CC - Narrative RevisedKENT BROWN
PLANNING SERVICES
3161 E Springwood Dr Meridian, Idaho 83642 Tel.: 208-871-6842
December 13, 2017
Planning and Zoning,
City Council
Meridian City Hall
33 E. Broadway Ave
Meridian, ID 83642
RE: Request for Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, Conditional Use and Rezone approval for Whistle Stop
Subdivision
Dear Commissioners and Council Members:
We respectfully request the City of Meridian’s approval of the Whistle Stop development. The property is located
at 1297 W. Pine Street and is 5.70 acres in size.
HISTORY
This site has been approved twice by the City for multi-family development. The original approval came with the
Roundtree Subdivision. The developer installed the underground improvements, including a bridge over the Nine
Mile Creek and all the water, sewer mains and pressure irrigation systems. The second approval came with a
development named Double Tree Subdivision. The developer walked away from the project due to changes in the
market.
REZONE Multi-family developments are no longer allowed in LO zones. Therefore Whistle Stop Subdivision
is required to request a zoning change to R-15 and to seek the same approval this site has been previously
granted. The surrounding properties have R-15 zoning or have LO zoning with a residential use. Our request
will be in harmony with other uses in the area.
SPECIAL REQUEST The applicant is requesting approval of a “step down” in density from HDR 15 + units
per acre to MHDR 8-15 units per acre as allowed in the Meridian Comprehensive Plan (page 21). Medium
High Density is defined in the Comprehensive Plan as having a range from 8 to 15 dwellings units per acre.
The Whistle Stop development is proposing 11.92 dwelling units per acre. This request is based on site
constraints of, configuration of the site and the location of existing services.
SITE DESIGN Whistle Stop Subdivision has two pathways, one along the south side of the Nine Mile Drain
and the second along the rail road right of way. Both paths are connected into neighboring properties providing
pedestrian access for the overall area. Other amenities such as raised garden beds, tot play area and covered
bike parking help create an inviting neighborhood for the future residents of the Whistle Stop Subdivision.
Biltmore Company has chosen three of their signature buildings for this multi-family neighborhood. Each
building provides a different selection for future residents. For example ten of the sixteen buildings are
townhome style fourplexes, with the living area downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs. Five other fourplexes
are more traditional; they have two bedrooms units downstairs and two bedroom units upstairs. The third
building is an eightplex with four one bedroom units downstairs and four one bedroom units upstairs.
We look forward to your approval of our applications to the City of Meridian.
Sincerely,
Kent Brown
Planner