Suzanne Bankhead1
Chris Johnson
From:Suzanne Cox <cox2256@hotmail.com>
Sent:Monday, April 16, 2018 10:23 AM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Rezoning of Cherry Blossom Subdivision
Hello, my name is Suzanne Bankhead and I have lived in Midtown Square Subdivision for almost 13 years. I live at 1452
N Crestmont Dr. I have seen a lot of changes in our area, but the proposed rezoning of the McFadden property to R-8
from R-4 (to be Cherry Blossom Subdivision) concerns me greatly. I have 2 young children, who enjoy riding their bikes
and playing outside. In the last few years, traffic through our subdivision has increased greatly and most of the pass-
through traffic does not obey the speed limit or recognize the number of children walking/riding/playing. I have called
the police, added reminders to our HOA newsletter, waved at people to slow down, asked ACHD for speed bumps and
even to open up NW 4th St to Cherry Lane. Nothing seems to work and I never let my kids play out front alone. Adding
nearly 60 homes whose traffic will funnel out through our subdivision will only multiply these traffic problems. We have
many young children in our neighborhood. Also, please consider the proximity to Meridian Middle School and Meridian
Elementary, and the number of children that will be walking through this proposed subdivision (which at one time
included plans with NO sidewalks) on their way to school.
The lots this developer is proposing will be approximately HALF the size of the current lots in surrounding
subdivisions. Clearly, the developer's greed is outweighing his/her consideration of nearby property owners or the
"feel" of this area of Meridian. I have really enjoyed living in this area and plan on raising my family here, but feel that
having so many houses shoe-horned in to this property would greatly change the feeling of this part of town. It seems
very inconsiderate and unnecessary to put so many houses right up against historic/long established homes who have
for so many years enjoyed this open space. I always understood that this property would likely be developed, but
thought that if it couldn't be a park (which are lacking in this part of town and is my #1 choice) that at least it be
consistent with other developments in the area (single story, mid-century homes on larger lots).
I really hope the City will consider the effects this development will have on neighbor's lifestyle, safety, and overall
enjoyment of their properties. There is plenty of land around Meridian where something like this proposal might be
suitable, but this plan is not consistent with other properties in the immediate area and will likely effect our property
values.
Thank you for your consideration.
Suzanne Bankhead
1
Chris Johnson
From:Suzanne Cox <cox2256@hotmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, June 20, 2018 8:28 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Proposed rezoning of Cherry Blossom Subdivision-June 21st hearing
I am writing in regards to the latest hearing about the rezoning of the 10.74 acres of property to be Cherry
Blossom Subdivision. Despite meetings with the developer and expressing our concerns, it appears that Jayo
Development will be going forward with the attempt to rezone this property from R-4 to R-8 and including 47
building lots. My family lives in the subdivision directly to the east of the proposed development. We have
lived her for over 13 years and planned to raise our family in Meridian. We have 2 young children who love to
be outdoors. I walk my son to and from the bus every day. I frequently walk downtown, including to classes
at the Community Center. If this property is rezoned R-8, the lot sizes will be nearly half of those in the
surrounding areas and our pass through traffic will greatly increase. We already have unacceptable traffic
though our neighborhood, often at high rates of speed with no regard for the many children playing outside. I
only see this multiplying with 47 additional families funneling out through 2 residential streets. A big part of
being a safe city, something that Meridian constantly totes, is families feeling safe to be in their own yards or
have their children play in front of their homes. Meridian also prides itself on maintaining an "oldtown" feel,
yet this developer is proposing building high-density housing right in the middle of some of the oldest
properties in Meridian. The City of Meridian has a vision to be the West's premier community in which to li ve,
work and raise a family. Nowhere in this vision does it mention putting the greedy desires of a developer
above families and lifestyle. Several of my neighbors have expressed concern that this rezoning is a "sure bet"
for the developer because the city is only interested in future tax revenues, not current (and many long-term)
residents. I certainly hope that the testimony of the surrounding neighbors will be taken seriously and
considered.
Thank you again for your consideration and time.
Suzanne Bankhead
1452 N Crestmont Dr
Meridian, ID 83642