A district judge has ruled in favor the Dry Creek Valley Coalition in the Treasure Valley.
The group is made up of folks who want to preserve irrigated farmland in the north of Boise. To do that, they’ve mounted an effort to put an $80 million housing development project before voters. The coalition argues an obscure part of Idaho law allows them to ask the public to weigh in.
But according to the Capital Press newspaper, Ada County Clerk Chris Rich rejected their petition to start the referendum this summer. Rich argues they hadn’t submitted the paperwork in time. Now, a district court judge is forcing Rich to allow the initiative to take place. The Dry Creek Valley Coalition has 180 days to collect around 40,000 signatures, which would trigger a special election.
Officials with Boise Hunter Homes – the developer of the project – tell the Capital Press that if the initiative to overturn the ordinance succeeds, it’s a threat to property owners across Idaho.
Find reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
Copyright 2017 Boise State Public Radio
