HomeMy WebLinkAboutPetition (2)
\pril I ~. 'lio4
Meridian Planning & Zoning Ci~mmission
~4eridian C'ity' F[ad
;3 Lust Idaho AVe-
Vlcridi:ui, Idaho 8 X673
l'i'~mmission Nlemt!crs:
Subject. Suuthwood Subdivision
.1~Ec.E~
APR ?
P~1~~,G ~ Zo~Ot~.
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Ares 2'~ ~~D4
City dflYleti~~
,City Clerl~ q~~s
We 4vish to voice our concerns about the proposed development of Southwood Subdivision as
~lescrihed in the notice of hearing dated April 5, ?004.
"the Planning & Zoning Commission originally zoned the property now referred to as
Suuthwood Subdivision as IZ-4 density. 'Che new proposal requests a change to a density
nP R-15. The City of Meridian Future Land Use Map, states that a density can only be
changed one step. We strongly encourage the conunissio^ to abide by its ow^ rules. Our
desire would he to keep ibe [:-4 density, as that is the density most of the homeowners
based their decision to purchase their homes upon.
We do not object to the 1.-O (Light Office) request fix the property adjacent to Meridian
Road. It is highly unlikely an}'one would want to build a home along such a busy
highway. f [owever, even in this case, there should a suitable buffer area around file
perimeter nFthe property.
'lhc proposed plan for assisted living units and au Alzheimer's Facility is unacceptable.
first of all these facilities are NO'f residential property; they are commercial enterprises,
complete with many types of support staff, including nurses, aides, doctors, therapists,
janitors, cooks and maintenance, along with friends and Family. It would be difficult to
muinlain that this degree t~f activity would not impact the quality of life of the existing
r~c•i~hhorhuod- ,~advcrse impacts would include trafFc, noise and lighting. Also, size is a
inajur concern. 1 ra'ftic has already become a problem with the new high school, and
~~~ill ~mly get worse with the development already approved for the property bordering
Meridian Road and lh~a land. Motorists arh~eady detour through Calderwood when traffic
hacks up in rush hour.
Another major egncern with die proposed development is that of the future use of the
\Izhcimer's and assisted living units. Once a precedent has been establishing zoning the
~~rnperty .is commercial. which these units certainly are, it' would be a simple step to
convert these units to rental Property. The term "assisted living" can mean different
things m different people. It can include yormger disadvantaged families as well as the
elderly, and the dit-ference can mean Substantial differences in the true population density.
As stated in the paragraph dealing with the proposed Light Office diange. each di1`Ierent
type of facilih~ should have suitable buffer cones between adjacent homes and between
other facilities. Also, the safety of Alzheimer patients should he considered hecause of
the I b-Mile Creek drainage and proximity of a husl' highway.
Regardless of the type of development that is ultimately approved for Southwood
Subdivision, we request strict rules for noise and dust abatement, and also request that the
work site be maintained in an orderly fashion. 'This seems to be reasonable courtesy For
neiehbors whose property borders the Subdivision.
4s previously stated. ilre very hest zoning for the proposed Southwood S~ubdivisiun
cixitinues to be K-4. The nest best would be a gated co~mnunity for residents aged SS-
'vc~rs~and older. "l~he worst possible use oFthe property would be. that proposed by Rob
Perez. His proposal disregards the Feelings .znd property values of sun~oundiitg property
owners. It [5 calculale~ in a wa}~to maximize his ramomic rrhin~ at the csperse iil~
others. "1-hereFore, we appeal [o the conmiissiun to represent us to the Mayor and City
Council in a i~air and cywtible way. The property will Eie developed, we have no doubt
about that, but iC \~leridian is to remain a desirable place to Live, developnie:nl should he
orderly and should consider the desires of itscitize~s. '1'I'te collective values of existing
taxpayers should take priority over the sell=interest o{ commercial developers-
Sincerely,