03-12 Lynn Curvey1
Christopher Johnson
From:Lynn Curvey <curvey.lynn@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, March 12, 2018 4:48 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fwd: Costco proposal
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: Lynn Curvey < curvey.lynn@gmail.com >
Date: March 7, 2018 at 11:02:49 AM MST
To: Tammy de Weerd < tdeweerd@meridiancity.org >
Subject: Costco proposal
Dear Mayor de Weerd,
I am writing to share my concerns about the proposed Costco, to be located on the corner of
Chinden and Ten Mile Roads. My husband and I attended the P & Z meeting on March 1,
2018. We listened to all of the presenters and speakers; the commissioners and project
representatives. I was quite surprised and disappointed with the decision rendered. It seemed
that those on the commission distilled the objections down to “a traffic” issue; forgoing the
safety issues, lifestyle marketed by Bainbridge concerns and dismissal of a viable
alternative. The primary positive that was repeatedly mentioned by those on the commission for
their vote of approval, was the $15,000,000.00 allotted for road improvements. It is my
understanding, which may not be accurate, is that this money is to be repaid to Costco at some
time in the future. Were this generous loan or even gift not on the table, would this project get
the same support? Costco promised to change their deliver hours to accommodate noise
concerns. Who is going to enforce that verbal,or even if it is written, commitment?
Many who attended the meeting shared their feelings about this project. Perhaps it is my bias
but I really do believe that most of those who oppose the project, came well-prepared to address
the issue. PowerPoints were presented; facts were included and although there was a strong
commitment to their position, those who spoke remained poised and professional. Anecdotal was
the main tenor of those supporting this project, sharing folksy stories about Costcos in other
communities. It is worth noting, that I do not believe any supporters currently reside in the
adjacent neighborhoods.
In full disclosure, I reside in Spurwing Greens; anticipate the light to exit my neighborhood on
Tree Farm Way to have significant delays and feel strongly that Brighton has mislead,
misrepresented and if what was shared at the meeting remains true, continues to market the
Bainbridge subdivision without mention of their efforts to put Costco next to their community.
I do not accept that Costco does not see Highway 16 and Chinden as viable. It is two miles
from the current proposed area. It was stated that the “growth” is south of Chinden. Has a
Costco representative been to Star or Middleton? Both communities are experiencing growth
and I am sure that Costco know that and sees Highway 16 to Chinden as the route these shoppers
will utilize. As recently as last week the Idaho Statesman ran an article about the extension of
Highway 16, urging lawmakers to move the project up time-wise. It is a costly project, no doubt,
but that $15,000,000.00 could be the catalyst that the state needs to get the project started.
2
No one who spoke in opposition, spoke against Costco, they spoke against the location. The
Highway 16 and Chinden location, if I am not mistaken, does not require P & Z changes; will not
be so far that the shoppers that Costco hopes to serve, will not drive two extra miles; traffic flow
may be more easily addressed.
A commissioner who opposed the project, referred to a Bown Crossing style development.
That would fit with the current zoning and the vision sold by the developer. When Meridian is
evaluated for its commitment to a desirable quality of life, I doubt that the number of Costcos is
a metric that is measured. A far more likely metric will be the safety of the neighborhoods and
the associated open spaces. Access to shopping is probably a metric as well. But to add two
miles to the travel does not seem unreasonable. We are in the enviable position, compared to
many other places in the country, to have land available. We do not need to infill or put
commercial property in our neighborhoods.
You have been such a good steward of this community. I urge you to deny this project. This
does not fit with the image of Meridian that has been the focus of your administration.
Warm regards,
Lynn Curvey
Sent from my iPad