Jane Albert1
Chris Johnson
From:Jane Albert <jane.albert@hotmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, July 24, 2018 2:51 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Costco proposed elevations
Dear Mayor de Weerd and Meridian City Council,
First, we must reiterate our objections to this project and the fact that the City Council totally ignored the
City’s own Comprehensive Plan when approving it. This remains a significant disappointment that residents
cannot rely on the very document that is supposedly to be used by citizens…“to better understand the City’s
vision for their neighborhood, their business, and the City as a whole.”
The Meridian City Council sold out the citizens of North Meridian for a mere loan by Costco to improve
roadways. The “cake was baked” on this project who knows how long ago – and the City tipped its hand by
publishing in the Annual Report distributed prior to the Costco application being filed that…“developers are
working with ITD on possible Sales Tax Anticipation Revenue (STAR) agreements to improve Chinden
ahead of the ITD plan, which calls for widening projects but not until 2021.”
If the Costco project proceeds, neighbors deserve better that the conceptual designs submitted by the
developer. We want to see effort put forth to create a unique design compatible with the neighborhoods
surrounding it.
It is known that the developer held a neighborhood meeting on this subject and, despite the demonstrated
wide interest in this project, and rather than being inclusive and transparent, they held to the bare minimum
of required noticing.
But as neighbors of the project, our preference is to have a discussion of the proposed elevations with our
elected officials present and recorded in official meeting fashion. Prior neighborhood meetings held by the
developers have demonstrated that they offer more of a “sales pitch” for the project rather than genuine
listening sessions.
Yes, the Mayor, City Council, and staff had the opportunity to comment on the different designs presented
to them. But isn’t in everyone’s best interest to have comments from those who actually live in the
neighborhoods directly impacted – on the record – rather than relying on the developer’s recollection of the
citizen’s input?
2
We urge City Council to deny the Modification to the Development Agreement and require Costco to make
changes to their conceptual plans to reflect our input and again go through Design Review with a concept
that is deserving of the neighborhoods they are invading.
Thank you,
Jane and Norm Albert
6628 N. Savia Way
Meridian, ID 83646