HomeMy WebLinkAboutJoe Baldwin - 3.24March 24, 2017
2216 E Taconic Dr
Meridian, ID 83642
Re: Opposition to East Ridge Estates
File Number H-2016-0137
Dear Mayor de Weerd, Councilman Cavener and Members of the City Council:
The purpose of this letter to state my opposition to aspects of the proposed Ridge Estates subdivision
(File Number H-2016-0137) as proposed by DeVCo, in the area of Lake Hazel and South Eagle
Roads. While I realize the parcel will be developed, I feel that future development should fit with the
existing parcels and homes to preserve property values and asthetics of the neighborhood; this proposal
does not come close to meeting that standard. I make the following points:
The proposed R8 zoning designation is not in keeping with language in the City's Master Plan
which states that "New development should recognize existing development...'. Existing lots
east and west of the proposed development are essentially estate type develoment with large lots
and upscale houses, which take advantage of the views afforded by the be ridge. It is telling that
the developer thought that adjacent lots were 'undeveloped'.
Construction traffic should not be allowed to access the site via Taconic Drive and E. Cyanite
Drive, a distance of over 0.8 miles from Eagle Road and through an existing subdivision. This
proposal would bring heavy machinery, concrete trucks, loads of lumber, trusses and a
multitude of subcontractors through a residential neighborhood where there are established
school bus stops and a speed limit of 25 miles per hour. This proposal is especially egregious
when considering that the East Ridge property abuts Lake Hazel Road; it's just common sense
to require construction traffic to enter the property from direct access from Lake Hazel Road.
The City should not squander ground water treated to drinking water standards for lawn and
landscape irrigation purposes, as the proposal requests. The area's population will increase over
the coming years and water treated to drinking water standards will become more precious — it
should not used to irrigate lawns and landscape areas.
In summary, the City has the chance to nurture development in the South Meridian area similar to what
has been approved for the SpurWing area north of Meridian. The proposed East Ridge development
does not meet those standards. Thank you to Mayor de Weerd and Members of the City Council for
considering these issues.
Sincerely
�r oe Baldwin
2216 E Taconic Dr
Meridian ID 83642