HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter from Farmers & Merchants
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W7. FARMERS &
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April 14,2006
Mayor Tammy de Weerd
Members of the City Council
Anna Canning, Planning Director City of Meridian
660 Watertower Lane, Suite 202
Meridian, Idaho 83642
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Re: Proposed Meridian Gateway Center, Southwest Corner of Meridian and
Overland Roads
Dear Honorable Mayor, Members of the City Council, and Ms. Canning;
Farmers and Merchants State Bank, has been considering new sites for future
branch locations throughout the Treasure Valley.
One location that may be of interest to us in the future is the proposed Meridian
Gateway Center. I have met with the owners of that center to discuss
what options would be available to us, as this is certainly a prime commercial
location that will offer a variety of retail services for the newly constructed
subdivisions south, west, and east of this location.
I have also reviewed the proposed site plan and more specifically the access to
the site which is critical for any commercial or retail business. It is
my understanding that White-Leasure is requesting a variance from the City of
Meridian for two access points on Meridian Road. In my opinion and
from our banks standpoint, those two accesses on Meridian Road would be
absolutely necessary for customers to access the site and for
businesses to survive at this location.
If the site were restricted to one left turn in from Overland Road only, it would
cause unnecessary congestion at the intersection and at the one
access point on Overland Road, rendering this site nearing impossible other
than at the seldom slow traffic times during the day or night. I live in
Meridian Greens near this prime location and travel Meridian Road every day. I
know how congested it is on Overland Road with traffic headed east,
trying to turn left to get onto Meridian Road and 1-84. In the mornings, traffic is
always backed up on Overland Road, coming from the west. So I don't
see how access from Overland Road will handle the traffic trying to enter this
corner location. PlazJ 121
121 N. 9th Street
Boise, TO 83702
Tel 208-319-2400
Fax 208-319-2444
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Member ForC
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It seems to me that it would be much better to permit the access points
requested on Meridian Road in addition to the Overland Road access point
as most of the customers are headed south on Meridian Road in the
afternoon and evening after work. This is when most people shop and bank.
We know from many years of experience that convenient access is critical for a
business to be successful. If access is restricted to the point
that it frustrates customers, they will simply not fight it and will take their
business elsewhere.
I would very much like to see this site developed and the current businesses
abandoned as White-Leasure is proposing. It would certainly make this
a much more attractive corner for our thriving City of Meridian. We need
commercial and retail services at this site so we don't have to travel so far
out of the area to obtain such services, perhaps reducing the traffic congestion
somewhat on the north side of 1-84.
Also this site is on the going home side of the road for most people. It is ideal
for the type of development being proposed and offers the opportunity
for ease of ingress and egress from Meridian Road. Therefore I would hope
that the City Council and the Planning Director would approve White-Leasure's
variance for the access points on Meridian Road. Otherwise, I can't see how
this prime location could ever be developed.
Respectfully yours,
larence Jon
Chairman of the Board