HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Testimony - Nancy SzofranAugust 14, 2017
Meridian City Council
33 E. Broadway Ave
Meridian, ID 83642
Dear Council Members,
I am writing to express concerns regarding the development of two giant apartment complexes
on East Overland Road between Linder and Ten Mile roads. I live in the state of Washington and am
making plans to move to Idaho to be closer to family. I am not able at this time to make it to any of the
scheduled public hearings however I do believe it is important to share my concerns.
I read online Idaho Statesman, August 9, 2017, Business section, an article by John Sowell, about
two giant apartment complexes that are being planned. My family, a couple with a young child, just
purchased a new home in one of the Corey Barton developments and this news is distressing.
Apartments of the size described in the newspaper article are not the density of population we were
expecting in this residential area. This dramatic influx of renters (not property owners) creates socio-
economic challenges —the breadth and scope which we can only imagine. I purchased a home 15 years
ago in "an empty field" near Eagle Road and witnessed the uncontrolled growth and expansion in that
area. Eagle Road is a nightmare to travel. I know growth and expansion are inevitable, but the
uncontrolled growth and expansion near Overland and Ten Mile is happening much faster than we ever
expected in this area, due to these apartment plans. I respectfully ask Carl Miller, Community Planning
Association of Southwest Idaho, and Caleb Hood, Planning Division Manager, City of Meridian, to
reconsider this development.
In the news story, Hood claims "Overland is a major arterial". However, it is also made clear in
this story that these apartments will NOT have direct access to Overland. The secondary and tertiary
arterials, where my family has invested in a home, are not able to handle the volume of traffic expected
by hundreds of renters. The area which currently offers safety for families to walk, ride their bikes, and
recreate outdoors will be seriously diminished by this development.
When I lived in Oregon, I served on the Sandy OR Planning Commission and respect and value
the work that city planners do. Having a vision, establishing standards and guidelines are important
work. I respectfully submit my concerns regarding the destruction of a vibrant and healthy family-
oriented community by the over -development of apartment complexes. I have shared my concerns with
my real estate agent (Mike Brown Associates) and am seriously re -thinking my plans to re -locate in your
area. Quality of life is important!
Sincerely, :/!!
Nancy C. Szofran
Cc: Carl Miller, Caleb Hood