Public access to the Boise Greenbelt near Ben’s Crow Inn along Warm Springs Avenue in southeast Boise has been blocked off by a chain-link fence, and that’s angering -– and puzzling –- local residents.
One viewer posted their concerns on the On Your Side Facebook page with several photos of the newly installed fence.
The now-blocked area is at the center of a brewing development battle -- as owners of Ben’s Crow Inn plan to retire after nearly 70 years of business.
Owners hope to sell the property to a developer who has proposed the construction of 24 homes on the 4.2 acres of land that Ben’s Crow Inn currently occupies, according to the Idaho Statesman.
At an April 12th Boise Planning and Zoning commission hearing, a split vote occurred with two planning commissioners voting to approve the development and two denying the annexation.12th Boise Planning and Zoning commission hearing, a split vote occurred with two planning commissioners voting to approve the development and two denying the annexation.
Commissioners are planning to discuss the issue again on May 2nd.
To further complicate the matter, the path that goes to the Greenbelt runs across an area known as a “spur,” which is private property that allows the Greenbelt to be used by pedestrians and recreationist.
However, landowners can decide for whatever reasons to close off their property to the public.
The Ada County Sheriff's Office posted a tweet claiming they are unsure who put up the fence.
We didn't put up the fence blocking the pathway to the Greenbelt at Ben's Crow Inn. We're trying to find out who did pic.twitter.com/64G9S5F6mM
— Ada County (@Ada_County) April 15, 2016
