HomeMy WebLinkAboutTroy and Debbie Allen1
Chris Johnson
From:TROY AND DEBBIE ALLEN <bryker8290@msn.com>
Sent:Tuesday, July 10, 2018 5:24 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Input on Application H-2018-0042 by Michael Murgoitio - for consideration by the commission
Troy and Debbie Allen
775 E. Columbia Rd
Meridian, ID 83642
July 10, 2018
Re: Application H-2018-0042 by Michael Murgoitio
Dear Planning and Zoning Commission:
We are submitting this letter to urge the commission to deny the application H-2018-0042 by Michael Murgoitio for an amendment to the
development agreement for the land boarding Columbia, Locust Grove and Lake Hazel roads. The proposed industrial business of Timber Creek
Recycling does not align with the zoning of the property and would be detrimental to the quality of life and value of the surrounding properties by
producing enormous amounts of dust, permeating and intolerable odors, ever-increasing piles of rotting materials, a substantial increase in flies ,
mosquitoes and other pests, equipment noise intrusive to the quiet setting of the local farming area, and an increase of commercial trucks, which
will make our roads dangerous for local drivers, pedestrians, pets and livestock.
As you know, the purpose of zoni ng ordinances is to provide a mechanism to designate appropriate uses of land as well as appropriate locations for
businesses, utilities and residences. The application from Timber Creek Recycling is not just a request to operate a commercial business in a
residential zone, but rather permission to put a full-fledged industrial business in the middle of a farming community zoned for low-to-medium
density housing. This application CLEARLY falls outside the parameters of the “R4” zone.
The proposal made by Timber Creek Recycling threatens the quality of life enjoyed by the current residents. The zoning ordinances’ function is to
prevent this very issue. In an Idaho Statesman article by Kathleen Kreller (5-8-05), Meridian city leaders and staff are referenced to have stated
“they don’t want the city to grow in a way that harms residents’ quality of life.” Pages 5 – 9 of the Amended Development Agreement, specify the
types of products that Timber Creek will accept for recycling. The limitations have been removed for every type of product that would be
accepted. Even the number of “trucks, garbage trucks, semi-trailer trucks and any other similarly sized trucks” are unspecified. In fact, it states
that they can be increased to “the number reasonably necessary for Timber Creek Recycling to satisfy its contract and obligations.” There are no
limitations to this operation. Mr. Murgoitio already appears to be operating outside the boundaries of the agreement made with the city during
annexation by selling his composting product to another party to be bagged and sold to Lowes (Mr. Murgoitio told us that himself). Without
specific limitations, his opportunity to make hundreds of thousands of dollars each year by accepting unlimited materials will likely guide growth of
this operation (Mr. Murgoitio’s projections in a previous meeting with city officials state that he will receive 33 million pounds of product each year
and will be paid $24.50 per ton. That equates to over $400,000 per year from waste collection alone). Meanwhile, the neighboring residents bear
all the unpleasant side effects including REDUCED property values.
One side effect is air quality. On the City of Meridian website, there is a statement regarding air quality goals/guidelines for Meridian. One
paragraph points the requirement that “all new commercial and industrial uses provide a dustless surface for vehicles to drive on. This is done to
reduce the number of airborne particles that could affect the air quality in the Treasure Valley.” The chipping process at Timber Creek produces
excessive amounts of dust that hang in the air and drift well out across our properties (and blankets the closest neighbors). Additionally,
Meridian’s Air Quality statement requires that “vehicles must cover their load of material. By preventing materials from blowing out of a vehicle,
this decreases the amount of dust or other materials that may become airborne.” There is no mention of any requirement for Timber Creek
Recycling to cover their loads.
In the interest of keeping this statement reasonably short, I will not expand on the concerns regarding insects and the potential harm to nearby
residents and livestock, or the odors that will inevitably emanate (as was demonstrated this last fall and winter under the preliminary agreement
with the city). However, please do not discount these very pertinent issues.
On a personal side: We live at 775 E. Columbia Road. The north-east corner of our property is across the street from south-west corner of Mr.
Murgoitio’s property. We purchased our small farm (40 acres) in 1994. Over the past 24 years we have invested our lives and hundreds of
thousands of dollars into this property. We have raised our family here. We have thoroughly enjoyed the farm life that is the very foundation of
the reason that we bought the property so many years ago and have intended to retire here.
It is devastating to face the possibility that our 24-year investment may be severely reduced (if not lost) by the development of what amou nts to be
a dump across the street. Anna Borchers Canning is cited in the before-mentioned Idaho Statesman article as having said “the city has to be careful
to avoid decreasing property value through zoning ordinances or other conditions placed on a specific piece of land.” It would be a complete
reversal of the goals of the City of Meridian to approve this application and allow a commercial/industrial business with in the middle of residential
zoning. If the proposed “recycling business” is approved, not only will the quality of life of the residences surrounding Mr. Murgoitio’s property be
diminished, but so will the value of the properties.
The very first line on the City of Meridian’s website in the article, “Future Land Use Map changes,” states “Requesting a land use change in the City
of Meridian is a big deal.” Later in the paragraph it states “Furthermore, land use changes can impact the entitlements of other nearby
developments and may have significant ramifications for those already living . . . within the Meridian Community.” We wholeheartedly agree! This
IS A BIG DEAL! Your decision to allow or deny this application has a tangible impact on every resident surrounding the Timber Creek Recycling
facility. Let me ask you: if you, yourself lived within even a mile (let alone 1000 feet) from a proposed application like this, would you approve
it? Your decision will literally affect our lives. This issue could be resolved for everyone if Timber Creek Recycling simply relocated to an
unpopulated area. Timber Creek could operate at whatever level they desire, the city would have the recycle facility, and the residents around
Columbia and Locust grove could continue to enjoy the community in which we chose to live.
Please uphold the guidelines of the zoning ordinances governing “R4” (low to medium residential) established by the City of Meridian and deny
application H-2018-0042.
Sincerely,
Troy Allen
Debbie Allen