Boise P&Z denies permit for Interfaith homeless shelter. Shelter leaders say they'll appeal

After months of discussion, debate, public comment, angry letters and expert insight, the Boise Planning and Zoning Commission finally reached a decision — and the answer was no.

The commission voted 5-1 Monday night to deny a controversial proposal for a new 205-bed Interfaith Sanctuary homeless shelter location on State Street, with Commissioner Meredith Stead voting against the motion.

It was a dramatic moment for a project that has garnered significant controversy since the shelter first announced plans for the location in April. And that controversy could linger on for months in a series of appeals and legal filings.

Commissioners laid out several concerns about the proposed site, including parking, a lack of space for guests and security. But most commissioners agreed on one main reason for denying the project: it would adversely affect the surrounding area and public services, and no conditions could mitigate that enough.

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