Nampa Growth & What It Means

Cherry Lane is Getting 68 New Homes – And a Traffic Fight

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That empty lot at Cherry Lane and 11th Avenue North has been sitting there doing nothing for 20 years. It’s finally getting built.

Nampa’s Planning and Zoning Commission just voted unanimously to recommend approval of Spring Shores Commons, a 68 home development with townhomes, a dog park, and a price tag that got people’s attention.

Here’s what we know, and why Cherry Lane is already grumbling about it.

What’s Actually Being Built

Spring Shores Commons would bring:

68 homes, a mix of detached houses and attached townhomes
One small commercial lot near the Cherry Lane/11th corner
A fenced dog park
Walking paths and a central green space
About 2.32 acres of open space, more than the city requires

The land was originally zoned for commercial use. The new plan flips most of it to housing but keeps a small commercial piece near the corner.

Bigger lots sit along the west side, next to the county properties already there. Smaller lots and townhomes fill in the rest.

The Number Everyone’s Talking About: $280,000

The developer floated a price for the townhomes that got people’s attention: around $280,000 for a three bedroom, 1,500 square foot unit, if it were selling today.

That’s not a promise. Prices depend on construction costs and the market whenever these actually get built. But city commissioners liked hearing it. Nampa’s short on homes in that price range, and this is the kind of “missing middle” housing, something between an apartment and a big single family house, that keeps coming up in city planning conversations.

Cherry Lane Traffic: The Real Sticking Point

If you drive Cherry Lane during rush hour, you already know where this is going.

A nearby resident told commissioners the road already backs up near 11th Avenue and Franklin Road, especially mornings and evenings. His concern: piling on 68 more homes before any real road fixes happen.

A full traffic study wasn’t required for this project. But a turn lane analysis did flag one fix: a westbound right turn lane at Cherry Lane and Lindsey Creek, which the developer will have to build.

Beyond that, the city isn’t planning any major Cherry Lane widening in the next five years. There’s a roundabout planned near Cherry Lane and Franklin, and another one being talked about near Cherry Lane and 11th, but nothing set in stone yet.

The developer will also have to add:

A 10 foot pathway along Cherry Lane
Curb, gutter, and sidewalks on 11th Avenue North
Water, sewer, and irrigation lines through the property

No Backyard Fences? Here’s Why

One detail worth knowing: homes facing the central green space won’t have rear fences. The idea is to make that shared open space feel like an extension of everyone’s backyard. Homes around the outside of the development, and the standalone single family homes, will still have fencing.

What It Means for the City’s Wallet

The 68 homes are expected to generate over $900,000 in city impact fees, money that goes toward roads, parks, police, and fire services. That number doesn’t include fees from the commercial lot yet, since no business has been identified for that space.

What Happens Next

P&Z’s unanimous recommendation now heads to Nampa City Council for the final vote. Until Council acts, nothing here is a done deal.

We’ll keep tracking it and let you know when it hits the Council agenda.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spring Shores Commons?

It’s a proposed 68 home development near Cherry Lane and 11th Avenue North in northwest Nampa, on a lot that’s sat empty for about 20 years. It includes detached homes, townhomes, a small commercial lot, walking paths, and a dog park.

How much will the homes cost?

The developer estimated three bedroom townhomes around 1,500 square feet could run near $280,000 in today’s market. That’s not locked in; actual pricing depends on construction costs and the market when homes are built.

Has the project been approved?

Not yet. The Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval. It still needs a final vote from Nampa City Council.

What’s the traffic situation?

Traffic was the biggest concern at the hearing. Cherry Lane already backs up near 11th Avenue and Franklin Road during rush hour. A full traffic study wasn’t required, but the developer will have to build a westbound right turn lane at Cherry Lane and Lindsey Creek.

Will there be a dog park?

Yes. A fenced dog park is planned on the north side of the property, along with about 2.32 acres of open space and a central gathering area.

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Lake Lowell Estates Is Coming to West Nampa – Here’s What to Know

Big news out of Nampa’s Planning and Zoning meeting.

A new subdivision called Lake Lowell Estates just got the green light from the P&Z Commission. It’s heading to City Council next for a final vote – but things are looking good.

Here’s the short version of what’s planned and what it means for Nampa.

What Is Lake Lowell Estates?

Lake Lowell Estates is a proposed neighborhood on the west side of Midway Road, just north of Lake Avenue – right near Lake Lowell Park.

It would bring 25 new homes to about 38 acres of land that’s currently outside city limits. If City Council approves it, that land gets annexed into Nampa and developed into a quiet, low-density neighborhood.

Think big lots, open space, and a slower pace. Not apartments. Not a packed subdivision. Just 25 homes with room to breathe.

