HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-12-17 David and Debbie Wyler1
Charlene Way
From:David and Debbie Wyler <wyler27@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, December 17, 2019 12:17 AM
To:Meridian City Clerk; Caleb Hood; Brian McClure; Bill Parsons; mayortammy; Anne Little
Roberts; Joe Borton; Ty Palmer; Treg Bernt; Genesis Milam; Luke Cavener; Robert
Simison; jessicaformeridian@gmail.com; strader.elizabeth@gmail.com;
hoaglunformeridian@gmail.com
Dear members of City Council and Staff,
As residents of Rock Ranch 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-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 transiti on. 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 pre serving 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.
2
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 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 stated 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,
David and Debbie Wyler
4720 S Rock Ranch Lane
Merdian
208-991-6096