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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTheodore and Susanna Bohlman - 3.20March 20, 2017 MERIDIAN CITY COUNCIL MERIDIAN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE ADA COUNTY HIGHWAY DISTRICT DEAR COMMUNITY LEADERS: My name is Theodore W. Bohlman, M.D. and I live with my wife Susanna at 5730 S. Graphite Way, Meridian, in the Blackrock Subdivision. I'm writing you regarding a proposed development in South Meridian, specifically the EAST RIDGE PROJECT. I have several concerns regarding this project and hope your community leaders will take these concerns seriously. First of all, the proposed R-8 zoning is NOT in keeping with the long range Meridian planning documents adopted in the mid 2000's to ensure "high-quality development ...... enhance Meridians quality of life, .....prevent school overcrowding,.... improve transportation, ....and protect self-identity." The R-8 zoning proposed violates in toto these agreed-upon principles. Blackrock is an upscale development with many one -acre home sites. The bare ground to be developed into East Ridge adjacent and south of us is beautiful view land on a knoll overlooking the entire treasure valley and should be, in my opinion, developed as a "high-quality development" in keeping with the Meridian development concept. No one would object to a high -end development in keeping with the Blackrock concept. Additionally R-8 zoning will have a negative impact on land values in the area. This is of great concern to our community, not only Blackrock residents, but Sky Mesa and other neighbors in the area who have opined previously against this proposed development. We support a development with R-2 or R-4 zoning as we are NOT opposed to progress that conforms to the community standard. An additional issue regards SAFETY. It is proposed that access to this property for development is to pass through our subdivision. Imagine, heavy construction equipment and construction workers passing thru neighborhoods with small children, bus stops, pets, narrow road passage, etc. The intersection at Taconic and Eagle is currently a high-risk situation with poorly -marked narrow lanes and clearly a temporary situation that has not been well-planned with safety in mind. It makes no sense, as DIRECT ACCESS to the property can be easily accomplished from Lake Hazel Road. SHOULDN'T WE MAKE SAFETY PRIORITY? The current situation at Eagle and Taconic must be improved BEFORE any more congestion and confusion is brought on board. Especially since that risk can be obviated by access from Lake Hazel. Thoughtful minds would think so. I doubt many would support that ingress and egress through their neighborhoods. Another issue regards infrastructure -SEWER, WATER AND ROADS. Residents of our subdivision have already dealt with "brown, tainted water". My understanding is that we are at the end of the line as regards utilities. What will happen if we add more homes in a high-density neighborhood to this already stressed utility? Doesn't sound good to me! And what about traffic on South Eagle Road!!!! It is already stop and go at several times of the day. It has reached it's limit! It was proposed to be widened to four lanes many years ago, but remains two lanes south of Victory with housing developments springing up everywhere. Then we are told, Lake Hazel will be 5 lanes in the future. When will that occur? Ten years from now? Will South Eagle be widened first? Lots of questions remain! Should we add another higher -density development to these already overcrowded roadways? What kind of sense does any of this make? Shouldn't we rethink this? In summary, we are NOT in opposition to progress, and change which is inevitable. We are simply requesting THOUGHTFUL consideration to proposed development in South Meridian. With so many areas available for hi -density development closer to the city where adequate infrastructure is already in place, shouldn't we preserve a more rural environment in our outlying regions like South Meridian? Wouldn't that be 'thoughtful growth' in keeping with Meridian's master plan? Meridian is a beautiful, rapidly growing city, and we are proud residents. Please allow our reasonable voices to be heard. T�AeREV­B')OHL AAe ©'— " "P a SUSANNA S. BOHLMAN