What Makes This Different?

Most new subdivisions in the Treasure Valley squeeze in as many homes as possible. This one does the opposite.

Each lot averages over an acre in size – with a minimum of 1 acre. That’s a lot of elbow room compared to the typical new-build neighborhood.

The density works out to just 0.62 homes per acre. For comparison, most standard subdivisions run 4 to 8 homes per acre.

Neighbors and commissioners noticed. One commissioner called it exactly what people ask for on the edge of the city.

What Else Is Included?

The developer isn’t just dropping homes and calling it done. The plan includes a pickleball court, a gazebo, and over 6 acres of open space – more than the city requires. There’s also a 105-foot landscaping buffer along the north edge to protect existing neighbors, plus new sidewalks and road improvements along Lake Avenue.

The site is about a half mile from Lake Lowell Park, so residents will have easy access to one of Nampa’s best outdoor spots.

What Happened at the P&Z Meeting?

On June 23rd, Nampa’s Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the project and voted unanimously to recommend approval.

A few neighbors raised concerns about traffic, water supply, and whether the city can afford new infrastructure. City staff addressed each one. The developer pays for all new infrastructure – not taxpayers. The city ran a water model and confirmed there’s enough supply. And with only 25 homes, traffic impact is minimal.

One commissioner made a great point: if Nampa doesn’t annex this land, Canyon County still develops it — and those residents still drive on Nampa roads without helping pay for them.

What Happens Next?

The project moves to Nampa City Council for a final decision. That’s where it gets officially approved or denied.

If it passes, Lake Lowell Estates moves forward with final platting and construction.

We’ll keep you posted right here on AllThingsNampa.com.

Thinking About an Acreage Lot?

If this kind of neighborhood sounds like your thing, you’re not alone. Acreage lots in the Treasure Valley are in high demand and don’t stay available long.

The team at Top Idaho Real Estate specializes in exactly this – helping buyers find acreage homes for sale in Idaho before they’re gone. Local. Experienced. No big-box brokerage runaround.

FAQs: Lake Lowell Estates Nampa

Where is Lake Lowell Estates located? West of Midway Road, north of Lake Avenue in Nampa, Idaho – about a half mile from Lake Lowell Park.

How many homes will be in Lake Lowell Estates? 25 single-family homes on approximately 38.7 acres.

How big are the lots? Most lots are 1 acre or larger. The average lot size is about 1.12 acres.

Is Lake Lowell Estates approved? Not yet. The P&Z Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval on June 23, 2025. It still needs a final vote from Nampa City Council.

Will there be amenities? Yes – a pickleball court, gazebo, and over 6 acres of open space are planned.

What zoning will this subdivision have? RA, which stands for Suburban Residential. It’s the lowest-density residential zoning in Nampa.

Who do I contact if I want to buy a home there? Reach out to Top Idaho Real Estate – they track acreage and estate-style listings across the Treasure Valley.

Highline Estates Approved — Nampa Council Divided on Growth

When we last covered Highline Estates, the council had sent the developer back to the drawing board. Tuesday night, they came back – and this time, it passed. But just barely.

The vote was 3-2. And the debate that happened before that vote tells you a lot about where Nampa is headed.

What Is Highline Estates?

Highline Estates is a 355-unit single family subdivision planned for approximately 93 acres in north Nampa near Franklin Boulevard and Linden Road – directly across from Ridgevue High School and next to Warhawk Elementary.

The project includes:

355 single-family homes in RS4 and RS6 zoning
33 common lots for open space
A 6.5-acre commercial lot in the southwest corner
Pathways, pickleball courts, bocce ball, a tot lot, and picnic pavilions

What Changed Since April?

If you read our first post on Highline Estates, you know the council had real concerns. Not enough usable open space. Amenities that felt like the bare minimum. Drainage basins being counted as places where kids could play.

Developer KM Engineering came back Tuesday night with upgrades:

Bocce ball courts
Pickleball courts (placed in the southeast corner to limit noise)
A tot lot
Picnic pavilions with barbecue stations
A 10-foot pathway along the south side of Ten Mile Creek

They also cleared up the open space numbers. The project comes in at 14.35 acres of qualified open space – just over the required 14.06. And they went from two amenity areas to five.

On paper, they did what the council asked.

Neighbors Still Had Concerns

A handful of Madison Road residents who live right next to the project showed up to speak.

One pointed out that the late Councilwoman Jangula had specifically asked for a ball field at the April hearing – not bocce ball. Another reminded council she has personally watched people die in the Highline Canal and asked that usable green space be kept away from the water. A third questioned whether drainage basins that can flood during storm events should really count as recreational space.

