Bill Mitchell1
Chris Johnson
From:Bill Mitchell <bmitchell@bighorn.info>
Sent:Sunday, April 08, 2018 9:10 PM
To:City Clerk
Cc:Ty Palmer
Subject:Testimony regarding proposed Cherry Blossom development
To: City Clerk, City of Meridian
From: William J Mitchell
1413 W 7 th St
Meridian
Subject: Proposed Cherry Blossom Development
Please accept this as my official testimony regarding the aforementioned development. Since contracting
oralmandibular dystonia about five years ago, my speech is severely hampered and often not understandable, so I won’t
be speaking at your hearing.
My wife and I have lived at this address in excess of 39 years. We raised four children here and have watched this city
grow and expand, sometimes wisely, other times not so much. It appears to me that the same attitude which was
prevalent 25 years ago, when it was feared we would be swallowed up by Boise and Nampa, is still in effect, when in
reality it should be revised. We won, they are now more afraid of Meridian’s potential and we no longer have the need
for development at all cost.
I do not have the unrealistic attitude of blocking all development, I am only asking that it be consistent with existing city
plans and not be a degradation to the lifestyle of existing homeowners and residents of Meridian.
Specifically, the concept of putting 60 homes on the ten acres of this proposal is, in my opinion, irresponsible and
borderline negligent. 60 homes would conservatively bring an additional 90 – 120 or more vehicles transiting through
only two access points. One to the north out of midtown square, the other to the south onto West 7 th street. I would
address the latter. As I mentioned, I have lived on that street for 39 years and have watched as the traffic has increased
exponentially over time. Yet the children who live in the surrounding areas stil l walk or ride bikes to school (Elementary,
Middle and High Schools) with few, if any sidewalks, crosswalks (which are ultimately ignored by most drivers) or bike
lanes. There are already issues with drivers on this street, we have requested several times assistance from the police
department to help slow folks down. They have at least twice put up electronic speed indicators, which help for a time,
but have no long term impact. Adding an additional 100+ vehicles will only exacerbate the issue.
Directly to the South of our home is the pathway that connects these neighborhoods to 8 th street and the Middle
School. The number of children walking / riding bikes to school continues to grow, as does the number of vehicles
dropping off or picking up children. They stop right in front of our home, and I cannot tell you the number of times
there have been close calls as other drivers speed through the area. With only two access points from the new
development, most of those who wish to travel south will do so on 7 th and that will take them directly through the
crosswalk area. The morning commute will be the most serious time, school letting out before most of the five o’clock
traffic hits.
It has been pointed out that the Midtown Square area was rezoned to R-8 and therefore Cherry Blossom should be
allowed as well. I find that argument weak at best. That only impacts one side of the proposed development, two sides
are still R-4 and the proposed development should be restricted to the existing zoning. That would reduce the number
of additional vehicles significantly, still not enough to remove any concern for the integration of traffic and walkers /
bikers, but it would be significantly more desirable and realistic than the proposal.
2
My secondary concern is the irrigation system. I have heard that the developer is proposing to enclose the ditch and
provide pressurized irrigation water to the development. I have NOT heard any discussion on how those existing water
users will be able to get their water. In our case, as with all of those along 7 th and 8 th to the north of the footpath, our
water is taken from the lateral east of 7 th , on the ditch easement bordering the proposed development and runs under
7th and our property and north between the properties towards Cherry Lane. Before any proposal from the developer is
approved, I would hope that some solution be included in their plan to ensure access to our water rights, as well as
those on Washington and the east side of W 7 th .
I don’t know how I can reassure you this is not a “not in my backyard” issue, but one of true concern for this city and its
citizens. My wife and I are park ambassadors at Kleiner Park. As I mentioned, we raised four kids here and have planned
on living out our lives here. We have been proud to respond, when asked where we are from, “Meridian” while others I
have witnessed just lump us in with Boise. Our issues with this proposal come from the heart, concern for the children,
the existing rights / lifestyles of those of us already here, and a desire for this community to maintain itself as a desirable
place to live, with the ability to walk downtown, to avail oneself of the businesses and recreational opportunities that
exist. Allowing overgrowth such as this development will significantly impact all of these.
I strongly urge you to seriously consider these factors and the others that I hope you receive from the over 100 who
have signed the petition against this development IN ITS CURRENT FORM.
Thank you for your consideration.
/s/ William J Mitchell