HomeMy WebLinkAboutPetition (2)r .. ~.
April I ~. ?004
Meridian Planning ~ Zoning-Commission
Meridian City 1-Tall
,3 1;ast Idaho Ave.
iVi~ridimi. Ldaho 83673
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Ccvnmission Members:
City OfMeridi~
Subject: Southwood Subdivision CrtyClarkpffi~~
We wish to voice our concerns about the proposed development of Southwood Subdivision as
described in the notice of hearing dated April 5, 2004.
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'I~he Planning & Toning Commission originally' zoned the property now reterred~i as-
Southwood Subdivision as R-4 density. The new proposal requests a change to a density
of h-15. The City of Meridian future Land Use Map, states that a density can only be
changed cme step. We strongly encourage the"commission to abide by its own rules. Our
desire would be to keep Che R-4 density, as that is the density most of the homeowners
based their decision W purchase their homes upon.
We de. not obicct to the 1.-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. I fowever, even in this case. there should a suitable buffer area around tl'~e
perimeter of the property.
~fhc proposed plan for assisted living units and an Alzheimer's facility is m,iacceptable.
First of all these facilities are NOT residential property; they are commercial enterprises,
eomplete with many types of support staff, including nurses, aides, doctors, therapists.
janitors, cooks and maintenance, along with friends and lamily. [t would be difficult to
maintain that this degree of activity would not impact the quality of life of the existing
nci~~hhortux~d. Adverse impacts would include traffc, noise and lighting. Also, size is a
major concern. I~ruftic has already become a problem with the new high school and
~ro~ll only tM worse with the development already approved for the property bordering
Meridian Road and Overland. Motorists ^h~eady detour through Calderwood when traffic
backs up in rush hour.
Another major concern with the proposed development is that of the Future use of die
Alzheimer's and assisted living units. Once a precedent has been establishing zoning the
property us commercial, which these units certainly are, it would Le ct 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 faniilies as well as the
elderly, and the difference can mean substantial differences in the true population density.
As stated in the paragraph dealing with the proposed Light OftSce 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 l0-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 Hie
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
continues to be R-4. The next best would be a gated community For residents aged 55-
years and ol~dcr. The ti'orsi possible use of the property would he that proposed by CZob
Perez. His proposal disregards the Peelings and property vahies of surrounding property
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owners. 1[ is~caicufhfea in a tivayT nraxunize #rin~~c retattrat-theme-~~Y-
others. Therefore, we appeal to the commission to represent us to the Mayor and City
Council in a fair ~md equitable way. The property will be developed, we have ^o doubt
about that, but i'C Meridian is to remain a desirable place to live, development s'honld 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 developer.
.Sincerely.