HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC - Public Testimony Jake and Amy Anderson 11-19Jake and Amy Anderson
2215 E. Hyper Dr.
Meridian, Idaho 83642
Re: Opposition to East Ridge Estates
File Number H-2017-0129
November 19, 2017
Dear Mayor de Weerd and other members of the City Council;
Our family resides at 2215 E. Hyper Dr. We have loved residing in Meridian for about the last 15
years and throughout this time we have seen much growth and change in the area and
appreciate the benefits this brings to our community. However with all the growth we were
seeking an area to live where we were still in the city however felt more space and tranquility.
When we stumbled upon Blackrock Subdivision we found exactly what we had been looking for.
Blackrock has large estate lots in a peaceful setting yet is close to everything. We have resided in
Blackrock the past 2 years and couldn't be more pleased with the atmosphere this neighborhood
brings.
We understand the need for more subdivisions and support this. Unfortunately in the proposed
development for East Ridge Estates it seems as though they missed the opportunity this space
could have to really make an impressive scenic Southern Rim. Our desire would be to have a
similar atmosphere as Blackrock which would provide continuity. There is a strong market for
estate homes as these are very minimal in Meridian and we regret East Ridge Estates has not
proposed a development with lower density. With the current proposal the transition from
neighborhood to neighborhood is abrupt. As a result property values will be negatively affected
and higher traffic will make a negative impact.
Of major c oncern to us that we would like you to consider is as follows:
• The developers last proposal, which was called East Ridge Estates in application number
H-2016-0137, had 240 concerned local neighbors sign a petition opposing it’s effectively
R8 zoning. After deliberation it was remanded back to P&Z for mostly R4 zoning. He
subsequently withdrew his plan and has come up with a new plan called East Ridge
Estates Village that is effectively ignoring the overall density of R4 zoning originally
requested for that area.
• With Mr. Conger’s past proposal he had planned on using Taconic and Cyanite for the
only available roads for the Subdivision’s development. At the April 4 th meeting this was a
concerning issue and it was agreed upon with the City Council that these roads as the
only means of access was not acceptable. His new proposal should honor this decision as
well. However we fear he may not specifically address this issue in his new proposal. If
this is the case we are back to the original concern in regards to the safety for all of the
children and pedestrians in both Blackrock and Sky Mesa subdivisions. There is a bus stop
along this narrow street. Currently it is a safe secluded area where children are able to
play and ride bikes but this would no longer be the case. Both Taconic and Cyanite are
“local” roads not meant for large construction vehicles or high traffic. In fact often times
now when cars are coming on each side of Taconic depending on the size of the vehicles,
one often has to pull away to the side of the road for the oncoming vehicle to get by. It is
scary to imagine the traffic and safety issues that will occur with construction vehicles
and potential homebuyers coming all the way through narrow Taconic and our
subdivision to get to theirs.
We want to thank you Mayor de Weerd and other members of the City Council for taking the
time to consider our thoughts and concerns on this matter.
Sincerely,
Jake and Amy Anderson
CC: Josh Beach, city planner