The development plans for the Brookhaven Subdivision in Nampa, proposed by Hubble Homes, are advancing with a focus on incorporating both residential and commercially zoned areas. The project seeks to annex over 100 acres of land from Canyon County, bringing 338 homes to a location near 4101 Alma Ln, alongside seven acres designated for commercial use.

The city council engaged in a spirited debate regarding potential exclusions of certain types of businesses from the commercial sections. After several proposed motions failed, Mayor Debbie Kling cast a decisive tiebreaking vote to approve the project. This approval includes the provision that the council will revisit the site’s development agreement for further discussion in a future meeting.

Nampa’s Director of Planning and Zoning, Rodney Ashby, elaborated that typically a development agreement returns to the council for consent approval in a non-discussion format, unless a member requests it be addressed during the regular agenda.

Concerns regarding the appropriate grading and drainage for the development were also a key focus during the council discussions. Public testimony was provided by Brittany Huffman, a resident of another Hubble Homes project in Nampa, who raised issues about crawlspace flooding and subsequent mold problems, which were eventually mitigated.

Overview of Brookhaven

Originally recommended for approval by the city’s planning and zoning commission in December, the Brookhaven project marks a redesign effort following a previous proposal that was deemed “not very creative” and rejected by the council in 2023. The number of homes was subsequently reduced from 447 to 338 in this updated proposal.

Brookhaven’s planned commercial area arises from its designation as a Planned Unit Development, which necessitates 5-50% of land to be zoned for commercial use. In this case, approximately 7% of the site will be allocated for “business commercial” zoning, encompassing seven acres.

The developer envisions the commercial space along Alma Ln. as suitable for a restaurant, daycare, or preschool. Meanwhile, the six acres along Lewis Ln. are planned for small offices and retail shops. The overall design includes a “central park” featuring amenities such as sports courts and community gardens, enhancing the community experience within the subdivision.