11/29/2005
Public invited to discuss WYE landscaping ideas
BOISE - The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is seeking public input on landscape ideas for the 84 acres around the WYE interchange west of Boise and along the Connector corridor leading into the city center.
ITD will host an open house Saturday, Dec. 3, from 1- 4 p.m. in the old Dollar Tree store location near Ross Dress For Less at the Westpark Towne Plaza, 303 N. Milwaukee.
The public is invited to review the initial landscape design concepts and provide comments. Displays will include project area maps and details about design concepts and possible features. Members of the project team will be available to answer questions. Information gathered from this event will be used to further refine the preliminary concepts. The final design concept will be presented to the public next year.
The WYE landscape project began in August 2004. An advisory committee was formed to identify the issues and concerns regarding landscaping and maintaining the WYE area. The committee recommended that the landscaping blend with the natural, social and cultural environment of the Treasure Valley. "We need to create an entry way to the capital city that is appealing and attractive. We believe it will add to the economic strength of the community," commented Mark Tidd, Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce.
The advisory committee also suggested using landscape options that conserve water and control maintenance costs through the use of native plants. The project team has used the advisory committee's ideas to develop two preliminary design concepts that strike a balance between beauty, conservation, safety and low-cost maintenance.
The Advisory committee includes members from the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, Boise Parks and Recreation, University of Idaho-Ada County Extension, Boise Arts Commission, Idaho Botanical Gardens, USDA Forest Service, Associated Garden Clubs, Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho Water Resources, and citizens who regularly travel the WYE Interchange.
The project area starts just west of the I-184 Curtis Road Interchange, continuing through the Franklin Road Interchange section of the freeway, the WYE pond area and I-84 east of the WYE along I-84 almost to Cole Road. The transportation department has selected The Land Group of Eagle, Idaho to complete the landscape design and contract plans for this project.
Additional information about this project can be found on the web at itd.idaho.gov/getinvolved/d3 - click on I-84/I-184 WYE Interchange Landscape.