HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-12 MDC MERIDIAN
104 E.Fairview Ave
deveto ment corp.
P P Meridian,ID 83642642
REVIVE • RENEW• REDEFINE 208.830.7786
www.meridiandevelopmentcorp.com
October 11, 2023
Ms. Sonya Allen
City of Meridian Planning Department
33 East Broadway Avenue
Meridian, Idaho 83642
RE: Tanner Creek Subdivision (H-2022-0048) and I-84 and Meridian CPAM (H-2021-0099) Comments
Dear Ms.Allen:
Thank you for the opportunity for Meridian Development Corporation (MDC) to comment on these
projects.While most of the commentary below is directed towards the CPAM,some of the comments do
flow to the Tanner Creek proposal.
These two projects are both located in the original downtown urban renewal district that was created in
2002. In 2010,after much stakeholder and public participation, MDC adopted a master plan known as
Destination: Downtown.The City Council also adopted the Plan by reference into the City's Comprehensive
Plan that same year.The Plan,while still relevant,is currently mid-way through an 18-month process of
updating elements.
The boundaries of the current master plan extend from the north side of I-84 to the south side of
Fairview/Cherry and approximately from West Sth and 6th Streets to East Sth and 6th Streets.There are
several planning areas within the overall boundary. Each planning area has an overall vision,desired land
uses,and other goals and objectives that would enhance that particular district.The aforementioned
properties are within what is known as the Southern Gateway Entertainment and Hospitality District
(Southern Gateway).
The Southern Gateway is a special opportunity for the City of Meridian given its proximity to the interstate
and the size of the parcels. Destination: Downtown recognizes this by including the following statement in
the Plan:
"Make a concerted effort to shift freeway-oriented development away from the standard, big box
format in favor of buildings with smaller footprints and a more traditional,gridded street network."
In addition:
"This site should be a destination for entertainment."
Entertainment district allowed uses envisioned though the Plan include:
• Theatres
• Meeting/Convention Space
• Sports Complexes
• Indoor/Outdoor Gathering areas (amphitheatres,parks)
• Sports Fields
• Farmers Markets
• Performing Arts
• Hotels
• Restaurants
Further,the breakdown of land uses envisioned for this district include the following:
• Retail/dining (25%)
• Office/employment center (25%)
• Light industry(25%)
• Roads,utilities,and institutional (25%)
• Residential (0%)
And lastly,projects within the Southern Gateway should include these elements:
• Bike Paths and Trails -expand bikeways and multi-use trail connections to serve as alternative
sources of transportation and to provide connections to downtown.
• Hotel and Upscale Restaurant Uses- introduce facilities like hotels, restaurants, and entertainment
venues that reinforce the hospitality function of the district.
• Extensive landscaping-heavy landscaping throughout the district, including parking lots will ensure
a project is a positive first impression and beautifies the gateway to the city. Explore the possibility of
creating a tree-lined boulevard and
• Gateway Features-locate and emphasize gateway features and explore different methods of
enhancing the southern entry into downtown, including:landscaping, art, banners, and lighting.
Ms.Allen,very little,if any, of the vision that was laid out in Destination: Downtown is being accomplished
with these projects. It is disappointing that on the third submittal to the City of Meridian,that some of these
elements could not have been provided for by the developers.
MDC does not anticipate the vision changing much for the Southern Gateway through the Destination:
Downtown updating process.We believe these parcels have great opportunity to create something special
for the community of Meridian. Please hold these developers to the vision that has been approved not only
by MDC,but also by the City of Meridian.We thank you for the consideration.
Warm Regards,
Ashley Fo &-Squy► e4-
Ashley Ford-Squyres,Administrator
Meridian Development Corporation
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