Nobody said don’t build it. They said build it smarter.

The Vote Was Close – And The Conversation Was Bigger Than This Project

What started as a discussion about pickleball courts and open space turned into something much bigger. Council members started asking out loud whether Nampa’s growth is actually sustainable – and whether the city is being honest with itself about the cost.

Councilman Rodriguez raised a number that’s hard to ignore: the city may be subsidizing each new rooftop anywhere from $700 to $1,200 when you factor in the true cost of police, fire, roads, and water. Add a reported $600 million deferred maintenance bill and 970 already-approved but unbuilt lots sitting within one mile of this project, and you start to understand why some council members are getting uncomfortable.

Councilwoman Scog pointed out that the area around Ridgevue and Franklin is already struggling to keep up with traffic and services. Adding 355 more homes on top of what’s already in the pipeline is a lot to absorb.

On the other side, Council President Griffin argued that higher density actually protects farmland by reducing sprawl, and that building more homes is the only real path to affordable housing. His position: if council doesn’t like the current standards, change the code – don’t penalize developers who followed it.

Councilman Bills landed somewhere in the middle. He made clear that if Nampa is quietly moving toward tapping the brakes on new development, the city has an ethical responsibility to say so publicly. Developers are spending six figures to get projects to this stage. They deserve to know where the city actually stands.

The final vote:

Council Member	Vote
Bills	Yes
Griffin	Yes
Reynolds	Yes
Scog	No
Rodriguez	No

What About the Commercial Corner?

The 6.5-acre commercial lot got approved as BC zoning – community business – but with restrictions. Off the table:

Alcohol sales establishments
Hookah lounges
Homeless shelters
Drug paraphernalia shops
Mobile home and RV sales
Hotels and motels
Tobacco and vape shops
Tattoo parlors

The goal is to leave room for restaurants, retail, and neighborhood services while keeping out uses that don’t fit a residential neighborhood.

What Comes Next for Highline Estates?

Council made one thing clear before the night ended: they want a workshop soon to have a real conversation about growth costs, infrastructure capacity, and where Nampa actually wants to build going forward.

That conversation is overdue. And based on Tuesday night, it’s going to be a direct one.

In the meantime, Highline Estates is moving forward. If you live near Franklin and Linden, this one is worth watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Highline Estates approved by Nampa City Council?

Yes. Highline Estates was approved 3-2 at the June 15, 2026 Nampa City Council meeting. Bills, Griffin, and Reynolds voted yes. Scog and Rodriguez voted no.

Where is Highline Estates located in Nampa?

Highline Estates is located in north Nampa near Franklin Boulevard and Linden Road, directly across from Ridgevue High School and adjacent to Warhawk Elementary School.

How many homes will Highline Estates have?

The approved plan calls for 355 single-family homes on approximately 93 acres, plus a 6.5-acre commercial lot.

What amenities will Highline Estates have?

The development includes pickleball courts, bocce ball courts, a tot lot, picnic pavilions with barbecue stations, and a 10-foot pathway along Ten Mile Creek.

What schools will serve Highline Estates?

Students in Highline Estates will attend Warhawk Elementary, Summit View Middle School, and Ridgevue High School.

What businesses will be allowed in the Highline Estates commercial lot?

The commercial lot is restricted to neighborhood-friendly uses such as restaurants and retail. Hookah lounges, vape shops, tattoo parlors, hotels, and homeless shelters are among the excluded uses.

Why was Highline Estates controversial?

Highline Estates generated debate over growth, density, open space, traffic, school capacity, infrastructure, and the pace of development in North Nampa.

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Syringa Cocktail Lounge & Black Pine: Two Vibes, One Block in Downtown Nampa

Downtown Nampa has a new reason to go out — and it comes in pairs. Syringa Cocktail Lounge and Black Pine Saloon are sister spots created by siblings Beatrix and Sam. They sit right next to each other on the same block but offer completely different vibes. Together, they give you something rare: two different nights out without moving your car.

Syringa Cocktail Lounge: Upscale Feel, No Attitude

First, there’s Syringa. Craft cocktails, monthly whiskey flights, charcuterie boards, trivia nights, and shuffleboard all come together with a relaxed upscale feel. Plus, there’s a patio out back when the weather is right.

Mornings are worth mentioning too. Syringa serves all-day coffee and fresh pastries from Gastone’s. So whether you’re starting your day or ending your night, there’s always a reason to stop in.

And if you love a good deal, happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3–6 PM with $8 classic cocktails, $5 house wine, and $4 draft beers. Weekly specials include half-off wine bottles on Mondays, free trivia every Tuesday at 7 PM, and a new whiskey flight every Wednesday.

