to reach out if we can help with more information.
For Kids and Families
Paul Webster, Community Schools Coordinator
pwebster@caldwellschools.org - 208-455-3345 x1711
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