ltr fr E Michael & Janice SironOct. 31, 2005
From: E. Michael and Janice Siron
6045 N. Black Cat Rd.
Meridian, ID 83642 ~-~,~ ~~~ M: '~ ~~-~.~~;`~~;
(208) 888-9328 ._.
Email: mike.siron~a7l~p.com ::,~"' ` ~
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Re: Meridian City Council Hearing: Volterra Subdivision
Please accept this as a written account of our concerns and suggestions for improving
the Volterra Subdivision. Our intent is to improve the existing plan to address the
following issues:
1. We are opposed to the Conditional Use Permit: CUP OS-041 to permit reductions
to the minimum requirements for lot size and house size for the following
reasons:
a. Reduction in lot and house size promotes property use as rentals. This will
reduce the overall appeal of this area resulting in a decline in property
values- This is evidenced by the lots in subdivision Verona Place:
i. 5362 Cortona 5416 Cortana 5417 Toscana.
b. Existing homes in this azea (prior to Oct. 2004) are larger square footage
homes (greater than 2000 sq. ft.). Reduced lot/house size will also
degrade the property value and sales appeal of the existing properties in
the azea.
c. Traffic congestion on Black Cat Road will prohibit easy access to the main
access artery: Chinden Blvd. A reduction in the density will ease the
traff c load.
Recommendation: Set house density and minimum square footage to that
of the Sera Sole, Tivoli Gardens, Cypress Woods Phases of the Bridge
Tower Subdivision.
2. Increased traffic from Volterra and proposed developments North of Volterra will
make existing speed zone (50 mph) dangerous for traffic exiting and entering
subdivisions onto Black Cat Rd.
Recommendation: Reduce traffic speed on North Black Cat Rd. to 35mph
for safety considerations.
3. Current existing traffic already has difficulty entering traffic flow on Chinden
Blvd., especially during peak hours. The increased traffic load on Black Cat Rd.
entering Chinden will result in severe traffic congestion at this intersection
preventing our ability to enter or exit Black Cat Rd. at our residence (approx.
3/8mile south of Black Cat --Chinden).
Recommendation: Introduce traffic light at Black Cat and Chinden to
permit safe flow of traffic onto/off of Chinden.
4. With the increase in traffic flow from Volterra and other proposed subdivisions
on Black Cat Rd. between McMillan and Chinden, traffic noise will provide a
negative impact on the dwellings within these subdivisions resulting in a negative
impact on their mazket value. A decline in this market value contributes to a
decline in previously existing adjacent property values (prior to Oct. 2003) and
promotes a general consensus that Volterra and other proposed subdivisions on
Black Cat Road between McMillan and Chinden are "starter home" subdivisions-
This is in contrast with the existing homes on Black Cat Rd. between McMillan
and Chinden.
Recommendation: Construct Surm height at 5 ft. minimum above Black
Cat road elevation (not including any fencing).
5. Existing acreages have relied upon the "good neighbor" policy for use of
irrigation water. This policy consisted of a general agreed upon reduction of
water usage (from legal allotted amount) during short water years.
Recommendation: If Volterra or anyof the proposed subdivisions in the .
McMillan-Chinden area are to use existing irrigation water from 1~
Meridian Irrigation District, include allowaQces for water use in ~~
water years in the covenants for each suision. This is tp e~s~re a~ even
and equitable distribution of the available water resources is i~ ~~ace for all
water use d'h the AvlcMullen Lateral Water Users, particularly the
downstr~tn fardi usage.