HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-12-16 Kaila Housely1
Charlene Way
From:Chris Johnson
Sent:Monday, December 16, 2019 12:53 PM
To:Charlene Way
Subject:FW: New Comprehensive plan
From: Kaila Housley <kailahousley@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2019 12:51 PM
To: Chris Johnson <cjohnson@meridiancity.org>
Subject: New Comprehensive plan
I agree with the Stetson Estates and Southern Rim Coalition testimonies, and I allow Susan Karnes to speak on my behalf
Dear members of City Council and Staff,
As residents of Stetson Estates in South/West Meridian, we appreciate that Staff has listened to our concerns and has
proposed a new policy to help with transitions from our rural estate properties to new residential developments. Proposed
policy 3.7.1F states, “Provide a minimum one-acre lot when proposing residential development adjacent to existing rural
estate residential properties that are 5-acres and where transitional buffers such as roadways and linear open space do not
exist.”
Clearly define transitional and open space requirements in policy 3.7.1F
Since this policy is specifically made to protect our 5 and 10 acre rural estate properties, we would like to see it do just that by
adding clarification so it cannot be worked-around or abused by developers who will most likely not be in favor of this policy.
We envision developers placing a tiny strip of linear open space or a collector road as their buffer and calling that sufficient for
a transition. A collector road is absolutely NOT a proper transition. The amount of linear open space needs to be clearly
defined. At a minimum, we would like at least a 50-60 foot wide berm planted with evergreen trees for any linear open space
adjacent to existing rural properties.
Retain Ultra-Low/Rural Designation in New FLUM & Comp Plan
While we appreciate the thought behind the proposed policy, it is not enough. We still strongly feel an ultra-low/rural
designation is absolutely necessary in order to protect our rural heritage and our agricultural practices. The fact that this is no
longer being considered due to the amount of time it would take to make changes at this point is extremely disappointing to
residents of Stetson and Rock Ranch Estates, as well as so many Meridian residents who explicitly supported preserving our
rural heritage and increasing open space. We encourage you to reconsider updating the proposed FLUM and Comprehensive
Plan to include an ultra-low designation that complies with the resounding plea of Meridian residents.
Rural Properties Should be Bordered Strictly by Low Density Designations
The definition of Low Density Residential in the proposed Comp Plan states that Low Density Residential “....areas often
transition between existing rural and urban properties.” According to this definition, our rural estate properties should be
bordered NOT by Medium Density Residential, but by LOW DENSITY to serve as a transition between our rural properties and
urban Medium Density developments. Therefore, the proposed medium density adjacent to both Stetson and Rock Ranch
Estates is an inappropriate transition in any form, even with the proposed action of requiring either 1 acre lots, or roadways
and linear open space. If an ultra-low/rural designation is not going to be considered, then absolutely any property adjacent to
these rural estate properties should be designated LOW at a minimum to comply with the definition.
Remove Density Bonuses for Low Density Developments
This definition of Low Density also states, “Density bonuses may be considered with the provision of additional public
amenities such as a park, school, or land dedicated for public services.” Adding a density bonus is absolutely inappropriate for
Low Density as it already has such a broad range of technically 0-3.4 houses per acre and is in such a huge contrast to any rural
property. Bonuses should absolutely NOT be given to developers by increasing that density no matter what is added. We ask
that the “Density bonus” sentence be removed.
Develop a Specific Area Plan for South/West Meridian
Our area of South/West Meridian has a distinct rural identity composed of families who love small agricultural practices and
wide open spaces. This area deserves special attention to preserve the beauty and rural identity of the existing
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neighborhoods. We ask that the area of South/West Meridian on the FLUM be reserved in order to spend the necessary time
to develop a well thought out Specific Area Plan that includes special transitional requirements and to ensure that, as state d in
Action 2.2.2F, “...new development within existing residential neighborhoods is cohesive and complementary in design and
construction.”
Priority Action Items
In conclusion, the following are areas we believe need to take priority to preserve the Meridian that we all love:
1. Clearly define transitional and open space requirements in policy 3.7.1F and include minimum 50-60 ft berm
with evergreens.
2. Retain Ultra-Low/Rural designation in proposed FLUM & Comp Plan to protect Meridian’s rural heritage and
agricultural practices.
3. Rural properties should be bordered strictly by Low Density designations
4. Remove density bonuses for all Low Density developments
5. Develop a Specific Area Plan for South/West Meridian
We appreciate your time and thoughtful consideration to our proposed changes and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, Kaila Housley