HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-09 Denise LaFever1
From: Denise LaFever <dlafever3@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 8, 2019 10:43 PM
To: Chris Johnson
Subject: New Comprehensive Plan H-2019-0101
Hello Chris,
Please place my comment in the public file for the New Comprehensive Plan H-2019-0101.
As a resident and a representative for the residents of the steering committee I CAN NOT in good conscience
recommend this New Comprehensive Plan, H-219-0101, for approval.
There is a perception that development is in the driver’s seat. Pushing the hold button on this Plan is a great way to
show the residents they are heard and respected. It is imperative that the residents that ultimately pay the taxes have a
SAY in how the community develops, their interests are represented, and the burden of growth/development isn’t
unfairly shifted to the current residents, (The moment a property is annexed into the City it creates a tax liability for
providing service.) We have a chance to develop a thoughtful and exciting Plan that respects our residents and honors
Meridian’s values and quality of living now and into the future!
This plan falls short on some key elements as follows:
•Lacking strong language to ensure compliance. The Plan should use language such as shall, must,
required and so on. Our residents need a Plan and a Vision they can embrace and count on.
•A FLUM that is driven by Vision and Sustainability. Commercial centers should be identified with the
proper plans for access. A designation specific to multifamily and apartments should be established and
placed in downtown area with public transit and services. A diversity of housing that includes a
commitment to low density with large lots.
•Changes to the UDC need to accompany this Plan. (i.e. Open Space, Dimension Standards (Closeness of
Houses), Districts & and more.)
There are multiple areas throughout the Plan that need reworked to ensure a high quality of life and livable for now and
into the future.
If P&Z choses to recommend this Plan against my objections, I would like to see at a bare minimum the following
conditions added:
•Hash mark the Fields, Downtown, Magic Bridge, the area next to and around Eagle Crossing, Southwest
area. Freeze development to allow enough time for a subplan to be developed. (We only get one time
to do it right. It is much harder to redevelop.) A subplan needs to quickly be developed for the
Southern Rim that enacts standards to protect view sheds, erosions, aesthetics, lot coverage and so on.
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• Make a directive with a specific deadline for changes to FLUM designation and UDC code to reflect the
resident of Meridian’s surveying results:
o Increase open space and amenities requirements within development. Also increase
requirements based on density.
o Increase setbacks, coverage and dimension standards. (Residents want to see more
space between houses.)
o Designate and preserve open space, gathering parks, pathways throughout the
community. This would include commercial developments as well.
o Work with ACHD to increase impact fees to properly fund the impact of growth.
o Work with West ADA School district and the State to develop impact fees to properly
fund the impact of growth.
o Remove Mixed Use Designation and identify & plan for commercial designation with
adequate transitions and backage/frontage road identified.
o Develop a FLUM designation specific to Multifamily/Apartments and place on FLUM in
areas that are supported by transit and close by employment centers. Focus on
downtown for high-density multi-use buildings.
• The entire area of South Meridian needs to be looked at holistically.
Caldwell is a great example of a town that developed out, ran down and spent a lot of years to redevelop and become a
vibrant community that people what to be. They learned the lesson of a downtown identity, open space and
uniqueness. Meridian has a chance to get it right now and make the changes in the proposed Plan to make it happen!
Best Regards,
Denise Hanson-LaFever, CPA, CEPA,CMSBB
6706 N Salvia Way
Meridian, ID 83646
(208) 850-6493