HomeMy WebLinkAboutCaldwell School District_2024_09_23CALDWELL 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 Commission Members
From:Paul Webster,Community Schools Coordinator
cc:Dr.Shalene French,Superintendent and Eric Phillips,Director of Safety
Date:September 23,2024
Subject:Public Input Regarding Soterra PUD Amendment -CASE NO(s):CPM24-000001,
DEV24-000001,PUD24-000002,SUB24-000011,ZON24-000002
The Soterra subdivision planned amendment is in the Caldwell School District,and it appears that the
already approved subdivision,and the proposed amendment for multi-family housing will likely house a
significant number of families with children,thereby impacting our district,our schools,and our
community.
The Soterra proposal would include 60 single family homes (already approved),plus five duplexes,
fourteen 4-plexes,and four 6-plexes,totaling 90 residential units (150 residential units all together).The
proposal would still maintain 2 commercial lots with 10 commercial buildings.
The approved Soterra subdivision and proposed amendment is currently zoned for Lewis and Clark
Elementary School (PK-4),Jefferson Middle School (5th-6th),Syringa Middle School (7th-8th),and
Caldwell High School (9th-12th).Lewis and Clark Elementary is within the theoretical 1.5 mile walk zone,
although traffic and safety would be concerns.
The Caldwell School District owns the 21 acres directly north of this proposed development (NW corner
of Ustick Rd and Kimball Ave).It is reasonable to assume that this school district land may become a
school in the future,serving the nearby neighborhoods.Considering the flow of traffic on Ustick Road,
and the likelihood of further development on Ustick west of Kimball Ave,we suggest that this may be the
time to improve the Ustick and Kimball intersection,planning for frequent left turns as well as for frequent
pedestrian crossings across both roadways.
Biking and walking routes should be considered to schools and to other community resources such as
the commercial developments at 10th Ave and Ustick Rd (Neighborhood Walmart and surroundings).
This neighborhood includes a plan for a path along the Phyllis Canal.This plan does not currently
include a fence,although a fence would make it safer for kids.It is unclear how the path would cross
Ustick Rd to integrate with the walking and biking routes to the north,and eventually meet 10th Ave to the
SE.While it is beyond the property lines of this proposal,one can imagine students walking or riding
along the pathway to cross to or from Lewis and Clark Elementary at 10th Ave and Laster.There is not
currently a crosswalk in place there.
Board of Trustees:
Marisela Pesina Madam Chair –Travis Manning Vice Chairman
Manuel Godina –Treasurer -Andrew Butler –Trustee –Trish Robertson -Trustee
We do,currently,have the capacity to serve the number of school-age children who would likely live in
this development.However,there are several developments well ahead of this,which could change our
population significantly,by the time it is completed and occupied.Since our district will need to plan well
ahead,we would appreciate updates,as the developer moves towards occupancy,so that we can adjust
staffing plans,building capacity,and school zones.
Generally,this development poses some benefits for our community.It would add to the overall housing
inventory,providing opportunities for families who need adequate and reasonably affordable housing.
Access to affordable housing is one of the biggest needs that our families communicate to us.
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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