HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ- Public Testimony by Rendi & Alan Bell 12/0229 November 2016
Rendi & Alan Bell
2373 E. Taormina Dr.
Meridian, ID 83642
Meridian Planning and Zoning Department
C. Caleb Hood, Josh Beach
33 E. Broadway Ave.
Meridian, ID 83642
Re: Firenze Plaza
Dear Caleb and Josh-
I am writing is reference to the proposed Firenze Plaza development. I am concerned
that this commercial, high density development will negatively impact the neighborhood
which I live in. My two teenage boys currently ride their bikes to high school and would
be at an increased risk of being struck by cars from the increased traffic. I also have a 7
year old that walks to Siena Elementary and also enjoys playing basketball and other
sports with his neighborhood friends. That would have to end based on my concern for
their safety. I chose Tuscany for the quiet, close knit neighborhood. I paid more to
enjoy that quiet and safe environment and I do not support these proposed changes.
Current estimates based on the limited impact studies that have been completed, show
a drastic increase in traffic. Just the E. Mount Etna/S. Eagle Rd intersection will
generate an average daily traffic of 4200. Once the 3 main intersections of E. Santo
Stefano/S. Montague Way, E. Mount Etna Dr/S. Montague Way, and E. Taormina Dr/S.
Montague Way that were missing from the study are completed, these numbers will only
increase.
The other concern with making these connecting streets with increased traffic, is our
street, Taormina, and the others impacted were not built to be connecting streets such
as Zaldia or Palermo. Our driveways face the street and are closer to the street than
those planned to be connecting. That means that my 7 year old playing basketball in
the driveway is at risk; unlike those homes that were originally planned to be on
connecting streets with expected faster and increased traffic.
There are more subdivisions that are being added that are already planned to drive
through our neighborhood in addition to the surrounding ones. That traffic will also be
flowing through as they travel to the commercial locations in the Plaza. Those impacts
have not even been measured. Currently, there is no reason for traffic to drive through
our streets, but that would change as the Firenze Plaza becomes their destination.
I would ask that you reconsider the proposed Firenze Plaza. I am more than happy
traveling the extra mile to the existing grocery stores and whatever other store location
that is proposed. I feel very strongly that the very minor convenience closer stores
comes at a great cost to all of us in the south end of the Tuscany subdivision. That is
not a justified cost to all of us residents.
Sincerely,
Rendi Bell
cc: Rhonda McCarvel
Ryan Fitzgerald
Steven Yearsley
Gregory Wilson