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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-13 Michael Arnold Vichaef.�,,Cinda Arnold 572 Vest SacaffS'freef Verdun, 9d 83646 zo8-884-5659 June 12, 2023 RE: Development Agreement Modification (H-2023-0005) Meridian City Clerk 33E Broadway Ave. Meridian, ID 83642 Dear Sir; After reviewing the Development Agreement Modification H-2023-0005 submitted by CSHQA, we must strongly voice our disagreement with the proposal to construct a Five Story, 500+ Apartment on lots 12 & 13 of the Linder Village subdivision. An Apartment of that size would be totally out of character in this Medium Density Residential, Middle to Upper Middle class neighborhood in Northwest Meridian. To the best of our recollection, there are no 5 story Apartment complexes anywhere near this area. Existing Apartment complexes are typically three stories or less and consist of multiple buildings. Such as the Prelude at Paramount complex at the corner of Meridian and McMillan, Linder Springs at the south west corner of McMillan and Linder, or the newest complex "Olivia" apartments at Lost Rapids, adjacent to COSTCO. The only five story apartments that we are aware of are located on Eagle Road close to the Village at Meridian. These are rightly located in a High Density Residential zoning district. At 90,376 square feet, this massive building could possibly house over 2,000 residents! This is clearly High Density Residential not Medium Density and doesn't belong here! When this southwest corner of Linder and Chinden was originally shown on the Future Land Use Map in the Comprehensive plan it was listed as Mixed Use Community. The following is quoted from the Comprehensive Plan (Bold Print emphasis is ours): "In reviewing development applications, the following items will be considered in MU-C areas: Development should comply with the general guidelines for development in all Mixed Use areas. All developments should have a mix of at least three land use types. Residential uses should comprise a minimum of 20% of the development area at gross densities ranging from 6 to 15 units/acre. Non-residential buildings should be proportional to and blend in with adjacent residential buildings. Vertically integrated structures are encouraged. Unless a structure contains a mix of both residential and office, or residential and commercial land uses, maximum building size should be limited to a 30,000 square-foot building footprint. For community grocery stores, the maximum building size should be limited to a 60,000 square-foot building footprint. For the development of public school sites, the maximum building size does not apply. " Although this proposed Apartment is residential, it is clearly NOT proportional, nor does it blend in with adjacent residential buildings, it will tower over them! As we have witnessed the development process for this parcel of land we have been struck by our observation that Planning & Development and the City Counsel has appeared to show greater concern for accommodating the wishes of the developers (witness the approval of the recent PUD at the expense of Medium Density Residential restrictions), than they have for the concerns expressed by the existing residents. Residents who have invested heavily in their properties, have the most to lose by this seemingly unchecked growth, and who are paying the salaries of the City Staff. It is time for our elected and appointed City Leaders to put their constituents first, and insist that those wishing to develop our community, comply to the maximum extent possible with the growth guidelines in our comprehensive plan. Council, Please vote this Albatross down! Sincerely, -- - ° -._ Z Michael S. and Linda S. Ar