Black Pine: Casual, Country, and Ready to Watch the Game

Right next door, Black Pine brings a completely different energy. Big TVs, pool tables, darts, and flatbreads make this the go-to spot for a laid-back night out. In other words, it’s fun, unpretentious, and perfect for catching a game with friends.

The Best Part? Sister Bars, Same Block, and You Can Bounce Between Both

Here’s what makes this duo special. Both bars are owned by siblings, Beatrix and Sam, so you can carry your drink between them and bounce back and forth all night. For example, start at Syringa for craft cocktails, then walk next door to Black Pine to catch the second half. Either way, you don’t have to choose.

Not feeling the food menus? No problem. Both spots let you bring your own food or order delivery. As a result, there’s no pressure and no judgment.

Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Two big things are happening in May, so mark your calendar.

First, on Friday, May 8, 2026 starting at 4:00 PM, both venues are hosting a very special Thai Street Food Pop-Up with Chef Dream Kasestatad of Pranom. Chef Dream travels the country serving authentic Thai cuisine — recipes passed down through generations of family home-style cooking. He doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar location, so you can only catch his food at Pranom pop-ups like this one. Fresh, live-prepared Thai food at a cocktail lounge in downtown Nampa? That’s not something you see every day.

Then, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 4:00–5:00 PM, Black Pine celebrates its official Ribbon Cutting. If you haven’t been in yet, this is the perfect time to show up and support a new downtown Nampa business.

Two Spots Worth Adding to Your List

Overall, downtown Nampa keeps growing. New businesses keep opening, and the energy downtown feels different than it did even a year ago. Syringa and Black Pine are two of the most unique additions yet. Whether you want a quiet cocktail or a loud game night, you’ve got both — right next to each other.

Go check them out. Make it your night.

Birdies Golf Lounge Brings Indoor Golf to Nampa, Idaho

If you’ve been waiting for indoor golf in Nampa, it’s almost here.

Birdies Golf Lounge is opening a brand-new location in Nampa, Idaho, with the grand opening happening this Friday. Isaac and I had the chance to stop by and tour the space with Brian, the local owner, and it’s going to be a fun and unique addition to our growing community.

So what exactly is Birdies Golf Lounge?

It’s an indoor golf simulator experience designed for all skill levels. Whether you want to seriously improve your swing or just enjoy a relaxed night out with friends, Birdies blends golf, technology, food, drinks, and a social lounge atmosphere all in one place.

The Nampa location features four simulator bays, with three currently up and running, plus a private bay available through membership. You can book time for $39 per hour for up to four players, $49 for the private bay, which makes it easy to split the cost and play with friends.

For those who want more flexibility, members get 24/7 access using the Birdies mobile app. You can book your bay, unlock the facility, and practice anytime it fits your schedule. Members can also bring up to four guests.

Year-Round Golf, No Matter the Weather

Rain, snow, or summer heat — it doesn’t matter. Indoor golf in Nampa is now a year-round option.

At Birdies Golf Lounge Nampa, the simulators allow you to:

• Play well-known courses from around the country
• Track swing speed and ball flight
• Compete with friends
• Practice with real performance data

And this isn’t just guesswork. Birdies uses Swing A.I. technology that provides real-time feedback on every swing. It breaks down your mechanics in a way that’s easy to understand, helping you make quick adjustments without needing a coach beside you.

You can also see detailed club and ball data, including:

• Angle of attack
• Club path
• Face angle
• Ball speed
• Launch angle
• Spin rate
• Carry distance

When you see the numbers, you stop guessing and start improving.

More Than Just Practice

What stood out to us is that this isn’t just a simulator room with screens. The space feels like a modern clubhouse. It’s social but still comfortable. It works just as well for groups and date nights as it does for serious golfers working on their game.

Leagues run for 10+ weeks in four-person scramble format, with teams grouped by skill level to keep competition fair. Tournaments are also offered, including individual events and two-person scrambles — a great way to meet other golfers and enjoy some friendly competition.

Birdies also operates on an honor system for snacks and drinks, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and beverages. With so many restaurants nearby, you have plenty of options. The only request is simple: keep the space clean and respectful for everyone.

A New Addition to Nampa’s Growing Scene

As Nampa continues to grow, we’re seeing more unique entertainment options beyond traditional restaurants and retail. Birdies Golf Lounge adds something different — especially during colder months when outdoor courses aren’t as inviting.

For golfers in Nampa and even Boise, this creates a new place to play, practice, compete, and connect.

Grand Opening This Friday

The official grand opening of Birdies Golf Lounge Nampa takes place this Friday. If you’re looking for something new to try this weekend, this might be it.

And if you go — tell them you heard about it from All Things Nampa.