Block 75 Case Study Assignment
Summary
Block 75 is located within a buffer zone between downtown Boise and the North End Neighborhood. The area within the Boise town is protected from careless demolitions and alterations because the City of Boise is governed by a comprehensive plan that provides directions for development in the city that are strictly for the growth of the area. The large area, however, the Fort Street Historic District and does not have developmental restrictions. That is, the Church could easily gain access to demolishing and moving the historic buildings in Block 75. However, the existence of the Block as part of the Hays Street Local Historic District mentions that some rules of growth and development somehow govern the area. The south part is, however, part of the conversation overlay that is part of the “Near North End Conservation District” and is considered differently. Thus, the existence of the Block in such divisions confuses the regulations and formulas by which changes should be conducted in the area. Therefore, the primary issue is that the residents within Block 75 feel the Church is exploiting their resources, and these include the historic buildings with the areas which have been altered, misused, moved, and some demolished. However, it seems the bickering of the residents has a negligible impact on the activities of the Church. Presently, the Church has suspended the alterations not because they want to listen to the views of the public but because there are more pressing issues concerning LGBTQ. One member of FUMC even quoted that the Church has no hurry, and the project on Block 75 shall be resumed at a later time.
How have planning and zoning decisions impacted Block 75?
Because of the zoning and planning decisions on Block 75, there have erupted numerous controversies and negative ramifications to the area of Bloc 75. Most of the historical buildings of Block 75 have been demolished to accommodate space for the plans of the Church, leaving behind gruesome scenes of blotched and sunken grounds.
How does the location of the Block impact how this case has unfolded?
Block 75 is located within a buffer zone between downtown Boise and the North End Neighborhood. The area within the Boise town is protected from careless demolitions and alterations because the City of Boise is governed by a comprehensive plan that provides directions for development in the city that are strictly for the growth of the area. The large area, however, the Fort Street Historic District and does not have developmental restrictions. That is, the Church could easily gain access to demolishing and moving the historic buildings in Block 75. However, the existence of the Block as part of the Hays Street Local Historic District mentions that some rules of growth and development somehow govern the area. The south part is, however, part of the conversation overlay that is part of the “Near North End Conservation District” and is considered differently. Thus, the existence of the Block in such divisions confuses the regulations and formulas by which changes should be conducted in the area. Also, the Church is given the Church to exploit the areas with non-existence rules for transformation, and it shows because the Church exploits mostly the areas of historic buildings where there are no set rules to govern development.
Who are the stakeholders involved in making decisions about Block 75?
Boise City Council
FUMC
The Church
The neighborhood of Block 75, that is, the residents of Block 75.
What kinds of different perspectives and values are in play here?
The situation of Block 75 is a struggle between the Haves and the Have-Nots. The Haves is the FUMC, which works hand in hand with the Church, and the latter is the neighborhood. The Church is exploiting the area for its expansion and also for financial gain. It has so far rented outhouses that some of the interviewees confirm that they were at some point owned by the Victorians who abandoned the houses once they were old and frail. Thus, begs the question, how did the houses end up in the hands of the Victorians if the Church initially bought them. It means that the Church also sold some of these buildings for profit. The FUMC initially orchestrated the purchase of these buildings, and the intention was to expand packing space for the church attendees. However, the Church began projects that expanded their Cathedrals and, at the same time, gave more space for packing. However, controversy arises when the interviewees/neighbors claim that the buildings must not be demolished because they hold historical value. Also, the fact that the building was being overused to the brink of falling bothered the residents because it was mismanagement and disregard for the heritage the buildings held. Also, the residents were against the demolishing of the buildings. There was no clear agreement, and the residents said they were being talked to instead of talked with. That is, the Church was manipulative instead of collaborative with the residents.
How has the conflict been handled so far?
Nothing much has been done to correct the miscommunication between the Church and the residents, but the Church has suspended its plans for the Block for now having more interest in some issues concerning LGBTQ. Also, leaders of the North End Neighborhood Association (NENA) approached some lay leaders at the Church with a plan to foster a relationship with the public and also to be involved in the development concerning Block 75.