All Things Nampa

On February 17, after approximately 4.5 hours of discussion and public testimony, the Nampa City Council voted 4–2 to deny the annexation and zoning request for the 276-acre property near Greenhurst Road and South Happy Valley Road.

If approved, the project would have allowed approximately 1,400 homes to be built over the next 15–20 years.

Here’s a breakdown of what was proposed, what concerns were raised, and what happens next.

Want updates like this before they spread across social media? I send them in the weekly All Things Nampa email.

A Little Background

In December 2025, the Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the Orchard Acres Master Planned Community. Commissioners cited concerns related to traffic congestion, train crossings, emergency response times, and the loss of agricultural land.

Because of that recommendation, the proposal moved to City Council for final consideration. City Council has authority over annexation and zoning decisions within the city.

What Is Being Proposed?

The Orchard Acres plan included:

• About 1,400 homes
• A mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments
• Some neighborhood commercial space
• About 15% open space
• Approximately 14 miles of walking paths
• A phased buildout over 15-20 years

The developer stated that road and utility work could have begun as early as 2027, with first homes potentially completed around 2029.

During the meeting, the developer also stated they were willing to:

• Contribute more than $6 million in traffic impact fees
• Set aside land for a potential future fire station
• Plan around a possible railroad overpass at Robinson and Greenhurst (currently in early design and not yet funded for construction)

The property is currently outside Nampa city limits and is being used as farmland.

What Are Residents Concerned About?

During public testimony, many neighbors spoke.

Their main concerns focused on:

• Traffic congestion at Happy Valley and Greenhurst
• Train crossings blocking vehicles, including emergency responders
• Fire and police response times
• School capacity
• Water and sewer infrastructure
• Preserving the rural character of the area

Several residents shared personal experiences with long train delays and questioned whether current infrastructure could support the proposed density.

Land Ownership and Farming History

The Orchard Acres property is privately owned by the Hendrickson family and has been farmed for decades.

During the February 17 meeting, members of the family spoke about the challenges of continuing agricultural operations in the area. They explained that surrounding development and long-term planning changes have made traditional farming more difficult over time.

The request before City Council involved annexation into the city and a zoning change that would allow future residential development. The city was not purchasing the property, nor was it initiating development.

City Council’s role was to determine whether the annexation and zoning aligned with Nampa’s Comprehensive Plan and whether infrastructure could support the proposed growth.

What Did City Staff Say?

City staff explained that:

• A Traffic Impact Study has been completed and reviewed
• Sewer capacity exists for early phases, but upgrades would be needed later
• The fire department currently serves the area from existing stations
• A future fire station could be considered as development builds out
• The Robinson Road overpass is in early design stages and would require future funding

The Vote

After deliberation, a motion to approve the project failed.

Council then voted 4–2 to deny the annexation and zoning request.

During discussion, council members cited concerns about density, compatibility with surrounding land uses, traffic, fire service capacity, and public interest findings related to zoning requirements.

What Happens Now?

With the denial of annexation and zoning, the Orchard Acres proposal cannot move forward in its current form.

The property remains outside Nampa city limits and under county jurisdiction.

The landowners may choose to:

• Submit a revised application in the future
• Modify density or design elements
• Or continue using the property as it is currently used

Residents can review official agendas, recordings, and documents through the City of Nampa Public Meetings portal.

Projects like this shape Nampa’s future for decades. As new applications or updates become available, All Things Nampa will continue providing clear and factual summaries.

For more information about city departments and planning resources in Nampa, visit our Nampa City Resources page.