HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-14 Board of Ada County Commissioners1
ADA COUNTY
November 14, 2019
Via Entail
Mayor Tammy de Weerd
City of Meridian
33 E. Broadway Ave.
Meridian, ID 83642
RE: Meridian Comprehensive Plan Update
Dear Mayor de Weerd:
COMMISSIONERS'
OFFICE
200 W. Front Street
Boise, Idaho 83702
(208) 287-7000
Fax: (208) 287-7009
boccl@adaweb.net
adaweb.net
www.adacounty.id.gov
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in and comment on the City of Meridian's
Comprehensive Plan Update. The City of Meridian engaged in an impressive and robust public
outreach process that thoughtfully considered all stakeholders, defining a clear vision for the
city's future. Ada County was pleased to have had the opportunity to sit on the Comprehensive
Plan Steering Committee and to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of Meridian and
the surrounding Area of City Impact.
The Meridian Comprehensive Plan update offers a path to annexation for unincorporated county
enclaves and does not impose immediate changes on those residents. Ada County hopes that
Meridian will work hard to discourage the creation of any additional enclaves (as noted in Action
Item 3.03.03I of the Comprehensive Plan) and will work with Ada County and county residents
to develop a path for annexation of these existing enclaves in a collaborative manner that
considers the needs of existing residents and allows for efficient service provision.
Ada County is particularly interested in Action Item 2.02.02B, which states that Meridian will
"Consider incentives such as density bonuses, reduced open space requirements, and reduced
fees for infill development in key areas near existing services." As the comprehensive plan
correctly notes, this has the potential to maximize the cost-effectiveness of public services,
including those provided by Ada County. The County is also interested in the city's efforts to
develop a service impact tool to assist the city in setting priorities and identifying areas that are
likely to develop. This type of analysis has great potential and we look forward to seeing how
the city employs this tool in its planning processes.
Ada County looks forward to working with the City of Meridian in re -negotiation of the Area of
City Impact to support this Comprehensive Plan Update. To further support these efforts, the
Mayor Tammy de Weerd
November 14, 2019
Page 2
County plans to work with the City to identify potential policy changes to better support fiscally
responsible development in the Meridian Area of City Impact.
We look forward to working with the City to help make Meridian a premier place to live, work,
and raise a family.
Sincerely,
ADA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
":=4endra Kenyon, Commissioner
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Diana Lachiondo, Commissioner
Rick Visser, Commissioner
cc: David Corcoran, Community and Regional Planner, Ada County