03-27 Jane and Norm Albert1
Christopher Johnson
From:Jane Albert <albert.jane@outlook.com>
Sent:Tuesday, March 27, 2018 5:20 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Testimony regarding Lost Rapids Project
To the Mayor and City Council of the City of Meridian:
We are writing to state our opposition to the application Lost Rapids H-2018-004.
In 2015 we carefully began planning our move to Meridian to be with our extended family by carefully studying
subdivisions before settling upon SpurWing, of which Mayor Tammy declares “a premier neighborhood.” We
then carefully researched to learn of the fate of the land on the corner of N. Ten Mile Road and West Chinden
Boulevard prior to building in SpurWing Greens, fully understanding that it would not remain farmland forever.
And with that research complete, we put our faith in what appears in City of Meridian Comprehensive plan as a
sensible and reasonable growth path for the parcel.
But careful planning and research was for naught. Today, we are flummoxed by the applications filed by GFI-
Meridian Investments and Brighton Investments for the development of that land calling for an amendment to
the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map and annexation and changes in zoning to allow for high density
residential and commercial uses including a Costco Wholesale Warehouse complete with a fuel station.
This is not our idea of “a premier neighborhood.” And, surely shakes the trust we placed in the City’s obvious
meticulous planning for future growth. We know that the Comprehensive Plan is not law, but rather, according
to the Plan, is considered “an official policy guide for decisions concerning the physical development of the
community.” What other document could we consult that would be more instructive to lawmakers for strategic
growth than their “official policy guide?”
The Comprehensive Plan states, “Citizens are encouraged to use this document to better understand the City’s
vision for their neighborhood, their business, and the City as a whole.” We did. But the City of Meridian’s
promises to the citizens residing in the neighborhoods adjacent to the project via the Comprehensive Plan have
been broken by the fact that the application is in conflict with many of the Comprehensive Plan goals.
In short, is the application in the best interest of the City? We don’t believe so. And it certainly is not for the
residents that would be neighbors with the project. Even the Brighton Corporation representative, Mike Wardle,
couldn’t articulate one benefit to the neighbors of the project when asked in the community meeting of August
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8, 2017 except to say that we would then enjoy “a shorter trip to Costco.” A disrespectful response to a
concerned community and evidence of the lack of mindfulness by the developers of what truly is in the best
interest of Meridian.
One has only to barely be following this process, applications, and hearings to hear loud and clear the
motivation behind approving the project – please, don’t sell out the citizens of North Meridian for a mere loan
by Costco to improve roadways.
We know you have heard from many throughout the Treasure Valley who support the project, mostly
at the behest of Costco. It is clear people want a Costco in Meridian. But that’s all they want – a
Costco in Meridian…not specifically in the proposed location. We do not believe those voices should
outweigh those who will feel the direct impact of the project shoehorned into our residential
neighborhoods.
We entrust our leaders on the Meridian City Council to act in our best behalf and we implore you to deny these
applications.
Thank you,
Jane and Norm Albert
6628 N. Salvia Way
Meridian