Alamar Ranch- Idaho

[Deborah]

BOISE -- Neighbors said "not in my backyard" and now the group proposing a treatment facility for troubled teens in Boise County is looking for a new location.

Alamar Ranch operators have pulled their application to build on a site near a neighborhood south of Idaho City.

Even though they're considering moving the proposed facility, the controversy doesn't appear to be over.

A group of neighbors circulated a petition against the proposed facility and gathered hundreds of signatures in recent weeks.

Alamar Ranch won't reveal where the alternative property is that they are now considering, but operators say it is in Boise County.

A tree farm south of Idaho City called "Green Ranch" is where developers hoped to put a residential treatment facility for teens. When completed, organizers planned a haven called Alamar Ranch for as many as 100 students from around the country who are dysfunctional, depressed or have experimented with drugs or alcohol.

The proposal prompted an outcry from neighbors who are against the creation of Alamar Ranch.  

One worry is that the property is just too close to other residential property and could create a problem if kids escape.

?We have multiple concerns about safety issues, quality of life, traffic, drain on community resources,? said Brian Bulow, concerned neighbor.

The concerns from homeowners got the attention of the company proposing the treatment facility. Hoping to be a good neighbor, executive director Amy Jeppesen says her group began pursuing the possibility of moving their proposal to another piece of property. Thursday, they announced their withdrawing their conditional use permit application for the proposed site.

?We've heard from the community that they're upset about the location and that we're willing to take a look at it.  If this other piece works, that's great.  If not, we will resubmit on the Green Ranch,? said Jeppesen.

Neighbors say they're pleased that the application has been withdrawn, but they remain opposed to the facility being placed in Boise County.

?Our primary concern is the fact that Boise County services are not up to supporting a residential treatment center,? said Bulow.

Jeppesen says she doesn't believe that her facility will be a drain on county resources.  She won't reveal specifically where the other property is located, only saying it's in Boise County. They hope to make their final decision in the next 30 to 60 days.  

?I believe this will be a win, win for the community and a win, win for Alamar Ranch,? said Jeppesen.

Because the current application has been withdrawn, Planning and Zoning commissioners have canceled a public hearing on the issue scheduled for next week.

Again, operators of Alamar Ranch say this does not take the Green Ranch location off the table completely, they say they are now evaluating which property works the best for their proposal.

Video Clip: Watch Adam Atchison?s report
http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stor ... f51d8.html

[Anonymous]

Again, operators of Alamar Ranch say this does not take the Green Ranch location off the table completely, they say they are now evaluating which property works the best for their proposal.

Jesus the hubris.

They got fucking Willy Wonka'd (You get nothing! You lose! GOOD DAY SIR!) and now they're "evaluating" what works the best for their proposal.

Idiots. GTFO.

[Deborah]

Not quiet yet. Their petition wasn't denied, they pulled it, but may resubmit it if Plan B doesn't pan out.

[Deborah]

Update: Feb 22, 2007

Oaas Laney/Alamar Ranch pulls their CUP Application
Oaas Laney/Alamar Ranch to consider "alternative Boise County location"
March 1, 2007 P&Z Hearing cancelled
Idaho Statesman releases news story
KTVB runs another interview on evening news
Click here to read the story on KTVB's site          
Click here to see the video coverage

Oaas Laney/Alamar Ranch has decided to pull the Conditional Use Permit submitted Dec 8, 2006 from further consideration.  It is "dead".  This has been confirmed by Boise County Planning and Zoning.  The March 1, 2007 P&Z Hearing for this issue has been cancelled at this point.  

We would like to thank everyone involved with the opposition of Alamar Ranch for their efforts to bring about this news, however we do not consider this a "victory" or "win".  Work remains to be done.  Oaas Laney is simply regrouping for another approach at Boise County.  As stated in the Feb 22 KTVB interview, Oaas Laney is pursuing another Boise County location for Alamar Ranch, however a return to the Green Ranch property remains a possibility.

Opponents of Alamar Ranch want to be very clear:

We will continue to oppose ANY plans for ANY Residential Treatment Center ANYWHERE in Boise County.  Period.

Opponents of Alamar Ranch stand ready to support those whom will be affected by the next targeted site in Boise County.

This has never been just about the interests of residents in and around Osprey Subdivision.  This is about retaining the Quality of Life in Boise County, and along the entire Highway 21 corridor in particular.  Alamar should have never been targeted for a location directly adjacent to residential property.  We are pleased that Oaas Laney has finally considered our advice to seek a location away from families and homes, but this does not change the fact that Boise County services are not capable of supporting a 108 bed Residential Treatment Center.  Our lengthy list of concerns remain valid.

In the Feb 22 KTVB interview, Alamar's representative states Alamar wishes to be a "good neighbor" and that "we've heard the community". We would like to know, when did Oaas Laney ever seriously consider the concerns and opinions of Boise County citizens, particularly those along the Highway 21 corridor?  Certainly NOT during the entire 2 years Alamar was in planning.  And certainly NOT since the Dec 8, 2006 filing of the CUP application.  Perhaps it was during the 15 minutes Oaas Laney/Alamar were actually before the public, at the Jan 6, 2007 Community Action Meeting initiated by Opponents of Alamar Ranch?  (Yes, the same meeting where an Oaas Laney representative stated they plan to build Alamar Ranch despite public opinion or input)
[Program bullying just didn't work in this situation. People outside program don't tolerate it.]

