HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-12 Kathy Gallentine
Charlene Way
From:Kathy Gallentine <kathy.gallentine@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, July 11, 2024 8:49 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Gateway @ Ten Mile PPH-2024-0010
External Sender - Please use caution with links or attachments.
Dear Planning and Zoning Commission,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed new Gateway At Ten Mile housing development
project. While I understand the need for growth in our city, I believe this development raises significant
concerns that have not been adequately addressed.
Traffic Concerns:
Ten Mile Road is already experiencing significant traffic congestion. Adding a high-density
development with two exits will only exacerbate the problem. Turning onto Ten Mile from this
development will be dangerous for both residents and existing commuters. This week I was traveling
south on Ten Mile at 4:30. The northbound lanes were backed up from past Cherry to the light at
Shiels. During the school year the traffic going in both lanes is very heavy from 2:30-6. Expanding the
lanes on Ten Mile needs to be addressed before more housing is installed. Many say that the opening of
16 will ease this congestion. That is not going to be the case as other artery roads like Black Cat are
increasingly congested with the many new developments in process. (Black Cat needs to be widened the
whole length - Franklin to Chinden.)
Overcrowding and Infrastructure Strain:
The addition of thousands of residents in Gateway at Ten Mile will further strain our community
infrastructure.
The surrounding area is already densely populated with apartments. Three and four story buildings do
not fit the feel of Meridian. We have small town charm and the apartment complexes on Ten Mile and
Franklin – The Lofts at Ten Mile, The Flats at Ten Mile, Altair do not feel or look like Meridian. The
new Yellowstone apartments on Ten Mile and Pine are still under construction and do not fit the look of
the neighborhood either.
The mailed notices probably were sent to other apartment residents. Most of those residents are not
interested in long term effects of adding high density housing in this area. In this case, and many others
like it, the mailed notice radius should be expanded.
Schools, like Chaparral Elementary, are already over capacity. This development will place an undue
burden on the school district hindering the education of all the students in these overfilled
classrooms. Our students deserve better education than what they would receive with overfull
classes. Our teachers deserve better classrooms.
Water consumption is a critical issue. Our current water supply is stretched thin, with concerns over
aquifer depletion and well drying. Adding this development, along with others planned for Ten Mile,
could lead to water shortages.
The news article about this new development cited the concern of significant impacts to Ten Mile
congestion, and that there is not a park within walking distance. Turn this huge field into a lovely new
park! Or Community Rec Center with classrooms, work out facilities, lap pool, indoor pool for kids, etc.
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Put something there that will bring the community together! Strengthen our infrastructure and services
for existing residents!
Master Plan Exceptions:
The proposed development appears to be inconsistent with the current zoning for the area. Granting
another exception to the master plan sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the integrity of the
planning process. Such exceptions have been made many times already (for the District on Ten Mile for
example) and need to stop.
Call to Action:
Instead of approving Gateway at Ten Mile, I urge the commission to:
Reevaluate the Meridian City Master Plan to ensure it reflects the needs of our growing community and
promotes sustainable development. Stop building for the sake of building. Take a pause to get
infrastructure to catch up.
Prioritize the expansion of Ten Mile Road to address existing traffic congestion.
Conduct a comprehensive study to assess the impact of current and planned developments on our
infrastructure, including schools and water resources. Work with ACHD, West Ada, and partner
organizations to get more information that is necessary when considering the impact of a high density
residential area that does not look and feel like Meridian.
Thank you for considering my concerns.
Sincerely,
Kathy Gallentine
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