HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-17 Angela Rojn City of Meridian
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33 E Broadway Ave, Ste. i
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Meridian, ID 83642b..�
Dear City Council Members, -- . .
I extend my gratitude for the opportunity to address you today with regards to the proposed Tanner
Creek Subdivision (H-2022-0048) and 1-84 and Meridian CPAM (H-2021-0099) projects. My purpose is to
bring to your attention crucial concerns, particularly emphasizing the adverse effects on the Meridian
and Waltman intersection and the significant apprehensions surrounding the potential impact on our
community's education and quality of life. '
Firstly,the Ada County Highway District(ACHD) has rejected any modification proposals to the
configuration of the Waltman and Meridian Intersection, citing the prioritization of vehicle movement on
Meridian Road to and from 1-84.The Traffic Impact Study(TIS) from Tanner Creek and Hawkins shows a
substantial influx of over 13,000 vehicles per day, presenting significant challenges during peak traffic
times. With ACHD restrictions in place,the existing struggles at the Waltman and Meridian intersection,
including high congestion and failing levels of service during peak hours, become even more pressing
and would result in unacceptable traffic levels.
While the Linder Overpass has been proposed as a solution to mitigate traffic congestion, Hawkins'TIS
indicates that only 10%of the trips generated to the Hawkins site will originate from the Linder area.
Consequently,this translates to a mere 1,089 daily trips alleviated at the intersection. Despite this relief,
the Meridian and Waltman intersection will still bear the brunt of traffic, with 9,810 daily trips stemming
from the Hawkins development and an additional 3,014 daily trips from the Tanner Creek development.
This cumulative total results in a staggering 12,824 daily trips traversing Waltman Lane onto Meridian
Road. It becomes evident that the implementation of the Linder Overpass will not effectively reduce
traffic at the Meridian and Waltman Intersection, leaving it at levels of service deemed unacceptable.
Regarding the Tanner Creek Subdivision specifically, I express significant apprehensions about its
potential impacts on our community's quality of life and the future well-being and education of our
children. According to estimates based on the West Ada County District's formula for student growth,
the influx of new homes from various developments on Ten Mile is expected to introduce over 2,172
new homes within the next 1 to 3 years, contributing approximately 1,735 students to the area during
that timeframe. 400 of those 1,735 students are projected to go to Meridian Middle School. Resulting in
213 students over capacity.
The finalization of the Tanner Creek Subdivision is expected to introduce around 328 additional students
to our area, of which 75 are projected to enroll in Meridian Middle School,further exacerbating the
strain on our schools. Development is not the only reason why schools become overcrowded, but it is
the most preventable. I urge you to consider the impact on our community's educational resources.
Furthermore,the proposed development contradicts the current land zoning for commercial use and the
city's Future Land Use Map(FLUM), designating it for mixed-use community development, not high-
density residential. I firmly believe this land is more suitable for low-density mixed-use, such as single-
family homes with low-density offices or a recreational area,to prevent undue strain on our schools.
High-density apartments should not be part of this plan.
In conclusion,the proposed developments deviates from the City of Meridian's Comprehensive Plan,
posing a threat to our community's character, quality of life, and sustainability. Overcrowding in schools
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and jeopardizing the education of our children run counter to the values and vision we hold for our
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community's future. Despite the proposed Linder Overpass,the significant volume of daily trips from the
Hawkins and Tanner Creek developments underscores the inadequacy of proposed solutions, leaving the
Meridian and Waltman intersection burdened with unacceptable levels of traffic and congestion.
Considering these concerns, I respectfully urge you to deny approval for both proposed developments.
Our community deserves a future that aligns with our shared values and safeguards the well-being and
education of our children.
Thank you,