If Alamar Ranch representatives are suddenly concerned about the communities support, why haven't they involved us in planning to-date?  Instead, Oaas Laney continues to plan an RTC for Boise County from behind closed Boardroom doors.  And we have absolutely no idea what will be sprung upon us next.  All we hear is that there is an "alternative property of interest in Boise County".

This is NOT the way to work with the community.

Alamar's  representative stated in the Feb 22 KTVB interview that the new site will be a "win-win for the community and a win-win for Alamar Ranch".  

Note to Alamar: "Win-Win" means both parties are satisfied with a transaction and each gain from it.  How can you honestly expect a "Win-Win" when there is no (zero) open dialog or consideration for the oppositions concerns?  And with no (zero) community involvement or consideration before the next "surprise" is launched?
[Welcome to program reality. Say what you want others to believe even if bares no resemblence to reality.]

We have no idea what Oaas Laney/Alamar has planned next for Boise County, but you can rest assured we will be ready to protect the Quality of Life we all adore so much.  If you hear any news or interesting developments  please contact us at http://www.noalamarranch.com/

[psy]

Welcome to program reality. Say what you want others to believe even if bares no resemblence to reality.]

Haven't ya heard dear?  We make our own reality.

[nimdA]

Yeeee Haw White boy! 40's are the shit!!! Burrrppppppppp... My reality is blurry at the moment... Once I find my glasses I'll see if I can unblur dat sum a bitch.

Or not..

Problem with this scenario that bothers me.. The natives are more about not having a program in their back yards out of concern for property values than kids being fucked up by concentration guard camp school drop outs.


Big Looser for all involved.. May they all get a swift kick in the testicles... the programmie scum can get two... and the second one can be long and drawn out.

[Deborah]

Problem with this scenario that bothers me.. The natives are more about not having a program in their back yards out of concern for property values than kids being fucked up by concentration guard camp school drop outs.

I might agree if I thought all these people knew all we know about the industry. For the average citizen, that's not the case.
Further, do you think they could defeat this on the grounds that "the industry is abusive". Yeh, right. How would you argue/prove that one to the board or the public? And specifically regarding Alamar Ranch, which is a new program and has no 'history' of abuse, yet.
I think their tact is totally appropriate. And if you read their 'reasons', it's not only property values. There are other concerns expressed, primarily those that might be of concern to other residents in the county.

[nimdA]

You might be onto something here.. but for the most part I'm only seeing the money. The money of property values and lost revenues that might come about by having a program in your back yard. They might have objections of other sorts but they sure ain't viewing them.

[Deborah]

You might be onto something here.. but for the most part I'm only seeing the money. The money of property values and lost revenues that might come about by having a program in your back yard. They might have objections of other sorts but they sure ain't viewing them.

How would it matter if money, property values were the only concern?
That alone is a legitimate concern. That's why we have planning and zoning. No one wants a pig farm, toxic factory, or landfill going in next door to their neighborhood. They also don't want any otherwise 'relatively benign' business going in that will put a heavy burden on community resources. Those are legitimate concerns that will defeat this. "We oppose Alamar Ranch because it is part of an abusive industry" wouldn't get to first base.

From their website:
So, who exactly is Alamar Ranch LLC anyway?

One would hope that plans of this magnitude and effect upon the community would come from a well established and proven organization.  An organization that has "been there, done that" before and could point to previous successes in this area.  Unfortunately that is not the case.  

According to papers filed with the Idaho Secretary of State,  Alamar Ranch LLC was established by Oaas Laney.  Does the name sound familiar?  It should.  Oaas Laney is the same Boise based, BIG money Development firm whom is behind the overly-dense-for-Garden-Valley Planned Unit Development, South Fork Landing.  Ask any Garden Valley resident what they think of the South Fork project and how it was approved by then Boise County Commissioners Jackson, Lawson, and Stutzman in a Closed Door session.  (Hint: They don't like it very much - litigation is in process).

Why would a developer with substantial experience in land development, but zero experience in "Residential Treatment Centers" decide to go into the "Treatment Center" business?

We can't figure that one out either.  It is interesting that only as recent as November 2006, Alamar Ranch LLC hired someone with experience in the field of "Residential Treatment Centers".  Amy Jeppesen has background and certifications in the field of Social Work.  According to her bio, she has experience working with "adolescent girls".  We question how this experience could be applied  to troubled teenage young men ages 13 - 17. We are consulting an expert in the field of Social Work to understand this point and specifically to understand the challenges troubled teenage young men ages 13 - 17 would present for Alamar.

