HomeMy WebLinkAboutPetition
April l8, 2004
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
Meridian City Hall „_y.,
33 Eastldaho Ave. ~~ ~~~~L~
Meridian, Idaho 83672 ~ ~ L
Cotnmission Members:
Subject Southwood Subdivision
~' 2 ~ 2004
City Clerk Office.:
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CP I~ 2A?00~
G',g"„`~tD~'ING
We wish to voice our concerns about the proposed development of Southwood Subdivision as
described in the notice of heazing dated Apri15, 2004.
• The Planning & Zoning Cotnmission originally zoned the property now referred to as
Southwood Subdivision as R-4 density. The new proposal requests a change to a density
of R-15. The City of Meridian Future Land Use Map, states that a density can only be
changed one step. We strongly encourage the'commission to abide by its own rules. Our
desire would be to keep the R-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 L-O (Light Office) request for the property adjacent to Meridian
Road. It is highly unlikely anyone would want to build a home along such a busy
highway. However, even in this case, there should a suitable buffer area around the
perimeter of the property.
• T'he proposed plan for assisted living units and an Alzheimer's facility is unacceptable.
First of all these facilities are NOT residentia- 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
maintain that this degree of activity would not impact the quality of life of the existing
neighborhood. Adverse impacts would include traffic, noise and lighting. Also, size is a
major concern. Traffic has already become a problem with the new high school, and
will only get worse with the development already approved for the property bordering
Meridian Road and Overland. Motorists already detour through Calderwood when traffic
backs up inrush hour.
• Another major concem with the proposed development is that of the future use of the
Alzheimer's and assisted living units. Once a precedent has been establishing zoning the
property as 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 to different people. It can include younger ,disadvantaged families as well as the
elderly, and the difference can mean substantial differences in the true population density.
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• As stated in the paragraph dealing with the proposed Light Office change, each different
type of facility should have suitable buffer zones between adjacent homes and between
other facilities. Also, the safety of Alzheimer patients should be considered because of
the 10-Mile Creek drainage and proximity of a busy 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
neighbors whose property borders the Subdivision.
• As previously stated, the very best zoning for the proposed Southwood Subdivision
- -^~-ivntirrues to be R-4. The next best would be a gated community for residentsaeed 55-
years and older. The worst possible use of the property would be that proposed by Rob
Perez. His proposal disregards the feelings and property values of surroutlding property
owners. It is calculated in a way to maximize his economic return at the expense of
others. Therefore, we appeal to the commission to represent, us to the Mayor and City
Council in a fair and equitable way. The property will be developed, we have no doubt
about that, but if Meridian is to remain a desirable place to live, development should be
orderly and should consider the desires of its citizens. The collective values of existing
taxpayers should take priority over the self-interest of commercial developers.
Sincerely,