HomeMy WebLinkAboutPam Fiscus - 3/20Tammy de Weerd, Mayor
City of Meridian
33 E. Broadway Ave
Meridian, ID 83642
Regarding: parcel# S0426347150
Mayor de Weerd,
I am writing this letter to address my concerns with a recently announced
development planned for some vacant lands bordered by W. McMillian, N.
Cortona Way and N. Goddard Creek Way in Meridian. As a homeowner in the
area, I am greatly concerned about the impact this development will have on
property values, traffic flows, and, potentially, law enforcement needs in this area
of the city
I live in the Kelly Creek Subdivision, which borders this proposed
development and will cause a direct impact. As I am certain you are aware, there
is a proposal going before the Planning and Zoning commission to construct an 82
unit apartment complex on the East side of this property and an off-site storage
facility just to the west of these apartments. These plans vary greatly from the
original planned use of this land and are at variance with the land use plans as
indicated in the cities latest long-term use plan and zoning for this property.
I have been in contact with the developer who has told me that this was
not their original plan for the property as they proposed the storage units on the
east side of the land and the some type of assisted living on the west side. He has
also stated, to me, that he is more than happy to go back to this original plan but
apparently, the ACHD’s traffic concerns will not allow this to happen.
The plan, as presented in the latest public meeting is to have all of the
traffic associated with the new apartment complex utilize Goddard Way for their
ingress and egress. This places all of this additional traffic on the narrow street
also designated as the only access in and out of the Selway Apartments, which
would also border this new complex. My house is the first one on the corner of
this road and Goddard Way so I can personally attest to the traffic problems
associated with this intersection. The front of my house, and others in the vicinity,
have also become the overflow parking area for the residents of these
apartments. In this past year of heavier than normal snowfalls this really caused
some problems for me, as I was unable to properly remove much of the snow on
my property.
After Selway was in the process of being build I went to the building and zoning
department and did find out and did receive some comfort in knowing the
parcel just south of me and the parcel in question was for offices according to
Meridian planning and zoning long term project.
I am also concerned with the lack of notification to the neighbors of all
meetings held to discuss these developments. It is my understand that prior to a
public meeting be conducted, that neighbors within a 300 foot radius of the
proposed development/zone change must be notified by written notice of the
proposal and the date(s) that public meetings are to be held. It does not appear
that this has taken place concerning this proposal. The first most of us knew of it
was when the large signs were posted on the property. I understand that this is
the accepted method of public notification, but to be fully informed, one would
have to drive on the land that is posted with no trespassing notices to read these
signs.
The city’s comprehensive plan states”
The City of Meridian wholly respects the rights of its citizens and their property, and is
abjectly against the negligence, abuse or devaluing of private property by others. By
encouraging property maintenance, preventing and mitigating incompatible land use, and
ensuring local, state, and federal code compliance, residents should feel their private property
rights are respected and secure. The City will continue to review its policy for compliance with
the State regulatory takings guidelines, and ensure that its staff is appropriately trained in
applicable code related to property rights. “
My neighbors and I are rightly concerned that our property values will be
detrimentally affected by this development in this area. Our HOA, and the
homeowners of this subdivision take pride in the appearance and the upkeep of
our properties. The same is said for our neighbors in the Lochsa Falls Subdivision
and Bridgetower which borders Kelly Creek and the Selway Apartments as well.
Without disparaging the residents of the Selway Apartments, we have
experienced an increase in petty crimes in our neighborhoods lately. I am
concerned another high-density development may exacerbate the problems.
Members of the Meridian Police Department have advised the residents of these
areas about the need to be wary and increase our own security measures in the
past. An estimation of nearly 150 incidents in the areas surrounding the Selway
Apartments have resulting in thousands of dollars of damages to vehicles and
property since these apartments opened. Please do not add more to our worries
and costs.
Mayor, many of the homes in this area were purchased when housing was
much more scarce that it is now and in the height of the ‘good times’ so the prices
were relatively high. The downturn experienced in 2008, and that continued for a
few years eroded the values of the homes rather quickly. The values of these
homes are not even close to their original values and homeowners are recovering
from those trying times. Do not let this development, which has changed several
times over the years; place these values in jeopardy once again.
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my concerns. I do
believe there will be a greater representation from the neighborhood at the next
meeting to discuss this development.
Sincerely,
Pam Fiscus
2393 W. Apgar Creek Drive
Meridian, ID 83646