HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-01 Annette Alonso for Southern Rim Coalition
Skybreak
As a spokesman for the Meridian Southern Rim Coalition, we are dedicated to
representing homeowners and advocating for the thoughtfully managed
development through strategic planning that compliments and enhances our
communities.
Most of you have probably read the article from The Statesman from October,
2020, that states Meridian is the No.3 fastest growing city in the US. The article
talks about running out of room and having to “jam in more construction”.
“Meridian is getting slammed with more population, more traffic and more
development…”
Skybreak Development has had several renditions over the past few years. I
personally attended the two neighborhood meetings, one for the original
application, which was withdrawn, and for this application. Both times, Mr. Bailey
was very clear that this was a preliminary plat and that they had every intention
in working with the Vantage Point neighbors so they would have something that
worked for them. I expressed my disappointment at the second meeting that little
had changed that would give these neighbors something they could live with as a
transition from one acre estate lots to this development.
Unique Geological Resources
Comp Plan:
2.01.04H – Enhance and preserve aesthetic resources.
3.06.01H – Support land uses that do not harm natural systems and resources.
5.01.01A – Identify waterway, wetland and other natural resources for
preservation.
5.02.02P – Review proposed development to determine if it will destroy or
adversely impact unique geological, historical or geological sites.
As growth continues, there are increased pressures on our natural resources. We
need to find a balance that protects and preserves Meridian’s Southern Rim as
one of those Natural Resources, while supporting the need for new, strategic
development. These special resources are important in preserving Meridian’s
heritage.
At the first neighborhood meeting, I specifically asked Mr. Bailey if Devco was
intending to do large fills of land, and change the topography as they did in
Eastridge? He said there would be some fill due to the slope (of which he pointed
to the area in the Northwest of the project), but not to the extent of Eastridge.
If you look at landscape rendering, Devco has provided, you will see they intend
to fill the entire eastern slope, which measures approximately 58 vertical feet
(according to the Pura Vida Ranch testimony). This fill is only for the benefit of the
developer in order to sell “view” lots and destroy natural topography (See Topo
page 21 of pre-app notes).
This proposed fill area is home to many birds and wildlife with the natural Ten
Mile Drain at the toe of the hill. In addition, some of the homeowners in Vantage
Point, to the south, purchased and built their homes on these estate lots
complimenting the natural terrain of the hill knowing their view could not be
blocked. The proposed change to fill the natural topography would completely
eliminate these views.
This Skybreak development is seriously lacking in cohesive open space. We are
aware that the calculations show more than required open space, however, that
is mostly in unusable slope and the Ten Mile drain, which is at the bottom of the
hill and will not realistically be used by the majority of this development’s
population. More centrally located open space where neighbors can gather, and
children can kick a ball is a necessity with this density.
The roads in this area of southern Meridian are already stressed and with the
additional 1000 + homes that are already platted and to be built, it is guaranteed
to become worse. The intersection at Eagle/Lake Hazel is a dangerous 4 way stop
with steep inclines in all directions. Currently at peak traffic times, you can see
cars backed up for nearly a mile at amity and Eagle. These roads are not due to be
improved for another 3-6 years. We must start holding back some development
until our infrastructure and planned capital improvements are completed.
This development is proposing an area, within the central core, that will be gated
and have private streets. It is my understanding that this is not allowed within the
city except under very specific circumstances. It is also stated withing the Agency
comments, by Ada county Development Department, that private streets are
discouraged. It would be interesting to know why this was put in this plan as it
makes it more difficult for the homeowners and emergency response to access,
and clearly fragments the development.
Pedestrian pathways are a farce within the gated area, this would require the
residents to walk in the street itself as there would be no sidewalks. The golf cart
route down the incline will only be accessible to the Gated group for cart use. This
was clearly not designed as a “walking path” as Devco states, and therefore
should not be considered an amenity for the entire development. This is not a
Premier Golf Community. It appears Devco is trying to create an “exclusive”
group”, not a harmonious, diverse community as the City intends.
The Developer is proposing common driveways within the gated section, eight
homes would be on common drives. This is strictly prohibited by code. Private
drives were a discussion item with the amending of the UDC. Why would this be
allowed?
As we all know, and the facts have been repeated with every proposed
development in the city, Schools are at crisis mode. We are severely overcrowded
with no new schools planned for another five years, that would be IF there is a
bond that passes voters. The statistics have been presented multiple times to the
City and we just can’t keep ignoring them hoping West Ada can just redraw
boundaries and fix this. That is not the problem, unrestrained growth is. Although
enrollment is down this year, due to Covid, and parents opting for On-Line school,
this will change once schools fully open. There currently about 1000 lots approved
in this area right now with no new schools bonded. At 0.7 children per home, that
is 700 students, excluding this development.
As a general rule, developments of this size and density are located next to
commercial areas where homeowners can access transit and other necessities.
There is no commercial, or grocery services for over two miles. Mr. Bailey did tell
us at the neighborhood meeting that they were going to advertise this as over 55
but were not going to deed restrict. Our aging population wants easy access to
amenities which this does not provide. With lack of transit, it prohibits people
with disabilities for residing here.
Being No. 3 of the fastest growing cities is not necessarily a good thing. This could
force the city into making decisions based on perceived necessity rather than
thoughtful planning. South Meridian is not infrastructurally prepared for this
Skybreak development (i.e., Roads, Schools, neighborhood commercial, or
transit), nor is this the type of development that fits in this area. As city planners,
we are going to have to start pausing on future development until infrastructure
catches up.
Annette Alonso
Co-Chair
Meridian Southern Rim Coalition