Robert Willis - 10.20 (2)1
C.Jay Coles
From:Luke Cavener
Sent:Friday, October 20, 2017 12:39 PM
To:Bob Willis
Subject:Re: I support the Linder Village proposal
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
Hi Bob!
Thanks for your email and perspective. I’m really greatful for your historical explanation, it’s interesting how
new information can change a persons mind. I know that on more than one occasion my opinion has changed
after hearing testimony from the public. Having a complete picture of the issue is always a good thing.
I’ll pass your advice on our AV system to the IT team. I agree there quality changes, lapels could be more
challenging but I’ll let the experts sort it out.
Always great to hear from someone who started their career in grocery, I stocked shelves at Fred Meyer for my
first job. Always good to have a strong foundation in customer service.
Thanks again for reaching out. Don’t hesitate to give me a call if you have any issues.
Best,
Luke
Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 20, 2017, at 12:10 PM, Bob Willis < robertmw@msn.com > wrote:
Hi Luke and Mayor Tammy,
I live in Spurwing Greens and I attended the P&Z meeting last night. It was the first P&Z
meeting that I have ever attended and I was impressed with the attention, thoughtfulness and
consideration of the committee towards those who spoke or made presentations. (Very unlike
an unruly Eagle city council meeting that I took a Boy Scout troop to once.)
When I first read the description of the project on the Linder Village web site, I was receptive of
what was being proposed. Although I knew that Winco was part of the project, it escaped me
that the store was 24/7. I prematurely clicked on the 'submit' button on the Linder Village web
site which sent the supportive email below.
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A few days later I found the preservemeridian website which had Joe Marshall's review of the
proposal. After reading all of it, I had to agree with many of the objections that he raised, and
regretted sending the 'support' email. At that point I put the P&Z meeting on my schedule. I
suspect that many others who sent the email might change their vote if they were more aware
of the issues and the way this project has transpired. I was taken back a bit by the arrogance
demonstrated by the 'pro-project' presenters at last night's meeting. I was disturbed by the
apparent unwillingness of the developers or Winco to work with the nearby residents or try to
adapt the proposal, although it seems that there had been time to do so.
My wife often shopped at Winco until we moved from Boise to Meridian a few years ago, and
we would shop there again if there was a store near us. My first job in high school was at a
grocery store and I understand first-hand the benefits of jobs that this project would provide to
young people who may have limited transportation options. I hope that the developer will sit
down with the residents of Paramount and try to adapt the plan. If the developer decides not
to adapt their plan and to withdraw the application, then a smaller grocery store such as Trader
Joe's -- which is not 24/7 -- would be a welcome addition to the area.
I don't think that Joe Marshall's suggestion that this project could be designed like The Village is
feasible. I don't recall seeing a major grocery store in The Village. When you buy groceries, you
usually need a cart to get them to your car. My wife would not do grocery shopping where she
had to push a cart a long distance, especially in the winter.
Whatever happens, I am thankful that the P&Z committee did not "sell out" the people that
have to live around this development. Meridian is a beautiful city and we are proud to live
here.
As an aside, I have been to several Meridian City Council meetings. The microphone for
presenters seems to be an issue at every meeting. Some presenters' voices simply are too
soft. Many presenters cannot remember to "eat the mic", as they are focusing on what they
are saying. Can't a lapel-type mic be used instead? Or make the arm on the podium
microphone longer so that it is in the presenter's face. The overhead video screens are
fantastic. Just wished I could have heard more of the presentations.
Regards,
Robert Willis
From: Luke Cavener < lcavener@meridiancity.org >
Sent: Friday, October 13, 2017 6:25 PM
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To: robertmw@msn.com
Subject: Re: I support the Linder Village proposal
Hi Robert,
Thank you for your email and for taking the time to share your feelings with the City Council. I
really appreciate it when citizens take time out of their schedule to share their opinion on the
issues that matter most.
Because this project is part of an open application, the City Council is prohibited from
commenting while not on the public record. However, I take public feedback seriously and I
wanted you to know that I have received and read your email. I’d encourage you to follow the
process and attend the future public hearing on this issue. If you have questions about the
process feel free to reach out to me directly.
Best,
Luke
208.695.4536
Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 13, 2017, at 10:08 AM, Robert Willis < info@lindervillage.com > wrote:
Dear Meridian City Council & Planning Officials:
I urge your strong support for the Linder Village proposal. This mixed-use
proposal will create an exciting new atmosphere for shopping and dining that
the community will enjoy as well as a new residential neighborhood close to
amenities in high demand.
The Meridian Comprehensive Plan recommends services such as grocery stores
within walking distance of residential communities. The Comprehensive Plan also
urges the provision of housing options close to employment and shopping
centers. Linder Village is supportive of these guidelines.
This proposal is also an opportunity for private development to facilitate road
improvements that the corridor needs. The traffic improvements that are
included as part of the Linder Village proposal will help increase mobility and
safety for drivers and pedestrians at and around one of the corridor’s major
arterial intersections.
Finally, Linder Village will promote economic development to position Meridian
for success for decades to come. The proposal will create jobs and generate
substantial tax revenue to help fund vital City services. Existing businesses will
also benefit from opportunities to attract new customers living at Linder Village.
Ultimately, Linder Village is a proposal that will proudly serve the community,
and I urge your strong support to help ensure this project becomes a reality.
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Sincerely,
Robert Willis
ZIP Code: 83646
robertmw@msn.com
rmw
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above will be forwarded to Meridian elected and public officials on my behalf.
~~~
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10/13/2017
City of Meridian
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