By the way, if you visit Alamar's web site you may be lead to believe that the contact name listed there, Chris Tverdy, is someone familiar with Treatment Centers.  The title listed for Mr. Tverdy is "Project Manager" but don't be mislead,  this is not eluding to a role as Project Manager of the Alamar operation, but rather to Mr. Tverdy's role of Development Project Manager for Oaas Laney.  Keep this in mind should you contact Mr. Tverdy (which we advise against).

You see, Mr. Tverdy is an OWNER of Oaas Laney and therefore if approved would be leading the construction of Alamar Ranch, not the Operation of Alamar or the "rehabilitation" of troubled teens.

Regarding above strike through comments: Oaas Laney finally took our hint and removed Chris Tverdy as a contact when they revised the Alamar web site.  Our point remains valid and the text will remain here for reference.

Also, according to Domain Name registration records, the Alamar Ranch web site was registered by Steven H. Laney of, you guessed it, Oaas Laney.  Mr. Laney is an owner of Oaas Laney.

Fun fact: According to an Alamar Ranch presentation (caution; BIG file), Alamar Ranch WAS planned for Garden Valley as early as May 5, 2006.
~~

I think they're learning what this industry is about and how it operates.
They are open to information. I've shared alot of my research with him, which has been used (some of the above). I applaud their efforts and a whole county in Idaho, potentially, and the surrounding area, has now gained some insight about the industry.

[Deborah]

Might this explain their interest in the industry?

On Friday, June 16th, Boise Rescue Mission Ministries held their annual Memorial Golf Tournament. For the second year in a row, the tournament was sponsored by the Steve Laney family and Oaas-Laney company, in memory of Steve?s brother J. Patrick Laney. Several local celebrities joined us for the event, and it was co-sponsored by many Treasure Valley businesses. The tournament took place at the beautiful Shadow Valley Golf Course, and a fabulous barbecue lunch was donated by Bill and Margaret Emele of the Boise Outback Steakhouse. Thanks to the support of our sponsors, celebrities,volunteers, and the great folks who came and played in the tournament, we were able to raise over $30,000 to help the Mission feed and shelter our homeless and needy neighbors, and to counsel and support the members of our New Life Recovery Program in their struggle to overcome their addictions.Teresa Stoffle, a graduate of the program, gave her testimony, sharing with the golfers what God has done in her life. Thank you to all of the people who?s efforts helped make this tournament great!
For more information, call (208) 343-2389 and view the website:www.boiserm.org
http://www.boiserescuemission.org/pages/video.htm

[Anonymous]

Why would a developer with substantial experience in land development, but zero experience in "Residential Treatment Centers" decide to go into the "Treatment Center" business?

Thats an easy one.
LIFE Program in Osprey Sarasota was started by contractors and subcontractors.You know these kind of people have banks BEGGING to loan them money.
At LIFE,they built the building,paved the parking lot,and supplied their children.
Most of my oldcommer families were house builders.
Doolie-Mack Construction built LIFE,and put their children in,Earl Collins Paving was there and so was his kids.
This is about MAKING MONEY.
Land Developers/Builders have fast access to CASH,too much access.The bank is ALWAYS offering them money to borrow.

[Deborah]

Kudos to the fine people in Boise Co, Idaho
 ::cheers::

The latest news from "Opponents of Alamar Ranch"

Alamar Ranch CUP Denied !

Congratulations to everyone whom opposed the Alamar Ranch CUP!

After holding two lengthy P&Z Hearings on Aug 3 and Aug 15, 2007, the Boise County P&Z Commissioners voted and reached a DENIAL decision for the Alamar Ranch CUP application.

The P&Z Board has yet to formally submit the decision (final paperwork is forthcoming), however the P&Z Chairman declared during the August 15th P&Z meeting that the decision was a "Denial" of the Alamar Ranch CUP.

Although this is a huge VICTORY for those whom truly care about Boise County, we cannot rest just yet.

We are certain Oaas Laney/Alamar Ranch will appeal the P&Z Board decision.  P&Z Appeals are heard and decided by our three County Commissioners.

If brought, an appeal would involve public testimony at a Commissioners Hearing.  Boise County Commissioners CAN and WILL consider public opinion in their decision.  YOU elect them - they need to hear YOUR opposition.

It is important that we all continue to voice our opposition to the Alamar Ranch Experiment.  As designed, Alamar Ranch is not appropriate for ANY location ANYWHERE in Boise County for ALL the COMMON SENSE reasons we've shared.   Boise County citizens stand unified in opposing the Alamar Ranch Experiment.

Tell Boise County Commissioners that you DO NOT want Boise County to become a magnet for HUGE, FOR-PROFIT RTC's that care about PROFIT more than TROUBLED TEENAGE YOUTH.  

NEVER before has a P&Z Board decision been overturned.  

The ultimate and final decision on Alamar Ranch will come from the Boise County Commissioners Day, Lawson, Zimmer.

Ask your commissioners to uphold the P&Z Board denial decision.

Write, Call, Fax, VISIT your Boise County Commissioners TODAY!
http://www.noalamarranch.com/

Do something local, something real, however small. ~~ Grace Lee Boggs