HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-10 Karen Brewer
Charlene Way
From:Karen Brewer <karenb@chipool.com>
Sent:Thursday, February 10, 2022 4:17 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:RE: Aviation Subdivision H-2021-0096
External Sender - Please use caution with links or attachments.
RE: Aviation Subdivision H-2021-0096
Council Members:
The Prudam Gulch Drain is an interesting waterway winding through the proposed Aviation Subdivision. Unfortunately, the plan is to
cover this Meridian asset.
Prudam Gulch Drain would be more beneficial to ALL of Meridian and the residents of the new development if left as an aesthetically
pleasing open water amenity vs covering it to act as a buffer with ‘tasteful landscaping’. Why not a buffer with open water and native
Idaho plants and trees teaming with the sound of birds??
Research shows that just looking at blue space can reduce stress, PTSD, mental illness and increase happiness. The air around
moving water can improve the quality of life of people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma. Water cools the urban air. Open
water provides urban opportunities for bird watching for citizens and school classes. The open water riparian areas would provide
corridors, stop over and nesting areas for birds and insects; these areas are quickly disappearing in urban Meridian.
Meridian’s own comprehensive plan for Livability and Stewardship speak to the importance of keeping these open water areas as
amenities as our city develops.
Comprehensive Plan 4-1 “the Plan encourages stewardship of natural features that define the community, such as open spaces and
waterways”.
4.05.01C, “ Limit canal tiling and piping of creeks, sloughs, laterals, and drains…”.
4.05.02C “Encourage the incorporation of creek corridors as amenities in development design”.
Meridian City Council and Planning/Zoning can improve Meridian livability substantially by requiring Developers to work with these
existing resources. Make this drain a wonderful amenity that is healthy for the urban wildlife and the people. (Ex: Ten Mile Creek by
Fuller Park). Let's stop ignoring these resources and removing them forever; let's start highlighting and enhancing them and make
Meridian a wonderful place to walk, bike, run... . The Idaho Native Plant Society is always glad to visit sites and consult on designs
that incorporate native Idaho plants. What an exciting water feature this could be !!! Don't cover it; when it's gone it's gone and all the
birds, butterflies, bumblebees, etc.. that need it.
Regards,
Karen Brewer
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