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Home My WebLink AboutTed Bohlman - 8.22TO: Mayor Tammy de Weerd FROM: Ted Bohlman 5730 S. Graphite Way Meridian ID 83642 Reference Sky Mesa East File H-2017-0068 Please find below my objections, oppositions & concerns regarding the proposed Sky Mesa East subdivision by Boise Hunter Homes which will adversely affect me and my family every day. I am a very concerned resident of the Blackrock Subdivision in the city of Meridian and want to see Meridian developed in a manner that will keep it the highly-desirable, attractive and well-planned community that it deserves to be. It would be devastating to see it destroyed by greedy developers. I unconditionally object to/oppose: 1.The “step up” zoning requests included in this application. a.This application contradicts the City’s Future Land Use Map. b.This application requests numerous steps up—and two steps up from R-2 to R-8—which is not allowed in the comprehensive plan: “…the density can only be changed one ‘step.’” (page 21) c.The City has approved too many/numerous R-8 developments in this section of town. d.ACHD does not have right-of-way to widen Eagle Rd between Amity and Taconic. The roadways cannot support the scale of this development. e.ACHD’s 5-year plan does not offer traffic relief to this part of South Meridian. f.The comprehensive plan states that Council “can” approved step ups—but does not state it must or should, especially when annexation is required. 2.The proposed setbacks and small lots, which do not reflect the neighborhoods’ established semi-rural/estate character. 3.Any and all approval of step ups that do not comply with the City’s Future Land Use Map. 4.Approval of any R-8 zoning in an area zoned low density. R-8 developments abound in the area, just across Amity and Eagle. 5.Approval of a variance for two streets providing entry to 39 R-8 patio homes 210’ from the intersection of Taconic and Eagle when the ACHD standard is 330’ and the neighborhood has loudly voiced its concern for safety. Even with the directional medians requiring right only traffic, the variance will create a bottleneck that will very likely impact Southbound traffic on Eagle Road and unnecessarily reduce the safety of the intersection of Eagle and Taconic. The 330’ standard was established to ensure public safety – why take the risk when the applicant can simply modify its design to comply with code? a.There is no supporting rationale for this approval other than profit for the developer. b.Sky Mesa's plan does not offer a clear north-south connector. c.This intersection is critically important for emergency response to hundreds of homes in Sky Mesa and Blackrock. d.It is our access route to Hillsdale Elementary School and the future YMCA. e.Public safety should be our primary objective. f.This 120’ variance represents a critical margin of public safety. g.Traffic could conceivably stack up on Eagle Road 6.Proposed lots adjacent to Blackrock a.Lots must be redesigned for appropriate transition to adjoining ½ and 1-acre lots since slope will now be a common lot. b.Homes set a clear precedent of appropriate transition in its ﬁrst phase of Sky Mesa with ½+ acre lots adjoining Blackrock. c.There are no height restrictions proposed for this phase of Sky Mesa that will protect the views and privacy of neighbors above. This was a condition in the plat for the ﬁrst phase of Sky Mesa. 7.The lack of ample green space for a development of this scale. a.The FLUM planned for a school, which would have provided critically needed green space. There is no city park within this mile quadrant. b.“Parkways” or the space between sidewalks and streets, does not provide green space for recreating. I support: 1. Staff’s recommendation that the slope adjacent to Blackrock be designated common area. I request: 1.The slope be designated as non-buildable on the plat AND the CCRs. 2.The slope be planted with erosion controlling vegetation and the HOA clearly charged with its irrigation, maintenance and erosion control in the development agreement (DA) and CCRs. 3.Height restrictions for lots along the slope be included in the DA and CCRs to protect the privacy of Blackrock homeowners. This precedent was set by BHH is the ﬁrst phase of Sky Mesa, for those homes on Lodge Trail that abut Blackrock rim homes. 4.The increased number of parking spaces be added without sacriﬁcing adjacent park and green space. 5.Connectivity to the Pathway Network Map be required in the DA. Comments The City’s comprehensive plan clearly directs and values appropriate transitions between density zones, recognizing the identities of existing neighborhoods and enhancing the unique characteristics of each. This application requests annexation of 54.01 acres and rezoning for 98.35 acres —a substantial and permanent addition to our community. The Mayor and City Council have the public trust and responsibility to approve development that enhances livability for all current and future residents, and adheres to the City’s Plan Vision and Plan Structure (page 4, Comprehensive Plan): 1)Considers existing and surrounding uses in a manner that encourages compatible patterns, character, and appearances. (LDR.1, Future Land Use Designation) 2)Integrates the concerns and expressions of the community as a guide to Council about how residents would like this neighborhood to grow and develop. (Chapter 1, page 1, City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan) 3)Embraces the key community values of “managing growth to achieve high-quality development,” and “enhances Meridian’s quality of life for all current and future residents.” (Chapter 1, page 3, City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan)