HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-10-11
MERIDIAN PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
OCTOBER 11, 1994
The regular meeting of the Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission was called to
order by Chairman Jim Johnson at 7:30 P.M.:
MEMBERS PRESENT: TED HEPPER, CHARLIE ROUNTREE, JIM SHEARER:
MEMBERS ABSENT: MOE ALIDJANI:
OTHERS PRESENT: Will Berg, Wayne Crookston, Gary Smith, Shari Stiles, Roen
Wilson, John Sanford, Robert Webber, Helen Sharp, Dale Sharp, Eric Anderson, Scott
Dixon, Thom and Barbara Myall, Pat Sandford, Carl Rosson, R.W. Peckenschneider,
Opal Harrington, Floyd and Kathy Reichert, Melinda Harper, C.R. and Linda Powell,
Layne and Tina Merits, Dwayne Ward, Gloria and Richard Fern, Paul McKague,
Douglas Mellor, Ranae Mellor, Mary Brockway, Dennis Brockway, Jon Barnes, Chris
Williams, Jack Sweet, Wayne S. Forrey, Vern Alleman, Ron Thurber, Kathleen Coulter,
Jim McGarvin, Dick Schraudt, Don Sweet, Steve Jensen, Scott Stewart, Ted
Hutchinson, Stephanie Churchman, Gary Lee, William Ball, Burt Borrup, Don Brian,
Joe Simunich, Tom Zabala, Tom Miles, Dan Torfin, Bernadine Morgan, Dennis Baker,
Joe Glaiser, David Baley, Jay Jones, Kim Daniel:
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 13, 1994:
Johnson: Are there any correction, additions or deletions to these minutes?
Rountree: I have a spelling correction on Page 11, second to the last line, last word,
creative spelling of pneumatic, other than that.
Johnson: Any other corrections or deletions or additions, if not I will entertain a motion
please.
Rountree: Mr. Chairman, I move we approve the minutes of the previous meeting.
Shearer: Second
Johnson: It has been moved and seconded to approve the minutes as written with the
one correction, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #1: TABLED AT SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 MEETING: ANNEXATION AND
ZONING REQUEST FOR PNE/EDMONDS CONSTRUCTION:
Johnson: Is there a representative that would like to come forward and address the
Commission at this time, please do so.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 2
Ted Hutchinson, 109 South Fort Street, Boise, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Hutchinson: Mr. Chairman, members of the Commission, at your last meeting when
this application was heard the Commission members wanted to see a preliminary
design for what we have proposed as far as the development on the Brown property.
We have put together a preliminary sketch which includes, this is the Brown property
right here. I believe our client is also in the process of negotiating with Mr. Reichert for
picking up the additional parcel right here. So we are planning for this entire parcel.
Mr. Borrup who also testified at the last meeting, his property is right here, it comes
down and then abuts the Packard property which is coming before you tonight. But we
are proposing this as a preliminary layout. We will do this in phases because of the
access issues that are involved. The Highway District has a limitation of up to 40 units
if it is only going to have one access, and presently the only access we have
availability to is this one out of Chamberlain Estates. If Packard is approved it would
provide an access to the south. We are providing for stub streets to future
developments to the east. Also, recognizing Mr. Alleman's requirements and agreement
that we provide sewer or so that we can access sewer along the north slough we are
also providing a future stub to the west which would also enter Chamberlain Estates at
this point. We are also providing for the possibility of a stub street directly north to
Ustick Road. When we submit this it would be for a preliminary plat, we have a few
things to work out yet in regard to this particular plat, but then it will be submitted to you
in that form. Are there any questions from the Commission?
Hepper: Where is the end of Wingate Lane?
Hutchinson: Wingate Lane is a series of easements which goes from Ustick Road and
it also provides service to Sharp's down on the south end. It is our proposal that our
part of the property would develop on our part of the easement at this point. There is a
15 foot easement, the Borup's, Reichert's and Sharp's would all have access to public
streets through this development so technically it would be shutting off of Wingate at
that point.
Hepper: (Inaudible)
Hutchinson: In taking into consideration those persons who commented last time we
don't want any access to that. If those people who are involved with the easement are
agreeable and we are providing public street access then it would be our preference to
shut it off.
Hepper: Have you contacted any of those people to see if they are agreeable to that?
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 3
Hutchinson: We haven't yet, we are still in the preliminary stage, but recognizing those
folks who want no access we are trying to work that out the best we can.
Hepper: (Inaudible)
Johnson: Any other questions of Mr. Hutchinson? Thank you. What is your
pleasure?
Shearer: I move we have the attorney prepare findings of fact and conclusions of law
on this project.
Hepper: Second
Johnson: I have a motion and a second to have the City Attorney prepare findings of
fact and conclusions of law, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #2: FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW FOR REZONE
REQUEST BY TREASURE VALLEY WORSHIP CENTER:
Johnson: Is there any discussion regarding the findings of fact as prepared by the City
Attorney? I will entertain a motion.
Hepper: Mr. Chairman, I move the Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission of the
City of Meridian hereby adopts and approves these findings of fact and conclusions.
Shearer: Second
Johnson: Its moved and seconded that we approve the findings of fact and
conclusions of law as prepared, roll call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Hepper - Yea, Rountree - Did not Vote, Shearer - Yea, Alidjani -
Absent, Johnson - Yea (tie breaker)
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
Johnson: Is there any recommendation you wish to pass on to the City Council?
Hepper: Mr. Chairman, I move the Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission hereby
recommend to the City Council that the rezone and conditional use permit requested by
the applicant for the property described in the application be approved with the
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 4
conditions set forth in these findings of fact and conclusions of law and that the
property be required to meet the water and sewer requirements, the fire and life safety
codes and the Uniform Building Code and other ordinances of the City of Meridian
including all parking areas shall be paved and the fence ordinance shall be met. The
conditional use permit shall be subject to annual periodic review upon motion by the
City and all children should be dropped off and picked up from the parking area of the
property. The play area for the children must be fenced at a high preventing any
children entering (inaudible).
Shearer: Second
Johnson: It is moved and seconded that we pass a recommendation onto the City
Council as stated, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #3: FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW FOR CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT REQUEST BY TREASURE VALLEY WORSHIP CENTER: COMBINED
WITH ITEM #2:
ITEM #4: FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW FOR ACCESSORY
USE PERMIT FOR A FAMILY DAY CARE BY JUDITH SCHANCE:
Johnson: Any discussion regarding these findings of fact and conclusions of law?
Hepper: I have a question on page 2, item #9, it states that the hours of operation will
be from 6 A.M. from 5 P.M. I think that needs to be to 6 P.M. to give people a chance to
get off work and enough time to pick up their children.
Johnson: What did the testimony say, does anyone recall?
Rountree: My recollection is until 5 o'clock.
Hepper: (Inaudible)
Johnson: Any other discussion? A motion for approval then.
Hepper: Mr. Chairman, I move the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission hereby
adopts and approves these findings of fact and conclusions with the stipulation that the
5 P.M. time be changed to 6 P.M.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 5
Shearer: Second
Johnson: It is moved and seconded that we approve the findings of fact and
conclusions of law as prepared with the one change, altering #9 on page 2 to 6 P.M.,
roll call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Hepper - Yea, Rountree - Yea, Shearer - Yea, Alidjani - Absent
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
Johnson: Any recommendation to the City Council?
Hepper: Mr. Chairman, I move the Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission hereby
approves the accessory use permit requested by the applicant for the property
described in the application with the conditions set forth in the findings of fact and
conclusions of law which specifically include the requirements and conditions sited in
the conclusions of law #5, 6 and 9 set forth above and that the property be required to
meet the water and sewer requirements, fire and life safety codes and uniform building
code and other ordinances of the City of Meridian. The accessory use shall be subject
to annual review upon notice to the applicant by the City.
Rountree: Second
Johnson: Moved and seconded that we approve a favorable recommendation, all
those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #5: FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW FOR CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT REQUEST BY WEST ONE BANK:
Johnson: Any discussion regarding these findings of fact and conclusions of law?
Rountree: Mr. Chairman, I move that the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission
hereby adopts and approves these findings of fact and conclusions.
Hepper: Second
Johnson: Moved and seconded to approve the findings of fact and conclusions, roll
call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Hepper - Yea, Rountree - Yea, Shearer - Yea, Alidjani - Absent
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 6
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
Johnson: A recommendation to the City Council.
Rountree: Mr. Chairman, I move the Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission hereby
recommends to the City Council of the City of Meridian that they approve the
Conditional use permit requested by the applicant for the property described in the
application with the conditions set forth in the findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Shearer: Second
Johnson: It is moved and seconded to pass a favorable recommendation onto the City
Council, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #6: FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW FOR CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT REQUEST FOR ASHFORD GREENS SUBDIVISION BY BRIGHTON
CORPORATION:
Johnson: Any discussion regarding the findings of fact?
Hepper: Mr. Chairman, we have a couple typos on this on page 4, item #10, the
second word should say the (inaudible) should be that many of the blocks on Cherry
Lane Village. There is another one just 2 lines above that on item #9, it should be that
he had no comments. We have one other one back here on the last page on page 10,
halfway through item 9, the Commission hereby finds and concludes that it does not
have sufficient, it should have the word have. That is it.
Johnson: Any further discussion? We need a motion then please.
Rountree: Mr. Chairman, I move the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission hereby
decides that the matter should be tabled until additional information as noted in the
findings and conclusions of law is provided by the applicant to the Commission and
other information requested by the Commission and City staff.
Shearer: Second
Johnson: It is moved and seconded that this item be tabled in accordance with the
findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 7
(Discussion Inaudible)
Johnson: We have to vote on the findings, roll call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Hepper - Yea, Rountree - Yea, Shearer - Yea, Alidjani - Absent
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #7: FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW FOR ANNEXATION
AND ZONING REQUEST WITH A PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR RAVEN HILL
SUBDIVISION BY ALLAN CHANDLER:
Johnson: Any discussion regarding these findings of fact?
Hepper: There is another typo on page 2 and item #3, the fourth line down where it
says the sewer and water will come from Locust Grove Road it says seep enough it
should say deep enough to go under the Nine Mile Drain.
Johnson: Any further discussion? We need a motion.
Shearer: Mr. Chairman, I move the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission hereby
adopts and approves these findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Rountree: Second
Johnson: We have a motion and a second to approve these findings of fact and
conclusions of law, roll call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Hepper - Yea, Rountree - Yea, Shearer - Yea, Alidjani - Absent
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
Johnson: Recommendation for the City Council.
Shearer: Mr. Chairman, I move the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission hereby
recommends to the City Council of the City of Meridian that the property be annexed
and zoned as requested and the applicant meets the conditions set forth in these
findings of fact and conclusions of law. Specifically including the adoption of a
homeowners association with mandatory dues, that the applicant and owner are
specifically required to tile all ditches and canals, waterways and install a pressurized
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 8
irrigation system as condition of the annexation. And that the applicant meet all of the
ordinances of the City of Meridian specifically including the development time
requirements and enter into the required development agreement and that if the
conditions are not met that the property not be annexed or if these conditions are not
met that the land be de-annexed that no annexation ordinance shall be prepared or
adopted until the applicant submits a development agreement referenced above.
Rountree: Second
Johnson: It has been moved and seconded to pass the decision on as stated, all
those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
Rountree: Mr. Chairman, I move that we pass a favorable recommendation on the
preliminary plat to the City Council.
Hepper: Second
Johnson: It has been moved and seconded that we pass a favorable recommendation
on the preliminary plat to the City Council, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #8: PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR REZONE WITH A PRELIMINARY
PLAT FOR BEDELCO BUSINESS AND LIVING CENTER BY BEDELCO, INC.:
Johnson: I will now open a public hearing, if there is a representative for the applicant
or the applicant will you please come forward and address the Commission at this time.
Wayne Forrey, 52 East Franklin Road, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Forrey: Mr. Chairman and members of the Planning and Zoning Commission I am
here tonight representing Bedelco and helping them develop a quality business park
and affordable housing project in Meridian, which is just absolutely essential to the
community. I have some handouts that I would like to give to each of the Commission
members and then I will be going through a concise slide presentation. The public will
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 9
see the same material I will have it on the slides. Let me give you first a little
background of Bedelco. The business is owned by Burt Smith and Ed Bews, they like
to be referred to as Ed and Burt. They have done developing for well over 30 years in
the treasure valley. Burt is a native of Council and Ed grew up in Eagle, their first
project was down along Boise State University. The homes that they built about 35
years ago are now being purchased or torn down for expansion of BSU. They have
built probably close to a 4th of the homes in the Boise area in that 35 years of building
and developing, a lot of it themselves. They have been in the area for a long time and
are committed to good projects, the built the Meridian Manor project here in Meridian
several years ago. The history on this site, they have owned it about 17 years and in
1979 this 55 acre parcel was annexed into the City of Meridian as industrial. In 1979
there was general feeling that property that was large next to a railroad would be very
good for industrial development. And ever since 1979 they have been trying to sell
that property in parcels, large parcels, thinking that was appropriate. But the market
has changed and Ed and Tom Wright are the co-owners of the Treasure Valley
Business Park which is at Eagle Road and Fairview. They are dealing on a daily basis
with businesses trying to get in to buy that ground or come into Meridian. What they
are hearing is that there are more and more requests for small business lots, not the
big parcels. Railroad is not as critical as it was thought to be in the late 70's and even
in the mid 80's. So, we set out to identify what would be good community development
for this ground given that there has been a change in the housing market, there has
been a change in the business and industrial market. Given that Meridian wants to
develop this property with some economic uses, all of that went into some thinking so
we set out to research what would be appropriate for this site. I want to walk you
through some of our thoughts and our research and our findings and some of the ideas
that helped shape this project. (Slide Presentation) I am standing taking a picture
here at the railroad tracks at Locust Grove Road looking north and west. The
background with that nice fence is the Maws Addition subdivision and all of this plowed
ground in the foreground of the picture is the Bedelco property. This is looking a little
more west, the trees there are part of Old Town that have crept out to, this actually was
the old Schneider Farm that Ed and Burt bought from them about 17 years ago. Some
of you might recognize the outbuilding there and the hay and trees and the silo, the
trees would stay in this project but those other structures would come down. That is all
on the Bedelco property but just north of that haystack is the Collins property, Mr. and
Mrs. Collins own this property. You will notice on the plat, the plat goes around that
property, this is not part of the project. Old Town is creeping right up to the edge of
the Bedelco property, this is Idaho Street looking west or East towards Bedelco. That
is another thing we considered was the arrangement of streets, given Old Town and the
grid pattern in this part of the City. And out along Pine and I am looking East about
where that truck is that you see is where the Bedelco property starts so on the west
edge of Bedelco is some very good affordable housing and we took that into
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 10
consideration what type of housing is in the area, what type of buffers would be
necessary, what type of business lots would be needed to meet the market demand.
We looked at the permitted uses that are allowed today in the industrial zone I met with
property owners out there. We discussed some of these things and a lot of folks out
there said we would prefer not to have some of those uses on that property, particularly
those in the Maws Subdivision are concerned about what might develop across the
street. So we took that into consideration, we did a quality of life survey and the
number 1 response that we got when we asked people to define what is quality of life in
Meridian was jobs. The second thing was housing, and the third was safety. So we
factored that into this project as well. We spent a lot of time looking at Boise because
Boise is blessed with a lot of small business and Meridian is trying to do the same thing
and establish identity and attract business. And Tim Hogland the Building official in
Boise says we just can't compete with Meridian on price. This property has been in
ownership now for 17 years, so there is a wonderful opportunity for Bedelco because
they have owned this so long. Here is a project where the affordability is a real factor
both on the business lots and on the affordable house lots. So we can compete
against Boise or Nampa in Canyon County. We looked at your Comprehensive Plan,
and there are a lot of goals and policies that have shaped this project. The housing
goal is about quality and affordable housing in all neighborhoods. Balanced land
uses, recognizing that housing is a critical component of economic development.
Even economic development policies about helping small businesses expand and also
identifying and removing constraints to small business development and we did identify
one and I will talk about that. Other goals talk about having housing for all income
groups in the community, all neighborhoods and having housing next to employment
centers. This is one of the things that we quickly realize would not work here. This
was an article in the Statesman recently about why we build the way we do, the large
homes and the 2 income families, the R-4 type development that occurs in Meridian.
There is quite an inventory out there of R-4 subdivisions and lots and homes, but our
research confirms what we have been reading in the paper and that is the senior
citizens are not being addressed, their housing needs are not being addressed. And
start up families, newlyweds, young families, there is a tremendous need in Meridian for
affordable housing. That led us to this layout right here. Now, one of the things that
we identified in our analysis was that business needed small lots, in our initial layout of
this subdivision we had 50 foot wide business lots fronting on Locust Grove. We did
that because in Boise today a small business person can get on Executive Drive which
is an extension of Pine Street and buy a 50 foot wide business lot. They are just
stacked right next to each other, unlimited access to Executive Drive. We wanted to
have Meridian on the same playing field and keep it level as with Boise. When we
approached the Highway District they said we can understand that small business
needs access and they want their own frontage on an arterial but we have changed our
policy. And what was developed in Boise maybe a month ago we have a new
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October 11, 1994
Page 11
standard now. We made a change and you will notice the change here, there are now
proposed 7 clustered combined access points. We are still working with the Highway
District we are going to approach the Commissioners, some of the staff feel that even
these access points are too close to the intersection of Locust Grove and Pine, but that
design that you see there has been approved and is developing right now in the City of
Boise. So we want to make sure that Meridian is as competitive in economic
development as Boise is. So small business has an equal opportunity to choose.
One thing Meridian has over Boise is the lower land cost and the affordable housing.
The business people we spoke to said we have to have in order to track employees we
have to have affordable housing. There are a lot of folks moving to Canyon County
because of the affordable housing and their good economic developing program over
there. And this is a project we want to capture and not have people going to Canyon
County and want them to come to Meridian and start their business here and have
affordable housing for employees. We extended Locust Grove Road through the
project at the request of the Highway District, we have a small park that is based on the
Comprehensive Plan standard of 5 acres per 1000 population. We also have a lot of
screening and buffering and half the project is in affordable housing and half remains in
industrial. The large parcel here on the east side of Locust Grove is owned by
Bedelco, but Meridian Energy has an option a current option that has not expired and if
it does expire and Meridian Energy does not buy that ground Ed and Burt will be right
back in wanting to subdivide that big piece into small lots again to meet that market.
But with that active option they have to see what Meridian Energy does. Okay, in
terms of land use intensity that entire site is zoned industrial, it is recognized the most
intense land use, we actually want to take half of that property and put it into a lower
intense, the single family detached, that is a plus for the neighborhood. We are doing
that partly because of affordable housing need but also because of compatibility with
that neighborhood that area. There has to be a buffer in that area between Industrial
and residential, this is a project that will do that. Now, manufactured housing and that
is the focus here of the affordable housing, in our application we indicated that A - a
home could be purchased in that subdivision between $73,000 to $77,000 and that is a
good price. A lot of folks need housing at that level. This happens to be out on the
freeway by the Meridian Interchange, some of you might recognize the dealership out
there. This is just one of the homes, a typical type home that would come into the
project. However this home does not have a garage and there will be a double car
garage constructed in every one of these lots. These homes, some of them are very
nice, they have bay windows, they have some inset entrances, corners can very
attractive, these again are all out on the freeway. A lot of them already have a door
ready to attach a garage. This is a home directly across the street from Bedelco on
Pine, it is a very nice looking home, it is affordable. It has a detached garage and so
in this project there may be detached garages and they may be attached depending on
the builder and the homeowner what they want to do. Here is an example just right
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October 11, 1994
Page 12
acorss the street of a nice affordable home and a detached garage. They will be on
foundations, no question, it will be a foundation in fact this is a manufactured home and
the foundation was just completed and I snapped a photo of it. These homes use less
electricity which is a plus. It is a little hard to see with the lights on, but this is
Weathervane Village in Meridian at the opposite end of Pine by Pine and Linder by the
High school. This is, a portion of this project is manufactured housing, in that photo
was a young family with a child in the stroller and in this one is an elderly lady. I spoke
to her, she just sold that home for $70,000, she has a grandson or nephew there
visiting, but from her house this is the neighbors to the north, manufactured homes look
very nice, and the street section here is the same that Bedelco will develop, 50 foot
right of way, 5 foot sidewalks with curb and gutter. Across the street in that culdesac
in Weathervane Village this is what you see, there are 3 manufactured homes. This in
on the corner of Idaho and NW 15th, that is a manufactured home with a carport.
There will not be any carports in this project, they will all be enclosed garages. And
then as you come farther into the project, here we are at Broadway and 15th, that is a
stick built home and you see the fellow sweeping his driveway right above that red for
sale sign, I spoke to him. He is in a stick built home but the next ones to him are
manufactured, they are very happy, they get along well to the 2 types of housing. The
manufactured housing tends to have an older resident about 70% of the occupants are
elderly, 30% are newlyweds or young families or small families. Now this is a project
by Boise, by Borah High School, we will not develop like this, I am showing this as an
example. This project has setbacks of about 10 feet and no sidewalks, it is a very
narrow street and we will not do that. We will have a setback typical of Maws Addition
or any other subdivision in Meridian, but look at the homes, these are the types of
homes that would be in the Bedelco project that is a modular home and it is very
attractive. Another one there landscaped, some of these homes have come from
Treasure Valley Homes which is a very good dealer in Garden City, they sell a lot of
units and do a good job setting them up. Here again is another look at some
manufactured homes. And that looks like a regular stick built, it is a very nice type of
housing. Alright, some of the features, we have a storage area that would be operated
and maintained by the homeowners association and that is to prevent like the old car
here that is sitting off the driveway on the grass. It is always fun to fix up an old car
but in order to have a good quality project if we are going to provide space for trailers
or old cars and this happens to be an RV parking spot at that project by Borah High
School. I can't say this one would look exactly like that we anticipate actually more
landscaping, but it would be fenced and screened and look nice like that. We also
propose that park, when I met with neighbors they asked that instead of a formal park
that it be left natural, Five Mile Creek is right there and it is a nice area for wildlife and
there is wildlife there now today. And we do anticipate about 70% of the occupants to
be senior citizens and we think that might be a good thing to do is have a passive type
private park there. That leads us to the layout, everything we have looked at and
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 13
analyzed is come into this layout and we recognize it can get better, I hope tonight we
will have some citizen comments and ideas. We are open to suggestions. In
summary I would ask that you would approve or recommend approval of this project
and not table it. We need to keep working with the Highway District, I would prefer
personally that Idaho Street go west, but when I met with property owners they asked
that Idaho Street not be extended. That is the Planning and Zoning and City Council's
call or the Highway District will do whatever in that regard. I would ask also that you
recognize that small business needs to have a small lot. Subsidiaries of Micron and
HP can afford bid parcels but small business can't, they need small lots and they need
access. We can accommodate with combined access. We want to be as competitive
as Boise is, and I would also ask that you add 3 conditions, 1 that there be a
development agreement, that is very appropriate here. Secondly that this project
would be subject to a development review and the third that you would require a
development compliance report. That is a report that I prepared on other projects for
the Meridian City Council and it would avoid the type of problem that occurred in Maws
Addition when a fence was built instead of a berm. We will make sure that everything
gets done correctly with those conditions. I would be happy to answer questions.
Johnson: Any questions of Mr. Forrey?
Hepper: Would those industrial lots along Locust Grove and Pine Street those would
industrial rather than commercial?
Forrey: Yes, the zoning would not change, they are zoned industrial now and they
would stay industrial.
Hepper: Do you anticipate any conflict there between industrial uses 24 hours a day
manufacturing noise, vibration, light, sound and all of that with a residential on the
other side of the fence?
Forrey: The types of, an alternative would be to zone it commercial, but that is really
not what the market is saying is needed. The types of businesses that have
approached Bedelco and Tom Wright in the Treasure Valley Business Park are really
kind of small manufacturing primarily indoors service businesses that want to put up a
small building on a smaller business lot so it is, we don't envision the heavy
manufacturing or heavy all night manufacturing uses at all. I hope that answers your
question.
Hepper: That is one of them, you also have an R-15 zoning designation on that
subdivision, with the 65 foot lots why do you have R-15 instead of R-8?
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 14
Forrey: There are some 60 foot wide lots and we went to each of the mobile home
manufacturers, the dealers and one manufacturer in Fruitland or Payette and they say
that a 60 by 90 lot is workable for a majority of their models. And a 60 by 90 lot is not
allowed in the R-8 zone but it is in the R-15 that is why. Most of them are 65 by 100
but there are some 60 by 90's.
Hepper: What would be the minimum house size?
Forrey: I think it is in our application at 900 square feet in addition a 2 car garage.
Hepper: That is all I have.
Rountree: Would you point out all 28 of the proposed industrial lots?
Forrey: Actually it is 13, with commenting from ACHD, let me point to them. The
question was to point out the industrial lots, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, this
would remain zoned industrial as well. This is the property that Meridian Energy has
under option.
Rountree: I asked that because the application identifies 28 business lots.
Forrey: It was 28 to start with and then the Highway District asked us to consider a
little larger lot with combined access, that is how it got to 13.
Rountree: Would Locust Grove be extended south?
Forrey: Well, it would be extended by Bedelco to the property line there next to the
railroad tracks. (End of Tape)
Rountree: What is happening in the northwest corner there, we have a peachy color
on this.
Forrey: Yes, that is an easement area, those 3 affected lots are very deep and that is
because there is quite a bit of irrigation stuff in there. There is diversion
Rountree: This is a diversion easement?
Forrey: Yes, that is not included as part of the building lot size that is why those lots
are big.
Rountree: You indicated in the proposed park area that it would be passive recreation
and relatively undeveloped, would you be putting in walking paths to accommodate to
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 15
that type of use?
Forrey: Yes, 2, it doesn't show up well on here, let me point them out. Actually 3
paths, the Meridian Comprehensive Plan designates Five Mile Creek as a area for
developed pathway. So there will be a section of pathway developed here along the
creek, there will be a section of pathway developed here along Five Mile Creek, there
will be a parking lot developed here with a sidewalk that leads from the parking lot over
to the pathway and the Ada County Comprehensive Plan and the Meridian
Comprehensive Plan, the Nampa Comprehensive Plan and the Boise Comprehensive
Plan all identify a pathway along the railroad tracks from Nampa to Boise. And so that
pathway would connect into that and if the City of Meridian and Ada County want the
pathway developed Bedelco is prepared to develop that much of the pathway along the
railroad.
Rountree: Thanks Wayne.
Johnson: Any further questions Charlie?
Rountree: I would just ask if you have seen the comments from the City Engineer or
the City Planning Director?
Forrey: Yes
Rountree: Do you have any problems with those?
Forrey: No, except for the comment on tabling. I hope we can keep working on it and
make it better.
Rountree: That is all I have.
Johnson: Anyone else? Thank you Wayne, we will give you an opportunity to testify
if we get some opposition. This is a public hearing, anyone from the public that would
like to address the Commission?
Paul McKague, 933 East Pine, was sworn by the City Attorney.
McKague: See that Five Mile Creek that comes around there on the outside of the
property line there that is my property. I don't' want people walking into this walkway
or whatever he has proposed there coming into my property. There is also a ditch that
runs along that fence line right there that belongs to Nampa Meridian that is on my
property but it is about 3 feet deep that is not going to be good for children to be
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 16
around. That is about all I have, I am opposed to anything that is going to bring
people onto my property there. The Five Mile Creek (inaudible) is on my property up
where you see it straightens out there and it goes on up to Pine. It is maybe 100 feet
there that is not on my property.
Johnson: Any questions of Mr. McKague?
Hepper: Is that ditch that you mentioned is that on your property?
McKague: It is on my property, it belongs to Nampa Meridian but it is an open ditch.
It runs right down that yellow line right there.
Hepper: Is it right on the property line or is it inside?
McKague: It is inside on my side. It is not my ditch but it is still an open ditch.
Johnson: Thanks Paul, anyone else from the public?
Melinda Harper, 1004 N. Scrivner Way, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Harper: I am a resident of Maws Addition Subdivision and I worked closely with Mr.
Forrey with our fiasco in the fence. I trust that Mr. Forrey is very sincere in his opinion
of this upcoming development. Of course living across the street and somewhat
behind ideally nothing would ever develop there and it would be open, but reality is
that progress is coming and any open field you see pretty soon will be developed it
looks to be that way. I do sincerely hope that when it comes to any sort of screening
between their property and where Maws begins that there will be some sort of screen to
at least provide a visual as well as a sound barrier. I just trust that it will be done and
not overlooked as with ours which became, it was a very difficult situation for everyone
involved. It was very painful, it was very long. I hope that the vegetation will provide
some sort of barrier for us, I am concerned I hope that there will be sewer, gutter,
sidewalk, and the traffic is a concern for me. I don't' know whether or not there will be
some sort of stop sign but we do have children who do play there and so I am
concerned for safety for those involved. There is also a walking group within the
subdivision, we do like to walk and as it is getting darker, another thing also is lighting I
hope that whatever lighting is provided there it is not offensive to the residents who do
live there. I also do realize that the City does need to have an additional income, there
have been many plans for this property in the area and it has been consistently shot
down which has harmed the City of Meridian and residents because we do as people
who live here we do rely on taxes. I am excited for it I hope it goes off well but I am
also hoping that our needs are met as well. Thank you
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 17
Johnson: Anyone else from the public?
Opal Farrington, live across the street, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Farrington: I am opposed to it very much because we have enough houses down
there as it is. I would rather have industrial or commercial because the schools are all
so crowded they are right now having to bus a lot of them over to Lake Hazel. They
don't have room for them here in Meridian. And then besides when they develop I had
one right west of me and one east of me and they don't take care of their trash. We
couldn't irrigate at all, they don't come and pick it up, the wind blows it every place. I
don't know (inaudible) and we never got to irrigate last (Inaudible) and had the cops
call the developer and he wouldn't do anything about it. So, I think they should be
taking care of all of their trash and stuff that blows around. And then the traffic is real
bad out there too, the streets are narrow and there is lots of traffic by both developers
there. So, I don't think we need any more development. Thank you
Johnson: Thank you, is there anyone else that would like to testify on this application?
Stephanie Churchman, Builders Masonry Products, 1400 East Franklin Road, was
sworn by the City Attorney.
Churchman: We are adjacent to the property, we are separated by the tracks and we
are an industrial property. It is Builders Masonry Products and I would just like to read
a statement from our company. Builders Masonry Products is always enthusiastic to
see development and new growth in the economy. However, we feel there are some
very real problems with rezoning an industrial property to a residential development. It
will not only be hazardous for us, but for the city and potential residents. As we have
seen documented nationally, when residential developments are constructed in an area
originally zoned for industrial use, there begins to be restrictions on the business. The
noise levels of the plant could be a problem for residents, putting our manufacturing
plant at a disadvantage due to time restrictions on production. With new
neighborhoods, the number of children will increase. This poses two potential
problems. One is for the safety of the children who may wander onto our property.
The second is the potential problem of more property damage and vandalism to our
facility. For the reasons described above, Builders Masonry Products position is to
oppose the rezoning of this property for residential purposes and to maintain this area
as it was originally zoned. Basically what we are saying is what you brought up that
we have seen over and over again that when you have residential housing come near a
plant such as ours it is very disturbing to the residents. Pretty soon we can only start
up our trucks or only run our plant from 8 in the morning until 5 or 6 at night. Currently
we have been running 10 hour days and in the summer we were so busy that we almost
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 18
had to go into night shift. That is our main concern as well as the safety, as the other
owner said the children. There are many hazards there and that is our position.
Johnson: Thank you very much, do you have a copy of that statement for the record,
thank you.
Rountree: Would you point out your location just for clarification?
Churchman: (Inaudible)
Johnson: Is there anyone else that would like to address the Commission now?
Helen Sharp, 2445 Wingate Lane, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Sharp: Well, I am not directly affected by this project but that doesn't seem to be the
issue here in Meridian anymore anyway. If anybody has ever lived in a residential
house by an industrial area they will vote no (inaudible). While it is not here it does
cause problems because we have seen it, the areas move in like the airport, they know
the airport is there they move there and then there are problems. And they have done
that with every business and I would like to see at least a little foresight instead of
hindsight, thank you.
Johnson: Is there anyone else?
Dwanye Ward, 4389 South Carbine, Boise, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Ward: I do represent Treasure Valley Homes which is a manufactured home
dealership as well as Garden Village which is in Nampa which is a division of Treasure
Valley Homes. We have an environmental setting at Garden Village which would give
those who have maybe some questions of how a house might look, a manufactured
house might look on a developed lot. We of course are much in favor of manufactured
housing being placed in residential neighborhoods and on property that can be
purchased by the same individual who has purchasing the home that they choose to
live in. There has been some concern, I have heard some concern about children, yes
in all likely hood there will be some children involved. My experience is in the last 7 or
8 years is that predominantly people who are looking for individual lots somewhat
similar to your Weathervane Village area that is in Meridian are people that are empty
nesters, getting ready to retire that type of thing. Looking for a reason or a way to cut
their housing cost once their incomes become fixed. My guess is and I have no idea
depending on what kind of amenities and what kind of CC&R's are set up by the
developer, that at least 60 to maybe greater than 60% of the residents there will be
retired and or semi-retired. Thank you.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 19
Johnson: Thank you, anyone else? Would you like an opportunity to comment
Wayne on any of those subjects brought up by the people testifying?
Forrey: I would like to say thank you, I wrote down we have to be sensitive to Mr.
McKague and keep people off his property somehow. Good lighting was brought up
my Melinda Harper that is an excellent suggestion and those that walk in the safety.
The trash and the screening, Mrs. Farrington. We need to talk to Builders Masonry to
see if there is a way we can work something there to help their business expand and
grow. I wrote here that a little more foresight with Mrs. Sharp and so I would like to
meet with her and see if what we can do to make this an even better project. I would
thank you and I have some good ideas and we would like to keep moving forward and
make it better. That is it.
Johnson: Anyone else want one last shot? Seeing no one then I will close the public
hearing at this time. What is your pleasure gentlemen?
Rountree: Mr. Chairman I move that we have findings of fact and conclusions of law
prepared by the City Attorney.
Hepper: Second
Johnson: We have a motion and a second to have findings of fact and conclusions of
law prepared by the City Attorney, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #9: PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR LAYNE
INDUSTRIAL PARK SUBDIVISION BY LAYNE OF IDAHO:
Johnson: I will now open the public hearing, is there a representative for Layne
Industrial Park that would like to address the Commission at this time.
Gary Lee, 250 South Beechwood, Boise, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Lee: The request before you this evening is preliminary plat approval for a project
known as Layne Industrial Park Subdivision. This particular project is located on
Locust Grove Road about a 1/4 north of Franklin Road. It is just adjacent to the
railroad tracks and situated north of Locust Grove Industrial Park as it is today. The
project consists of 18 industrial building lots on about 30 acres with a density of about
1.7 lots per acre. The current zoning here is I-L which is Light Industrial zone. The
minimum building lot size shown on the preliminary plat is about 40,000 square feet,
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 20
200 by 200 squares is the smallest lot. The structures and the uses on these planned
industrial lots will comply with the existing I-L zoning in the City of Meridian ordinances
and will comply will all the requirements for the code. There will be either a
landscaped drainage lot as shown on the preliminary plat or a public right of way
disposal system for the storm drain systems. If there is a common lot required and this
will be determined at final design stage. A business owners association will be formed
to maintain those lots. The project has direct access to Locust Grove Road, there are
2 stub streets planned to the north property line for future expansion. As I mentioned
earlier the project is adjoining existing railroad right of way along its entire southern
boundary. All the streets within the development will comply with ACHD standards
with the exception of sidewalks. And there will be a variance request forthcoming for
Council consideration at a later date. Sewer and water on this development will be
extensions of existing City services which are adjacent to the project. Any irrigation
ditches that are required to remain in service will be tiled. Pressure irrigation is not
planned at this time for this development and a variance will be requested at the
Council level. I had a chance to review the responses by City staff, from Shari Stiles
the Planning director we concur with her responses with the exception of the irrigation
and sidewalks which I mentioned we will be applying for the variance. And we will also
sit down with Ms. Stiles and discuss the pathway requirements as the Comprehensive
Plan addresses. I looked at Gary Smith's comments the City Engineer and concur with
his conclusions with the exception of item 16 and 17. The Ada County Highway
District has reviewed the preliminary plat and during that course of review they saw no
reason for extension of spruce tree to the south boundary. In their planning there is no
need for an additional railroad crossing at that point. And we also discussed the
existing private street which lies to the east of this property and ACHD had some
recommendations on how that intersection could be reconfigured to make it a better
situation and we will comply with the highway district requirements, I would be glad to
answer any questions.
Johnson: Any questions of Mr. Lee?
Rountree: What is the setback from centerline of Locust Grove Road, for right of way?
It doesn't show it.
Lee: It is currently, the right of way is situated 50 feet on adjoining properties. ACHD
has requested an additional 10 feet from what is shown on the preliminary plat, so the
right of way there will be 60 feet total width. The reason for that is they have some
long range plans to realign Locust Grove to the West and install a new railroad
crossing and eventually this particular crossing will be abandoned so they saw no need
to have any wider right of way through there.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 21
Johnson: Any further questions? This is a public hearing, anyone from the public that
would like to address the Commission? Seeing no one then I will close the public
hearing. This is a preliminary plat.
Hepper: Mr. Chairman, I move that we recommend approval of the preliminary plat.
Shearer: Second
Johnson: It has been moved and seconded that we recommend approval of the
preliminary plat, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #10: PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR ANNEXATION AND ZONING WITH
A PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR PACKARD SUBDIVISION BY PNE/EDMONDS
CONSTRUCTION:
Johnson: Is a representative for the applicant, would you please come forward and
address the Commission at this time.
Ted Hutchinson, 109 South Fort Street, Boise, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Hutchinson: Thank you Mr. Chairman and members of the Commission. This is an
application by Pacific Northwest Electric and Edmonds Construction. We are seeking
approval of a preliminary plat and annexation zoning of 39.87 acres. The preliminary
plat will consist of 136 lots, 128 of those will be developed with single family dwellings,
8 of those will be common open space lots or landscape areas. The site is located
north of the Capital Christian Center which is on Fairview Avenue also north of Dove
Meadows Subdivision. We are west of the Kearney Subdivision and south of Carol
Subdivision, we are approximately 1/4 mile in from Eagle Road and 1/4 mile north of
Fairview Avenue. The site is not presently located in the city limits therefore the
annexation request, the city limits does abut the southern and western sites of this
particular site. We are asking for an R-4 zoning designation for this site which is a low
density residential district. The Meridian Comprehensive Plan has identified this site
as a mixed use or planned development area for approximately half of it. That would
be the southern half, with the north half designated residential development. We are
proposing simply to develop this entire parcel with single family development. Lots
within the development will meet or exceed the zoning ordinance standard for R-4
development and we are including a 4.95 acres of common open space which is
principally about 4 and 3/4 acres of park land which is interconnected with some open
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 22
space. On the east and west ends as well as interconnecting for ease of access into
the park area for the lots of the development. The area surrounding this site contains
a mix of uses, however primarily it is residential use that is in transition from agricultural
use. The Capital Christian Center as I have indicated is south of this site and Dove
Meadows Subdivision, Wingate Place, Kearney Subdivision and Carol's Subdivision
also adjacent to those site. Most of these have developed at R-8 or R-4 residential
development standards. The agricultural land remains as relatively large parcels, we
are proposing that a homeowners association will maintain the common areas between
this development. The park is designed for the ready access of the residents of
development, we are proposing fences along the perimeter which will provide a buffer
from the adjoining land uses. We will also use a pressurized irrigation system as
required by the zoning ordinance. The lots in Carol subdivision which is to the north,
this area up here, these are acre lots and as we laid this out we tried to take into
consideration those larger lots. So we have got several, these are little over 13,000
square foot lots, there are 4 of them which lie adjacent to Carol subdivision. We tried to
place those so that the residences that are on those lots will be adjacent to larger lots.
As I stated about or little over 13,000 square feet so that there is some transition for the
smaller urban sized lots to what are called estate lots in the county. There is also a
ditch along in here, it is our understanding that will need to be covered or fenced which
provides additional buffering between the uses their. We have tried to comply with all
of the provisions of the zoning ordinance especially the design and dimensional
standards for the R-4 zone. The minimum lot size in this development is 8,000 square
feet, the minimum dwelling size excluding the garage will be 1400 square feet. Streets
are designed for interconnection with adjacent land without providing a high speed
pass through traffic routes. As we laid this out we had several conversations with the
Ada County Highway District. Their chief concern was the location for stub streets,
this stub street is located in this position based on a highway district requirement, they
wanted that north of the center of the parcel. This is a large, agricultural parcel with a
great deal of frontage along Eagle Road as it extends clear to the corner at Eagle and
Fairview. So we are going to be providing the stub street to that parcel in the event
that it will develop probably at a more intense use than the residential that we are
proposing. Again we didn't want any the ability for any traffic to use this a high speed
cut through for when this develops or to get out to Fairview avenue or to the north, they
have to make several turns before they can pass through this development. The
streets will be built to Ada County Highway District standards, one of the comments in
your packet is that the Highway District has requested that this be tabled pending a
traffic study. That traffic study is under way, our traffic engineer has indicated he is
very close to completing that particular study and the results should be available before
this goes to the City Council. Due to the lack of intersecting streets from the exterior of
this site some of the blocks particularly the block along the South and along the east
and again along the north are longer than those recommended by the zoning
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 23
ordinance. We have in order to provide continuity to the pathway system in the park,
this culdesac is also a little bit longer than that is recommended by the zoning
ordinance. Due to the constraints that are based in the parcel, based on the exterior of
the parcel and our attempt to provide some functional open space within this
development we would ask that the commission waive the maximum block length
standard and the culdesac provision for this particular development. Our proposal is
offering the unique feature which is a very large park space, the park is to be used for
the enjoyment of the residents of the development. The park is accessible from all
parts of the subdivision. This will be a quality development that will enhance the area.
The Packard Subdivision includes several larger lots adjoining Carol subdivision to
provide a buffer against those larger lots. In summary we are seeking approval of the
annexation and zoning of this 39 acre parcel with a concurrent zone of R-4 and
approval of the preliminary plat for Packard Subdivision. There 136 lots, however 128
of those would be for residential development. Due to the location of the sewer
system that exists now, we will have to work out the provision of a temporary lift station
to sewer this particular project. that would connect back out into the I believe into
Dove Meadows Development. However we are as you are aware from the earlier
application with the Brown property and the ability to sewer that along the north slough
as this area develops there will be the ability to eventually connect this development
with the north slough sewer thus eliminating the need for a lift station and we are
hoping that all of that will fall into place in a good order. Keeping the necessity of a lift
station at a very temporary basis. We have reviewed the comments from the City
Engineer and from your Planning staff. We believe that we can comply with all of
those requirements. We have what we believe to be a quality project here and offering
some much needed open space. l believe this would exceed the Comprehensive Plan
recommendation for park space given the size of the park and the size of development.
We therefore ask that you recommend approval of this application to City Council.
Are there any questions from the Commission?
Johnson: Any questions of Mr. Hutchinson?
Rountree: What was the projected time line on the traffic study completion?
Hutchinson: Mr. Chairman, Commissioner Rountree, I believe it should be less than 2
weeks to its completion.
Rountree: And that would be both submitted to ACHD and the City?
Hutchinson: Yes it will.
Rountree: With just one access existing essentially today, how many lots would you
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 24
be able to develop in any one phase?
Hutchinson: Mr. Chairman, Commissioner Rountree as before I believe 40 lots would
be the maximum allowed by the Highway District in any one phase if you have one way
in and one way out. I believe this is now interconnected through to Locust Grove as
well as we will complete the connection from here down to Fairview Avenue. This will
be phased, we are hoping to have it phased. I believe we are looking at a phasing of
an east side and a west side with the west side developing first through the provision of
the sewer requirements.
Hepper: You have some bigger lots there on the north end there adjacent to the 1
acre lots in the adjacent subdivision there, the minimum house size is 1400 square feet,
in past experiences we had subdivisions backing up to bigger subdivisions they put the
adjacent houses at a little bit bigger footage, would you be willing to maybe increase
the footage on those 4 lots those 4 estate sized lots to maybe 1500 square feet?
Hutchinson: Mr. Chairman, Commissioner Hepper, I would have to speak to the
developer on that.
Hepper: I would think that the economics would suggest that the price of the lots and
the size of them that the house would automatically be bigger than that anyway. Just so
those property owners that back up to that property line would have some assurance
that they would have.
Hutchinson: It makes sense, again I would have to clear that with the developer.
Johnson: I have one question I am dying to ask of the developer, there is a rather
exhaustive letter in the, as there is on most of our applications from the Joint School
District No. 2 which is the Meridian School District regarding the difficulty they are
having with schools and crowding and the fact that this particular subdivision would
feed schools that are already at their maximum or over their maximum capacity. Do
you have any comments regarding that letter from the school district?
Hutchinson: Mr. Chairman, I have just seen this letter today, it is one that again we
are acutely sensitive to the overcrowding that is in the Meridian School District at this
time. I think most of the developers are willing to work with the school district in an
attempt to come to some sort of a solution or some way to aid the school district in that
dilemma. I don't know how to address it at this particular time. Again, I believe the
developer will need to look at this to see if there is something that they can't , to see if
there is someway to work with the school district to help them out.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 25
Johnson: Thank you, anyone else? This is a public hearing, is there someone else
that would like to address the Commission on this issue?
Dennis Brockway, 1059 Justin, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Brockway: We have some of the adjacent Carol Subdivision neighbors here tonight
and I am going to speak to one item that I think is very important. I want to say this
right the first time, the gentleman that proceeded me here was making quite a case for
these extremely large lots that will buffer our acre and a half and acre lots. I don't
seem them as extremely large, I think 20 feet of the northern boundary of this proposed
subdivision should be common area with a berm and a fence. And I am talking maybe
a berm 6 feet high in the middle and a 4 foot fence on top of that. Heavily landscaped,
because can you imagine, I don't want to have to be either of the 2 most impacted
lots, maybe that is why I am up here speaking. Can you imagine on some of those
northern lots 2 story homes looking down onto those homes that are used to having a
lot of space around them. Normally, a good planner will want to buffer an acre and a
half lot with maybe a 3/4 or 1/2 acre lot and I think that this berm is a very good
compromise where you don't have the buffering. Now I have others here that will
perhaps raise their hands or do you want them to come up here individually.
Johnson: We will just call each one individually that wants to come up here.
Brockway: I am done, thank you very much gentlemen.
Jon Barnes, 1034 Justin Place, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Barnes: As all of you know I am in the development business, I guess it is more fun
sometimes to come and grade somebody elses report cards and I guess we can get a
little more critical of someone else's than our own. There are a couple of things, I want
to talk to you philosophically as a commission. You have a lot of responsibility and
you are looking towards of a metropolitan area. You have to think about the impacts of
the kinds of developments you approve. Specifically on this Packard Subdivision there
are some things that I think are good about it, the density I don't' think is any problem, it
is just over 3 lots to the acre. But the overall design, to me, and I think I would just like
to, you guys should really take a good look at the design of this, it is very much an
1870's what I would call a drafting 101 type approach, a grid, perpendicular streets,
north and south east and west. I think that the lasting beauty and integrity of a
community needs to be a lot in a design and when you think about design and talk
about curve or linear streets that flow that have, if you look at this Subdivision like
Packard Avenue, the streets that goes up and down on the east side of the
development it is nearly a 1/4 mile long. It is a completely straight street, having been
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 26
in this business a lot of years all of those houses would be set, the garages would be
set back at 20 feet and you would have just a straight line of houses kind of
government housing feel. You will also, Ted here said there wouldn't be a speed
problem, when you have that much of a straight away down through there you do have
a speed problem and again they are selling homes here that would probably be
$130,000 - $140,000 homes with children and stuff and safety is definitely a concern. I
would just like to encourage you to be more critical of us developers on the design of
what you take a look at here. I know that you get overwhelmed with a lot of
applications, you get a lot of pressure, but you are building something that is going to
be here for 30, 40, 50 years or longer and future generations are going to have to live
with what you approve and go through. Specifically I live in the house directly north
here with the pool (End of Tape) if you look at the depth of those lots that is my biggest
concern and I have sold an awful lot of lots in this town and knowing the setbacks and
the size of houses and I appreciate Mr. Commissioner Heppers concern of 1500 square
foot minimum but my biggest concern is the depth. If you look at those there that are
like 103 deep off that northern street which is called Catlin Drive, when you take the
setbacks in a larger house like that starting with a 20 foot setback and then you put
your 15 foot setback on the rear a larger home will be pressing right against, it will be
right on that 15 foot rear yard setback. And that is really our concern to have 2 storys
that sometimes go 30 feet in the air at a 15 foot point from the northern boundary of the
subdivision. It would be very oppressive and really overbearing. I would like to either
have some kind of a buffer, I would suggest that you either cut some out of the 4 1/2
acres of park and I do commend them for that, that is a really nice park, it is a big park
something the city needs. I know you know that too, but some kind of a buffer or rotate
those lots, they are 127 feet wide, 128 feet wide rotate them the other way and give us
the depth north and south and the width at 100 so that, people like to live at the rear
yard. And then those houses are further from the rear yard and aren't as oppressive to
us because those 2 houses in Carol Subdivision at the south end, (inaudible) are fairly
close to this property. But other than that I don't have any other comments, but I would
encourage you to really consider some way of deepening those lots or putting some
kind of a good buffer along that north boundary. Thank you.
Johnson: Any questions of Mr. Barnes?
Douglas Miller, 1035 Justin Place, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Miller: I live just west of Mr. Barnes, so we are living directly adjacent to the
subdivision. If you count these lots that are adjacent to us that it is not only 3 but 4
lots would be adjacent portions to our lots. I think this acre subdivision has been
inhabited by few people who at great forethought and great expense have carved out
some privacy, some open space and I see these homes crowded densely on the south
boundary as very much an invasion of that privacy and very much a degradation of the
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 27
original concept that was designed for these 1 acre subdivisions. I very much agree
with the sentiment of increasing that setback, I think the berm idea is an excellent idea
to provide the privacy for us as well as privacy to those neighboring lots on the south
there. That I think is our major concern of this subdivision as it is outlined. I think the
berm with a considerable buffer along that boundary would be appropriate.
Johnson: Thank you Mr. Miller.
Dick R.W. Peckenschneider, 1131 Justin Place, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Peckenschneider: I wanted to reiterate basically what they are saying because there
are several of us that are homeowners there and we didn't buy those houses to have a
bunch of mickey mouse little lots built to the south of us. The buffer zone, Dan told me
that we needed a berm and I agree with that but I think he is a little short, I think it
ought to be 20 feet high. I would probably put concertina wire on the top of it but the
only way you are going to block this off, now Miller's and Barnes those are the ones
that are going to be hurt, I am not going to be hurting near as bad because I am 4
houses on down. But it is still messing me up because if those kids and if you are
going to have 128 houses, the way I figure it the way they breed you are going to have
about 2 kids per house and a dog and I don't know how many cats are all going to be
streaming over into our area which we have tried to subdue to a point and that is why
we bought out there. We didn't by acre lots out there and buy expensive homes to
have, I got 10,000 feet of grass and that isn't even part of my lot for crying out loud, I
just don't understand this. I think we need a big buffer, I don't know how deep it is
going to have to be for Millers and Barnes but it has to be far enough back that you can
build a berm and I say a fence too. So it isn't going to be something kids are going to
be playing in and getting hurt on. We don't need this, I personally don't want it, I don't
know where all these kids are going to go to school, in fact I don't even know where
they are getting to get the jobs, 128 houses. One place to get out and there is not
even a stop sign that comes out of that place right now, you get down to Fairview, I
have been about run over several times, if wasn't a wild man I would have been hit.
But you are sitting there with one stinking road that comes into Fairview and you are
going to put another 128 houses with the rest of all of those houses that are up there.
It is unbelievable, it is ludicrous and where are these kids going to go to school? I
don't want them crossing over into Barnes and the Millers and then pretty soon they
infiltrate Johnsons yard and then(inaudible) and then mine. I don't want, I don't like it, I
think it sucks.
Johnson: It is a neighborhood with character.
William Ball, 1058 Justin Place, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 28
Ball: Well, I can't quite follow that act, but I think everyone has pretty much covered
the situation that we are faced there with on Justin Place. I just want to add my piece
that we are in support of the berm, the original by Dennis I think is a good one with the
6 feet and the additional fence on top of that. John made some original points about
the development of the project and again I would just like to firm that I support the
objection and the berm. Thank you.
Johnson: Thanks Mr. Ball. Anyone else?
Helen Sharp, 2445 Wingate Lane, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Sharp: Going along with our gentlemen here, he says he has 1 acre that he has been
trying to protect without the invasions, we have 5 acres and they are right up against
our fence thanks to all the granting of the zone changing. And when (inaudible) he
says he would like to help the school districts the best way to help them is to squelch
the subdivision, 128 new houses. I think if anybody would check with he realtors they
will find that there is approximately between 500 and 600 houses available in the
Meridian district right now. That does not include all the houses that are being built
and already have been granted the zone changes so that they can be built. We have
also been told repeatedly because I have been to numerous meetings here with all of
the subdivisions about the road study for Locust Grove, did I understand the gentleman
to say they may go onto Locust Grove as an access for the subdivision, in that case I
would like to see one of the reports that we are supposed to be getting on the Locust
Grove Road traffic because those of us that live there in the immediate area know what
Locust Grove Road is right now and what is going to be like. Especially if we get the
others granted at the end of Locust Grove, so Locust Grove is greatly picked on. I
would like to know where I could get a copy of this report if it has actually been done. I
have heard developers say that there is being one done. Where do I go to get this
report?
Johnson: When the traffic study comes in and it is submitted to the city, I understand it
goes to you Gary is that correct? Gary gets a copy of it, our City Engineer. Once
done is it available to the public?
(Discussion Inaudible)
Johnson: It is public information once it comes in. So once we receive it is public
information which means you can have a copy at $50.00 a copy or something like that.
Sharp: If it is like the Comprehensive Plan it will be obsolete before it is printed.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 29
Johnson: Like everything else.
Sharp: I would also like to reiterate like I said before that we also have problems with
water in that area and I don't know if they have that immediately in this 39 acres.
Wingate Lane of course is just you might say abutting that property and there is a high
water table. We know, we have dug down there is the hard pan and water does not
seep through. We have also been told to use surface water and we know that there
are problems from the drainage with that. But I would like to say again to use a little
bit of foresight and not so much hindsight. Our schools are suffering, I saw an article
in the paper about our volunteer fire department, it is going too fast and there is not a
real reasonable. There is no demand for housing right now in Meridian (inaudible) but
there are all these properties available, the realtors would probably like to say let's sell
what we have got. Let's use a little bit of foresight.
Johnson: Thank you.
Burt Borrup, 2640 Wingate Lane, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Borup: What I see here is kind of the cart before the horse thing. There are so many
things that need to be addressed in this subdivision. This is the heart of the mile
section and access is terrible to it, I think fire protection would be poor even when it is
fully developed. As Helen pointed out we have a lot of subdivisions, I can stand in my
front yard and probably see 5 that are just slightly developed as we speak. So I really
don't' think that the time is right necessarily for this subdivision. I think there are a lot
of things that have to transpire to make this plan work as it is on this map. I have the
property directly north of it, for instance one of the things if they do decide to have a
berm and I can understand why you do want a berm I have to irrigate from the ditch that
runs down there. And I think covering the ditch is a good safety thing, is it going to
prohibit people from getting up and down that lane to take care of their irrigation needs
that still use this as farm property. That is something that will have to be taken care of.
I know in the past that certain subdivisions have gone in and created all kinds of
havoc with people who still want to have flood type irrigation. And I know one in
particular that has been addressed to this board probably half a dozen times and is still
not taken care of. So, that is just one of many things, it is not the fact that I am totally
against growth it is just proper growth and I see the timing of this particular subdivision
as just being really premature. If the roads were to develop around it let's get the
sewer a little farther a little closer to it. Possibly in the next 2 to 3 years I don't know
how the legislature is going to handle another school but maybe a little more schooling.
Certain things to where when this finally does go and it is not such a great impact
sewer wise anything wise I think we have enough subdivisions presently in progress. I
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 30
think we are going to go into a slowing situation through the winter. I am sure they are
looking at this optimistically from a development standpoint, but I think it would fill up
slowly. I am not necessarily in favor of, I know they said temporary lift station, but
temporary is going to be dictated by development and consequently by allowing this lift
station it not only sets a precedent of other lift stations in the future. Having talked to
Don Johnson at the City of Boise a lift station of this magnitude is going to be $100,000
to $150,000 and if it is turned over to the city of Meridian there is possibly a $5,000
annual fee to maintain this station. If they waited and did hook up to the trunk line
when it progresses that would be an expense that the taxpayer would not have to
withstand. I just see a lot of things here that aren't necessarily as wrong as early. I
think if they waited they would have less objection, I think they would have a cleaner
development and it would fit in the community at a more timely fashion.
Johnson: Thank you Mr. Borup, is there anyone else?
Vern Alleman, 2101 East Ustick, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Alleman: I guess I have some questions and it primarily pertains to the lift station
which is temporary. What I was wondering is if this is temporary what is the time limit
for it to become permanent. What are the provisions for enforcing it if it has a time
limit. What does it do for the development of the trunk line which is to be developed
along the south slough, I think now is called another name. Is there any provision for, if
it is temporary we say then in the future it is going to contribute to the trunk line.
When can this be taken here, what if they say your time is this time and ours is another
time?
Johnson: I will ask our City Engineer to comment on lift stations and the temporary
status. Did you have any other questions before we do that?
Alleman: What is the provisions is there bonding that is required for something along
this line? And also in operation of the lift station is that the City's obligation or who
does the repair and the operation of the lift station. I guess I am concerned that they,
this could be delayed or more or less on a permanent basis.
Johnson: I think it is probably appropriate at this point to have Gary talk to us a little
bit about these temporary lift stations. We have a couple on line now if you would like
to fill us in briefly Gary.
Smith: Mr. Chairman, Commission members, Vern, the word temporary means that at
some point in the future the lift station could be abandoned and it is only temporary to
that extent. In my mind the word temporary does not carry a specific time limit with it.
It would all be dependent on the rate at which the property to the north of this piece
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 31
would develop and the south slough or the finch lateral trunk line would be extended to
the east. Ultimately that south slough or finch lateral trunk line will extend and serve
all of the property to the east to our east impact boundary line which is a 1/4 west of
Cloverdale Road. That is the significance of the south slough or Finch lateral
interceptor. The policy of the City Council of the City of Meridian in the past has been
development as it develops extends the sewer and the water services to and through
their properties. In this particular case the sewer exists this time at Locust Grove
Road which is a 1/2 mile to the west. There are 2 parcels of ground that have been
proposed in the City of Meridian for development that would require the extension of
the south slough of the finch lateral interceptor. One would be the Chamberlain
Estates Subdivision the other one would be, I think it is referred to as PNE/Edmonds
annexation. It has not been submitted for preliminary plat as far as I know but it has
been submitted for, it is the existing Brown property, I believe it is referred to. So the
development of both of those parcels and the extension of that sewer trunk line would
also cross your property as you and I have discussed several times. The development
of those parcels of ground would get the interceptor to Wingate Lane. Then it would
be a matter of extending a line in Wingate Lane to the south to pick up this lift station
and at that time this lift station would not be active any longer it would be abandoned.
The requirements if this subdivision is approved by the Council the improvements for
the Subdivision including the lift station would be at the expense of the developer. The
maintenance of the lift station would be carried on by the City of Meridian. Obviously
as I have expressed to everybody that I have talked to in the past we are not in favor of
lift stations because they are a high maintenance item. It is a daily maintenance
routine, 365 days a year. And it is an expense, I guess it is something the City Council
needs to weigh against this development and the features of this development. Have I
answered your questions?
Alleman: I guess then would be my concern would be in as much as they would be
contributing to the trunk line I am wondering if they would be delaying some
development rather than to contribute to the trunk line. I think possibly that in order for
this to be on a temporary basis that there should be some bonding, so if they say I am
not going to do what are we going to do about it. I think perhaps a solution might be
that they would provide a bonding to see that it was done whenever it was needed,
other wise you are going to be in a no catch situation because you are not going to be
able to do the trunk line. I hope I am not looking at this from a selfish individual
standpoint or from the standpoint of trying to curtail their development.
Johnson: Thank you Vern, is there anyone else that would like to come forward at this
time?
Don Bryan, 2070 North Locust Grove Road, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 32
Bryan: All I had to look at was this little plat plan, just like all the rest of the
subdivisions around the area. My irrigation lateral runs down the south border of this
property. I have 4 developers at the intersection of that property where the roads are
ending and the ditches are coming together and the lots are backing up to. I would
like to ask the developer what he had in mind for that section of ground right there and
what he is going to do in the future and when. And also in conjunction with Dove
Meadows development as to if he has worked with the Dove Meadows developer and
talked to him about the problems we are having out there and what he found doing in
the future as far as lining that ditch and providing the head gate access and working
with the church property. And while I am here and have your undivided attention, I
was wondering when this portion of Dove Meadows was ever approved which is on the
church property? I have come to all of the meetings and I have never seen this portion
of Dove Meadows every being approved. I have gotten a plat just like this and of
course I have probably never seen a plat. I have gotten little pieces like this. We
have a problem at that intersection and I wold like to see this addressed before this
development gets under way. Because they don't even know where the streets are
going yet according to the people I talked to in the developments. They have ideas
and they want to do this map but I have nothing in writing. That is all I have.
Johnson: Thanks Don, is there anyone else? Well, I don't see anyone, thank you for
your testimony I appreciate that. I will close the public hearing, what would like the
next step to be. I should really ask before I do that whether the developer had
anything he wanted to add to the comments that were made and I can re-open the
hearing if you would like to do that? I think I will re-open it and ask you a question. I
will now re-open the hearing. Mr. Barnes was testifying with respect to, I don't think he
was particularly impressed with your design. And in all seriousness his comments with
respect to depth of lots on that long street, that might encourage speeding and that kind
of thing. And it doesn't look like a plan that has a whole lot of imagination to it without
being more critical than that. Do you feel a re-design of the plat there would be
possible? And still be able to accomplish what you want to accomplish and maybe
take into consideration some of the comments and objections you heard this evening?
Hutchinson: Mr. Chairman, what you have is I guess the new terminology for it is
new-traditional design. It is laid out on a grid system, the grid system is probably the
most efficient use of the ground. In order to accomplish the provision of this very large
open space the design had to follow the neo-traditional street layout. I think more and
more subdivisions are going to be going back to this particular design movements away
from some of the typical subdivisions that have been designed through the 80's which
have not promoted interconnection of traffic systems. But again this particular design
was driven by the desire to provide that very large open space. If we redesign I don't
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 33
know that we could get the curvilinear streets and some of the other things in there and
still maintain that size of a park space. It is just not as an efficient use of the land as
what we (inaudible).
Johnson: Any questions of Mr. Hutchinson while we have here from the Commission.
Rountree: Do you see it possible utilizing that open space that you propose though a
reconfiguration as being if not part a total buffer to the properties to the north?
Hutchinson: As I have indicated when I made my previous presentation the idea was
to provide the larger lots so that there are fewer houses that would be adjoining those.
not only are they subject to your 15 foot rear yard setback but the Nampa Meridian
Irrigation District in their comments have indicated that the Stokesbury Lateral in there
also has a 40 foot right of way. Which provides further buffering and that puts the
nearest house to the northern lot line of this development at 85 feet and in that 85 feet
you will find 40 feet that is in that right of way and an additional 15 feet that is on our
property which is the minimum rear yard setback. I believe that fencing would provide
an adequate buffering.
Hepper: There is a lateral that runs between the 2 properties?
Hutchinson: Yes, the Stokesbury Lateral, in fact I believe there are 2 laterals that run
in there, one has already been covered. There is an open one that currently runs back
there.
Hepper: Is that an (inaudible) irrigation ditch or drain ditch?
Hutchinson: I would imagine irrigation where it is managed by the irrigation district.
Hepper: It has an access road for the irrigation district is that correct?
Hutchinson: They maintain a 40 foot, they have claim to a 40 foot right of way 20 feet
on center on the lateral.
(Discussion Inaudible)
Hutchinson: They would still maintain that 40 foot right of way.
Hepper: The property line would be somewhere in between those 2 even though there
is an easement there.
Hutchinson: The property line is located outside the easement.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 34
Hepper: Do the property owners on the other side of the ditch actually own that area?
Hutchinson: I believe the irrigation district claims a right of way so I believe they are
claiming (inaudible).
Hepper: (Inaudible) own the property. What I am trying to figure out is who actually
owns the property, you guys or the property owners.
Hutchinson: I believe the property owner on the north would own it.
Hepper: So if it is not on your property we should be tiling that ditch?
Hutchinson: I believe the Meridian zoning ordinance requires that we tile all those that
are adjacent to the property.
Hepper: I am not sure how the fine points of that read as far as (inaudible).
Johnson: Any further questions? Well, it is still open, anyone from the public one last
time.
Barnes: I am the one that brought up the idea of redesign but I really feel strongly that
they could take that 4 1/2 acre park and utilize that green space with a redesign. Let's
say they brought that main street in as it comes in as you seen down in the southwest
corner and went across that. You know flowing with gentle curves and looped off that
and tie that green space in and you could really make a much nicer neighborhood for
the City. I just think that this typical grid approach I don't agree with what he said, that
isn't I don't see developers going back to that, I see them going away from it because
the buyers, it provides more community, better aesthetics. More or a variety instead of
just looking right down the front of garages right straight down a street. Get away from
the stereotypes of a lot of the old developments. I really would encourage you to
consider asking them to come in with another concept that would serve this City and
this community better. Thank you.
Hepper: That ditch there that has an easement, if that is tiled that would be an
additional 40 feet that would be kind of a no mans land, it is your actual property but
there is an easement there.
Barnes: It isn't, the road from the edge of the ditch directly, the Stokesbury Lateral,
directly south of my place and Millers, there is a roadway of maybe a little more than 10
feet to our property line from the edge of what is now the Stokesbury Lateral. The
problem is whether, I have dealt with them on down stream of the Stokesbury lateral
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 35
with Nampa Meridian Irrigation District and we have put that Stokesbury in pipe, 24
inch pipe but they still retain the easement and won't allow us to do anything to that.
Our concern is just like what was expressed earlier is that we have expensive nice
homes, we worked hard to make it be in a private area, we feel that we need more than
just an open area between. We would like to see some kind of a berm some kind of
way to push back noise. The height of these bigger homes, because when you have a
100 foot lot on this big of house it is going to be right back at that 15 foot setback.
Hepper: Do you think there would possibly be some way that something could be
worked out between you and the developer to maybe have them landscape that 40 foot
easement area once that ditch is tiled?
Barnes: We would be glad to sit down with them, I know the developer, I used to sell
him lots years ago.
Hepper: (Inaudible) that there is an easement in there that
Barnes: Would really be at Nampa Meridians, they still call the shots on that easement.
They have the easement, we own the land but they have the easement and the right to
use.
Hepper: (Inaudible) I was just wondering if there was someway that something
between you could be worked out for them to maybe landscape that or somehow
provide you with some sort of buffer without having to re-do their streets, their lots, their
whole subdivision. I am just talking about that particular point not the whole
configuration of the subdivision.
Barnes: I would be nice to time something in up there, (inaudible) Kearney Place
down Chateau Meadow all the way up through there. Mr. Johnson knows this, there is
a lot of walkers and stuff that come all the way up and all the way to Eagle Road on
that, so it provides kind of a recreation amenity in a sense right now. We feel that
some kind of green buffer that could tie in, I don't' have a hard time with people walking
up ad down, I think it is nice that there are those kinds of things left for people to be
able to utilize. We are most concerned about the invasion of privacy and we have
covered those things pretty much. Thank you.
Johnson: Thanks John.
Dale Sharp, 2445 Wingate Lane, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Sharp: I have to go along with Mr. Barnes there, we do need a berm and a fence in
between the subdivision there. You need to keep out the people that are coming down
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 36
that ditch road there with motorcycles and 4 wheel vehicles and everything and they
are throwing their trash out. I don't mind the walkers, if they keep the dogs on a leash
because I have some cattle there and they come out and chase my cattle. And they
run up and down that ditch road with their motorcycles as fast as they can go and I do
resent that. And so if we are going to have a subdivision we need a berm, fence and
to keep the kids and everything else off that ditch road. I do have some questions on
the sewer and the highway traffic, the education. I am just, we have water problems
but then we say Meridian is going to drill 2 more wells, but someplace along the line we
are not going to have the water to support all of this that is going on. And we have a
drought as you well know and we have had for quite a number of years. So I think we
need to take a real hard look at what is going on here. And not only this subdivision but
others. That is all.
Johnson: Thank you, Don you had another comment?
Bryan: I think I better clarify this ditch and this berm and this landscaping situation,
this road that goes down this ditch right of way is my access to the head gate and in the
previous developments to the west have already given up that right of way and fenced
to the backyards through that area. And the road and the canal is just a no mans land
with fencing on both sides like a corridor you drive your car through for access to those
head gates along that canal. We just can't eliminate access to those and put a nice
pathway that would be nice for having a pathway and a green belt along there for all
the walkers for all the subdivisions but I don't know how they will take my driving down
through the middle of them in my car trying to get to my head gate.
Hepper: We are talking about the north edge of this project, is that where your head
gate is located?
Bryan: That is where I pull my water from the main Stokesbury. It has already been
provided in the previous developments with the fence on each side of the development
and that 40 feet in the middle which is no mans land which is taken care of by the
Nampa Meridian Irrigation District. In fact before they got their fences up I was driving
my truck down through peoples back yards coming and going from the head gate that is
probably why they put the fence up. It is going to be something that is going to have to
be addressed before we start developing a green system along there. That is all I
have.
Johnson: Thanks Don, Burt.
Borrup: I was going to stand up and tell Mr. Hepper that property, to clarify one thing
is owned by the property owners to the north of it, John, myself and Mr. Miller. I have
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 37
enjoyed those trips up and down that ditch with Don and his vehicle to turn my irrigation
in. Another problem is there is an active head gate that is used by Dale Sharp, Floyd
Reichert and Vern Alleman ultimately to irrigate their property that is south of my
property, almost splits my property in half. Even if it is tiled they are still going to have
to get down there to activate their irrigation, to start and to stop it. So there are going
to have to be means provided for that. So and as Don stated it isn't a case of just
being able to run a road down there or just landscape it because Vern lives on Ustick
and he has to conceivably easily access that to make a living. Something else that
kind of perplexes me about this whole thing is PNE/Edmonds is starting up Packard
Subdivision and they have also applied for the Brown property for lack of a better way
to put it. At this point in time if they solely own Packard Subdivision I could understand
their anxiety to get something put through with a lift station and so on and so forth. But
they have a conceivable piece of property to develop far closer to the trunk line, far
more in conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan. If the City of Meridian is concerned
about proper growth it complies with their property growth program far greater than to
have a temporary lift station. If in fact they develop their first property first by the time
it was completed they would more than likely be able to develop their second property
without a lift station and a tax (inaudible) city of Meridian so they do have an option,
they do have an opportunity to create revenue in their given trade without doing this
property first. By doing this it not only sets a precedent for a lift station, but if you look
at the big map and hypothetically the sewer trunk line does stop it is rendered basically
the northeast corner of that mile section sewer less for who knows how long. And all
that comes is real expensive horse property. So if growth is a concern of the City of
Meridian and the sewer line is the necessity for growth I would encourage you to take a
second look at this and encourage him to develop his first property first and then let the
second property develop when the time is right and the roads are in and possibly
another school is built or the case may be. Thank you.
Johnson: Thank you
Brockway: I was here before so I don't have to get sworn in again, I wanted to, it
seems there is a mood to worry about the developer and keeping it at 128 lots. That is
not sacred, if we put the 20 foot in at the north and put the berm in he ends of with 118
lots, so what. He has a cat-cam system, just call it up and 1/2 hour later you change it.
It is no big deal. That is all I have to say.
Johnson: Thank you, that probably falls under re-design somewhere. Anyone else? I
will close the public hearing at this time. What would you like the next step to be
gentlemen?
Rountree: For discussion sake I would like to see findings of fact prepared just to
digest all of the testimony.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 38
(Discussion Inaudible)
Johnson: You have the floor whatever you want.
Rountree: (Inaudible)
(End of Tape)
Rountree: Mr. Chairman, I move that we have findings of fact and conclusions of law
prepared by the City Attorney.
Shearer: Second
Johnson: Moved and seconded that we have the City Attorney prepare findings of
fact and conclusions of law on this application, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
Johnson: We will now have a 10 minute break please.
TEN MINUTE RECESS
Johnson: If we can call the meeting back to order please.
ITEM #11: PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR ANNEXATION AND ZONING WITH
A PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR GREENHAVEN ESTATES BY THE DEVELOPMENT
COMPANY:
Johnson: I will now open the public hearing, if there is a representative for
Greenhaven Estates would you please come forward.
Gary Lee, 250 S. Beechwood, Boise, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Lee: This application before you is a request for annexation to R-4 zoning with a
preliminary plat known as Greenhaven Estates. It is situated on North Meridian, a 1/4
south of Ustick, north of an existing subdivision called Lansbury Lane. This
development will consist of 40 single family dwelling lots on about 14.88 acres resulting
in a density of 2.7 lots per acre which is considerable less than the R-4 request. The
minimum building lot size is as it is shown on the preliminary plat is about 80 by 164
foot in depth or 13,000 square feet roughly. The structures in this development will
comply with the R-4 zoning requirements of the City of Meridian zoning ordinance.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 39
There will be a 20 foot wide landscape common buffer along Meridian Road adjacent to
the lots. There will be a landscaped drainage lot in the northwest corner for storm water
management which will also act as a pedestrian access to neighboring properties.
There will be a homeowners association formed to maintain the open spaces. Access
to the development is via Meridian road and also Northwest 3rd Avenue going into
Lansbury Lane. All the streets within the development will be built to Ada County
Highway District Standards, there will be a variance request for the culdesac length on
the westerly side of the development. It measures about 520 feet, the zoning
ordinances allows 450 foot culdesac. Sewer and water into the development will be
extensions of neighboring existing city services. There is an irrigation ditch along the
easterly boundary and paralleling North Meridian Road that will be tiled. Pressure
irrigation system will be installed in accordance with the Nampa Meridian standards.
All the lots within the development will include landscaping and will be fenced by the
developer who is also the builder on this particular project. In response to some of the
agency comments, Nampa Meridian Irrigation District indicated some concerns about
the Onweiler Lateral. That particular lateral is shown on their mapping systems to end
at about the right of way line of Meridian Road. There is a pair of head gates there at
the end of the Onweiler Lateral and that will be accommodated in our irrigation system.
Some of the comments by the Planning Director Shari Stiles, we are comfortable with
her comments, the one about the landscape median in Lansbury Lane to slow traffic,
we met with Ada County Highway District on this preliminary plat design and they
suggested the use of speed control bumps on that long stretch of roadway in the east
west direction. The minimum building size in the R-4 zoning ordinance is 1400 square
feet, this development will comply with that ordinance. The developer has indicated
that the houses will range anywhere from 1400 to 1800 square feet in size. I reviewed
Gary Smith's and Bruce Freckleton's comments, we are okay with what they have had
to say and most of those items will be addressed in the final design portion of the
project. If you have any questions I would be glad to entertain those.
Johnson: Thanks Gary, any questions of Mr. Lee?
Rountree: Gary, have you talked to Gary Smith about his comments and could you
elaborate a little bit on his comment 13?
Lee: I haven't spoken with Gary about them, I have reviewed the comments. Let me
see if I can find his list here, about the sanitary sewer. We did discuss that at the
concept meeting about a continuation of the sewer system. And I did discuss it with
the design engineer on Lansbury Lane. I am not sure what he is alluding to here, but
we did review the depth of the sewer to accommodate that property. It appears from
the initial point that it will, there are some other things about the sewer that I don't
know about.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 40
Johnson: The Commissioner would like you to address that Gary please?
Smith: Mr. Chairman, at this time there is a trench dug across the access road on the
property to the south and west of Lansbury Lane Subdivision. We don't have access
to the sewer line and that is what the comment alludes that was made in my review.
That is my understanding that was being resolved but at this point we don't have
access to that sewer line for maintenance purposes.
Lee: That is south and west of Lansbury Subdivision?
Smith: Yes, it is on the Bob Flaten property and that is a piece of property that the
sewer line crosses that serves Lansbury Lane subdivision and will also serve this
proposed subdivision. It has been a while since we had a meeting or had any
discussion with our City Attorney concerning the status of that. It was my
understanding it had been worked out to where the ditch that Mr. Flaten dug will be
filled in and that Mr. Williams the developer of Lansbury Lane is going to do some work
on the road itself and some other clean up work that Mr. Flaten had requested. So I
believe it is being worked out, correct me if I am wrong Wayne but I think that is being
taken care of.
(Inaudible)
Johnson: Any other questions of Mr. Lee? Gary, the variance that would be
necessary because of the length of the culdesac, the City Council has been pretty
adamant about granting variances only in cases of hardship. What would be your
response to that?
Lee: I guess the hardship was created when Lansbury Lane was subdivided and the
way it was. In that particular subdivision culdesac exceeded the minimum length as
well and by virtue of their stub street we had to connect at that point and the shape of
this property is narrow in deed, which doesn't give the owner of this property an
opportunity to be real creative with a street system. A possible solution would be to
extend a stub street to the west property line so that when that property line develops
to the west it would eliminate any culdesac at all.
Hepper: Could the stub street to the north be located in a different spot so that they
don't' line up with the one to the south?
Lee: We considered that as well and discussed that with the Highway District and
Shari Stiles. The problem that we create there is the block length between that stub
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 41
street and Meridian Road. Right now it is at the maximum thousand feet so there
could be a variance either on block length to move that stub street west or a variance
on the culdesac, but that is a good solution. I think that is what I would do if I had an
opportunity.
Hepper: Are there any other alternatives available besides just a straight shot?
Lee: Well, there could be some meandering street through there, but the problem you
create is lots of shallower depth and lots that are very deep. Right now they are very
deep at 164 feet on each side. If you start meandering that street you get real deep
lots in an excess of 200 feet which we don't believe is a desirable situation.
Hepper: Or islands possible?
Lee: Islands are a possible solution to help control traffic.
Hepper: I am not so concerned about the traffic as the Aesthetics of it, the streets, just
dead straight for I don't know how long it is. (Inaudible).
Johnson: Thanks Gary, this is a public hearing anyone else like to address this?
Rich Fern and Gloria Fern, 2790 North Meridian Road, was sworn by the City Attorney.
G. Fern: We have some development concerns, when the development is finished we
live directly across the street from the development which on your vicinity map had an
R across the street. So, where the street is going to come out that is where our duplex
is. Our residence sits directly next door to the duplex. The development concerns
are when it is finished is that the traffic slowing in front of the house and the complex to
turn in and out of the street that there will be cars constantly in front of our property. In
talking with Shari Stiles and the highway district there are 400 estimated vehicle trips
per day that will take place. Where the cars that will be coming out of Greenhaven
Estates, the lights will be hitting directly onto our duplex and actually when they are
turning the lights will be hitting into our residence.
R. Fern: The lights will cross the entire structure.
G. Fern: We are also concerned about street lighting so that it won't be offensive, if
they proposing street lighting across the street where it will be shining directly into our
windows also. Also, our tenants driveway backs out directly into the street, the
Greenhaven Estates Street and we are concerned about that, that it will be dangerous
for our tenant to be backing out into the middle of that street right of way. Building
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 42
concerns, we are concerned that the debris from the construction site blowing over into
the property that adequate dumpsters will be there to take care of that situation. Also
that maybe they will have the street swept during, maybe once a week to pick up all the
dirt. We are concerned mainly about how it is going to affect our tenants, that street
where they will be exiting out of the subdivision is right where our duplex is. We are
concerned about that confusion going on. Some of our proposals are that maybe they
can possibly move the street access to line up with our pasture. We have 290 feet
across our pasture and if they can configure the street where they move it more north
where it is not going to impact the duplex directly it would be better for us. We are
also proposing that they put in sound walls and landscape barriers to curtail some of
the noise and lessen the visual impact of headlights directly into the house and the
duplex so that we can have our privacy preserved.
R. Fern: That is pretty much it, as you mentioned that is a very long street and for
someone living at the end of that street coming down the street with say a 4 by 4 aimed
at the duplex would be quite something to experience in the middle of winter when
everything is real dark. As Gloria said we do have a pasture that is north of the
duplex, the pasture probably starts 15 or 20 feet north of that with all the 290 feet of
frontage. I now John's property also has more space to the north of it. It is to the
north of where the road is proposed, I don't' know how much. We are hoping that
perhaps that could be changed somehow and some way.
G. Fern: Another situation that we have going on is that our house and duplex are
very close to the street, so if we have the impact of these 400 estimated vehicle trips
per day going on it is almost right onto our property there with all of this interaction
going on all day long with these vehicles.
R. Fern: A couple of years ago North Meridian Road was widened and the amount of
traffic on that street now has increased to say the least. I can only assume that it will
get a lot more and I am envisioning at certain times of the day and evening where cars
are going to have to slow and pull into that center turning lane and wait in front of the
duplex to turn. That is not a good thought, it is like a constant flow of cars in front of
our house. It is fairly negative I would say.
G. Fern: Our house is right next door to the duplex, so whatever impacts the duplex is
also going to our impact our residence where we live, so we are very concerned about
that. Thank you.
Johnson: Thank you, is there anyone else that would like to come forward on this
application?
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 43
Dan Sweet, 2975 North Meridian Road, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Sweet: Thank you for letting me speak, I am not opposed to development in Meridian,
I think it is healthy in some cases. I did speak earlier to the developer and my biggest
concern would be the size of the houses that he is going to put on there. I think if
you folks could remember the development next to his on the south Lansbury Lane has
houses that are in the 1800 square foot size range. When we start to go down to an
R-4 and houses are going to be around the $100,000 price range I guess that is a big
concern that we would have since our house on the north would be in the 2600 square
foot range. I am very concerned about the Comprehensive Plan that we are
developing here and that we stick with not real expensive developments and little so so
developments. I had some of the same concerns about traffic and obviously we know
stuff is going to develop. I did bring a preliminary plan of the property that would be
north of that property. This would be Meridian Road, (inaudible) 3.2 houses per acre.
We are looking at 2600 and 2200 square foot houses. I would just appreciate some
consideration there and you folks looking at his plan (inaudible).
Johnson: How many acres do you have there?
Sweet: There are 2 5 acre parcels which is 10, that was Strausser Subdivision.
Johnson: And the total number of lots?
Sweet: 23 lots, thank you.
Johnson: Thank you, any questions? I saw another hand.
John Sanford, 2880 Vendable Lane, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Sanford: I have lived on Vendable Lane some 24 years now. I have attended a
number of these zoning meetings and apparently I am not getting anywhere. I own 20
acres, these 20 acres are in 2 separate parcels, 7 1/2 acres are east of Vendable Lane
and I have 12 1/2 acres west of Vendable Lane. My property abuts the end of this
subdivision. My cow pin is right here where I train cutting horses, about 40 feet from
the end of that culdesac. The first meeting I attended was when Lansbury subdivision
was being developed and indicated there was a culdesac. I asked him to plot that out
because I need access. The reason I need access is because Vendable Lane is a
private lane and it is deeded. They told me at the time that Vendable Lane was going
to be a through street, it is obvious due to Waterbury Subdivision No. 5 that it is
already not a through street. And all intent and purposes my 7 1/2 acres which is east
of Vendable Lane is landlocked. I checked with an engineer from, I think the name
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 44
was Brian Smith from Hubble Engineering regarding Waterbury Park No. 5 because the
last meeting I attended here they indicated they were going to make some sort of
stipulation to cross the slough into my property so I would have access into Waterbury
No. 5. He tells my, Mr. Smith tells me this is not true, they did away with that. So in
essence I am definitely landlocked on this 7 1/2 acres. Number 1 I was told Vendable
Lane would be a through street, I was told by 2 people at that time the City Engineer. I
am a loss and I am disturbed, I am disturbed because it looks like you have got me
painted into a corner. I have already got kids coming from this Lansbury Subdivision
chasing my horses which are right across the ditch. I am not in favor of any
subdivision any more. But I am really not in favor of one when I am landlocked. I
don't know what else to tell you but I think I have a problem and I think you are the only
people that can solve it.
Hepper: Your solution to the problem is to extend the street through to the property
line, is that correct?
Sanford: Number 1 I think you need to abut that out, I tried to get them to abut it out
on the Lansbury thing and he wouldn't do it. Now you are going to abut it out probably
50 to 60 feet south of my property line. So it isn't going to be down the center of my
property. My property lays the same way as these 2 pieces do into Vendable Lane, 12
1/2 acres. I have a big horse arena there, I train cutting horses.
Hepper: That would be if the street alignment was perfectly straight that would
Sanford: Go right in between my cow pins.
Hepper: It wouldn't line up with your
Sanford: It would go right through my arena.
Hepper: But it would only be a little ways from your property line?
Sanford: About 30 to 40 feet.
Hepper: Which for purposes of future development that wouldn't do you (inaudible).
Sanford: I have to get somewhere somehow, I can't fly in there.
Hepper: So if they provide access to the southern edge their property that would give
you (inaudible).
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 45
Sanford: You have encountered another problem, they are already talking about this
big long street here and this speed deal. When I, when someone tears by building
down and they develop it (inaudible) then you have a big long street to contend with.
Vendable Lane needs to be a public street, that would take care of my problem on the 7
1/2 acres for the most part and my 12 1/2 acres.
Hepper: Have you talked to Ada County Highway Department about that?
Sanford: Yes, he was at the last meeting here and said due to my elaborate facility, he
never thought I would want to have access for reasons of development, because it is a
pretty large arena. But I don't think it was Ada County Highway District's position or
even their place to make judgement on my facility whether I wanted access or not.
The other alternative, I don't know, I have never received notice of Waterbury 5
subdivision being finally approved other than talking to this one engineer that says they
are not going to go across the canal like they told you.
Johnson: Do you have anything else, that is what we are here for to gather this
testimony so someone can get back with you and hopefully.
Sanford: Can I have someone's word that they will get back with me, because I never
heard about Waterbury No. 5 until I contacted this engineer.
Johnson: I can't speak for the City but they get copies of all our minutes. If this does
progress which it normally does.
Sanford: Is there anyway I can legally stop this whole thing until I find out. I am not
going to get land locked it is illegal.
Johnson: My personal suggestion would be to talk to one of the City fathers.
Sanford: I have talked to 2 of them.
Johnson: Have you talked to the Mayor.
Sanford: Yes, I talked to him when all of this started.
Johnson: Have you talked to him since the promise wasn't' kept and you thought
(inaudible) and what was the response you got on that?
Sanford: Well, that was at the Waterbury No. 5 meeting, I didn't get an answer.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 46
Johnson: So you still don't have an answer.
Sanford: Not unless you give me one.
Johnson: I don't have any answers either, I don't' want you to tear down your arena
and I sure as hell don't' want you flying in there. We will work on getting you an
answer we will do that. Anyone else?
Joe Simunich, 955 West Ustick Road, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Simunich: First of all I would like to bring one point forward and I think in our area of
development there, the Vendable property, the Peterson property, the Lansbury
property and now this property that the Homan property, it looks like each one of these
developers looks at each one of these properties to his own benefit and not for the
entire area. So I think Ada County Highway District, the City Council and Planning and
Zoning, as these people come in for these rezones to divide this property should take a
look at the entire area. Not only the property lines, but also for instance Vendable
Lane is a private lane and there are some ditches in there. Before these plots are
approved I think somebody should look at the entire area rather than just each
individual 14 acre piece, a 10 acre piece or a 12 acre piece. That is enough on that.
Now let's go to the irrigation and the Onweiler Lateral. That has been a headache for
a long time and Gary Smith is aware of it, the Mayor is aware of it and numerous other
people are. Now I understand this developer is scheduling pressurized irrigation. On
Lansbury Subdivision on the plat on the covenants it says no irrigation water will be
provided to the lots. The engineer now I hear him say there is going to be pressurized
irrigation. On the Onweiler Lateral, it has probably been there for 60 or 70 years, we
have a rotation on that lateral. I would approximate that the whole property has water
for about 12 hours every 8 days. How are they going to have these people just draw
water 12 hours out of every days and water all of their lawns. Can they change their
rotation, can they do something else. This rotation has been established and we don't
like to give up our water rights. Some people buy property because they irrigation
during the day time, in the old days if you had to get water at night your property didn't
bring near as much money. So, we still have 60 acres here and at the present time we
have no intent of disposing of it. It seemed like each time one of these subdivisions
come up I have to come in here and talk to you people, talk to the Council, but then
furthermore we get a product or ditch or something that is unsatisfactory. Fences built
right on top of the irrigation line. Other people haven't got access to their head gates,
so these things need to be addressed and possibly while the engineer is here I would
like to ask how he is going to water all these lots on a 12 hour rotation when he only
gets water 12 hours out of every 8 days. Thank you.
Johnson: Thanks Joe, is there anyone else?
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 47
Chris Williams, 4185 South Linder, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Williams: I am a pretty strong advocate on property rights and people being able to do
what they want to do with their property. I did appreciate the density on this
subdivision that they had proposed. I am here representing the homeowners and
builders in Lansbury, being the developer on Lansbury I wanted to read this letter.
Johnson: Are you with the homeowners association?
Williams: I am the president. We received a certified notice for the proposed
Greenhaven Estates subdivision and would like to commend the developer on his
proposed densities. However, in order to establish continuity with our neighboring
properties and the aesthetic quality that has already been established for a particular
area of Meridian we respectfully request that the following restrictions be recommended
to the City Council prior to the approval of this project. The first is, that the developer
design the entrance and that it be reviewed by the City. On the property to the south,
on Lansbury Lane I know from developing that to establish something a little bit nicer
on that 350 foot stretch which isn't' a large stretch isn't a major expense. It ended up
being and I think I have a really nice entrance that is above the norm, I think it cost me
a total of less than 3% of my total development cost. It wasn't a major expense to
create a nice atmosphere for the neighborhood, everybody sees when they drive by
Meridian Road. They see the brick wall, in 10 years the brick wall is not going to be
deteriorated like a cedar fence would. Landscaping, extensive landscaping something
in brick or stone. We just want something next to us that isn't' going to adversely
affect us and that is what the people are going to see. The second thing is that we
would request that islands be proposed and required in this neighborhood for the
slowing of the traffic as it was in Lansbury Lane. I submitted that letter to the
Commission on that, that the requirement that was made by my or the suggestion that
was made on Lansbury Lane when I developed that. I feel that speed bumps on the
straight street will only cause deflection of traffic through Lansbury Lane. Lansbury
Lane the cross street is already a restricted right of way as it is. It was designed, the
street was designed to restrict traffic from going through there on the basis that in the
Comprehensive Plan at that time, I am not sure if it is still in the new Comprehensive
Plan but Vendable Lane was designated as a collector for the center of that section.
And I am not sure if that is still in effect in your Comprehensive Plan or not. But when I
did go through the approval process of Lansbury it was. The linear streets, I know that
they talked about this on the long stretch on Packard Subdivision. The street is,
property is 1710 feet long, it is over a 1/4 mile. What we have done and this is just a
suggestion, we alternated setbacks. We have 25, 30 and 35 foot setbacks, they are a
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 48
little bit larger but we are doing a little bit larger homes. I am going to go ahead and
read this third request. We understand the minimum square footage in an R-4 zone is
1400 square feet, we also know that in certain circumstances and the circumstances I
think Hunts Bluff is an example, I think Cougar Creek is an example, there were several
examples that Shari Stiles gave me this morning that under certain circumstances the
City has required a greater minimum than the minimum square footage set by the
ordinance. Based on the following facts we feel that this project warrants similar
consideration and thus request that a reasonable minimum of 1600 square feet of living
space be required in Greenhaven. Greenhaven is between Lansbury Lane which is
averaging 2000 square foot homes and that is based on 19 homes that are built and
are in the process of being built. And that is the minimum, we are requiring a minimum
in Lansbury of 1700 square feet in a single story and 1800 square feet in a 2 story, but
our average is 2000 square feet and we are requesting 1600. The Sweet property on
the north, their 5 acre lots and their 2 homes consisting of 2650 feet and 2200 feet on 5
acre lots. Shari Stiles had communicated to me that Gary Lee the engineer on the
project had said that the economics involved with larger lots would dictate larger
homes. But after discussing this with the developer on the project he plans on building
they said 1400 to 1800 square foot homes. At the time we talked to him he said 1350
to 1600. And that it was economically feasible because he was the developer and the
builder. We don't feel that allowing 1400 square foot homes built between projects
with homes of 2000 square feet and 2650 square feet is good long term planning for
the City of Meridian, not to mention the economic injustices placed on our property.
We are talking a distance between the edge of my lots and my homes to the edge of
where the Sweet's property is we are talking 370 feet. There is not a large width there
that we are dealing with between the 2 properties. Dan has 11 lots that border his
property from Greenhaven so he has the potential of eleven 1400 square foot homes
next to his 2650 square foot home. I've got 21 lots that border this project and I am
averaging 2000 square feet. Economically the people that invested in my project look
across their fence at a 1400 square foot home, 30% smaller, 30% less value it is going
to negatively affect their values without a question. That is basically my main
concerns. To address the issue with the sewer, we are working on it, at this point in
time I have spoken with the Mayor, I am having the trench put back in, the overflow is
being removed. It is just a matter of getting my contractor out there, he is cranking out
roads right now for subdivisions before fall. But I think I will get him out here at the
end of next week or two and get that cleaned up.
Johnson: Any questions of Mr. Williams? Thank you, anyone else? Joe
Simunich: Can the engineer explain to me how he is going to do his irrigation water/
Johnson: On your time but not on ours, you can have a meeting with him and give him
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 49
an opportunity to address that, but I do not want to do that here. We are not in the
answering business right now. We are gathering information. Anyone else? I will
close the public hearing. What would you like to do?
Shearer: I move we have the attorney prepare findings of fact and conclusions of law
for this project.
Rountree: Second
Johnson: We have a motion and a second to have the City Attorney prepare findings
of fact and conclusions of law for this application, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #12: PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR REZONE BY DIANE AND ROBERT
LANG:
Johnson: I am going to be stepping down on this item because of a potential conflict
and let Charlie Rountree handle it.
(Chairman Johnson steps down and Commissioner Charlie Rountree takes his place)
Rountree: Is there someone here for the applicant, I will open the hearing.
Roen Wilson, 1567 Leslie Way, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Wilson: It just says here this will be an antique store, it will be an antique and
collectible store. Diane Lang has been involved in this business for some time and
she does a first class operation. It would really be a great addition to the area. This
property is adjacent to the alley directly across from the post office. ACHD
recommended or suggested that the alley be paved as far back as this piece of
property goes. That is fine, however we are finding out that it is a little difficult to get
an engineer to come right out there right away to address the requirements and we are
running into the winter. We would just like to ask that a little time be allowed to get the
paving done in case we have a big freeze and they can't do it in the middle of winter.
Are there any questions?
Rountree: No questions here, you might want to come back if some do come up.
Anybody in attendance want to address this? Seeing none I will close the hearing.
Hepper: Mr. Chairman, I move we have the City Attorney prepare findings of fact.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 50
Shearer: Second
Rountree: It has been moved and seconded to have findings of fact and conclusions
of law prepared, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
(Chairman Johnson returns to his seat)
ITEM #13: PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
FOR TACO BELL RESTAURANT BY JONATHAN GIBBS:
Johnson: I will now open the public hearing, is there a representative from the
applicant that would like to address the Commission please do so at this time.
Ronald Thurber, 111 S. 6th, Boise, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Thurber: Gentlemen, you have before you a request for a conditional use permit for a
Taco Bell development, 1 1/2 acres. The zoning is in place for what we are
requesting, the fact that we are putting in a drive in window does require a conditional
use permit. We have reviewed the conditions placed by our Planning and Zoning
Administrator Shari Stiles, we agree with her findings of fact and would abide by her
findings. Are there any questions?
Johnson: Any questions at all?
Shearer: I have one, we have over the past 10 years have done a lot of work to
upgrade downtown Meridian and Corporate Park up there has done a lot of
landscaping. As I am sure you are aware this piece of property and Kentucky Fried
Chicken property has a 20 foot weed easement between the road and their property. I
am quite concerned with what you will do in the way of landscaping to bring so that we
don't have a weed patch off your property in your right of way?
Thurber: You will find in your packet the landscape plan that was prepared by Tom
South, landscape architect, if you don't have one (End of Tape). Here is the
landscape plan, the strip over on the East 1st Street has presently a large (inaudible)
which is full of weeds and we are filling that and we are landscaping as you can see
with an automatic sprinkler system. Any other questions?
Hepper: We have seen several proposals for this new road that you have proposed
here from Ada County Highway District, is this the final draft.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 51
Thurber: This is their latest and greatest, they are doing a fairly large take there and
yes that is correct.
Hepper: You will have curb, gutter and sidewalk (inaudible)
Thurber: Yes sir
Johnson: Are you involved only with the Taco Bell and not the other planned
development?
Thurber: That is correct.
Johnson: Any other questions? This is a public hearing is there anyone else that
would like to come forward right now? Everybody likes Taco Bell, I will now close the
public hearing.
Rountree: Mr. Chairman, I move we have Findings of fact and conclusions prepared
on the request for a conditional use permit.
Hepper: Second
Johnson: It has been moved and second that we have findings of fact and conclusions
of law prepared by the City Attorney, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #14: PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
FOR D & B SUPPLY BY NEB-i COMPANY:
Johnson: I will now open the public hearing, if there is a representative for NEB-i or D
& B Supply would they please come forward at this time.
Dick Schrandt, 2110 Idaho Avenue, Caldwell, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Schrandt: Tonight we are looking for an affirmative vote from the Commission to allow
for the construction of a retail store east of the corner of Fairview and Locust Grove.
At this point in time we have met all the requirements required by the City without any
significant deviation including some additions to the drawings that you have already
been given. Where we have included more trees in the internal part of the parking lot
of the store, we have provided more screening on the south side of the property on
Wilson Lane. We have also met with ACHD and have met all of their requirements
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 52
as well. We have a development agreement that has been submitted to the City and it
is under review right now to be completed in this next week is our understanding or
within this week. We have reviewed all the City department comments that have been
given to us so far and we have no problems complying with any of those. For a little
background on our business D & B Supply has been doing business in the valley here
for over 30 years. We feel that our business has a lot to offer in the way of products
and services for Meridian. We are going to have a very positive impact on the tax
base of Meridian I think. We are anxious to do business here in Meridian and we are
anxious to contribute to the City of Meridian any way that we can. Unfortunately
though the time is of the essence for us now. We need to get started on construction
this fall before we get into any kind of freezing conditions in order for us to be open
next spring. From the drawings that we have given you we hope we have convinced
you that this is going to be a very attractive store. We think it is going to be a very
good addition to the City of Meridian. I would be available for any questions at all.
Shearer: Do you have these 4 extra lots there, do you have any idea what those are
going to be at this point?
Schrandt: At this point no, this is just a request for the D & B portion and those lots will
be represented in the future at Planning and Zoning meetings.
Johnson: Anyone else have any questions of Mr. Schrandt?
Hepper: Have you seen the findings of facts?
Johnson: No, those are preliminary if we have them.
Hepper: There is a comment about the Comp Plan calls for a 35 foot setback on the
front landscaping for an entry corridor into the City. It states here that the applicant
was proposing a 15 foot setback and on the drawing it shows a 12 1/2 foot setback.
Schrandt: The setbacks from the center of Fairview?
Hepper: I am not sure.
Schrandt: We understand that we are in compliance with ACHD in all setbacks and as
far as the landscaping border on the Fairview side we got in drawings we are proposing
a 25 foot.
(Inaudible)
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 53
Schrandt: For the landscape portion? It could be, Wayne that it is an older drawing
there but it is my understanding that we had a 25 foot landscaped area there. I believe
from day 1 we have had 25 feet.
Hepper: Is the 35 foot setback possible or is the size of lot not allow that?
Schrandt: it really impacts significantly into the parking we have available on the lot.
We are trying to be in conformance with what else is being developed along that same
strip anyway. I have been talking with, (inaudible) addressing that 25 foot. In our
conversations with city personnel we understand that 25 would be an acceptable type
of distance there.
Hepper: Could you comment on the shrubbery and the trees and planting that you
plan on having?
Schrandt: Right now we have got a number of them in the drawings, we met with Shari
Stiles and she has given us the requirement that there be on the property 68 3 inch
caliber trees as part of the landscaping requirement. In addition to that will be many
decorative shrubbery along that same landscape area too. Our idea here is we want
to make this thing look very attractive to folks that are going to be shopping in the area
and we don't, we are not going to be sloppy at all when it comes to the landscaping.
As you have seen in that design we have, there is a lot of screening all around that
property, and in a new store that we have built in Ontario we have done the same type
of thing, we put in more landscaping than what they had required over there.
Hepper: Could you comment about any fencing or anything on the back of the
property. There is a residence back there that faces directly into the back of the store,
is there any possible thing that can be done to that. I don't know put in some trees or
shrubs to help the view of the back of the store.
Schrandt: We are going to be continuing in providing landscaping across the back of
the store as well. That was a comment made by Shari and we don't' have any problem
providing that as well. It is not (inaudible) but that was one of the new requirements
that she talked to us about and we don't' have any problem with that. We are going to
make sure that it is going to, it is not going to be a hazard when people are trying to
pull out of that area onto Wilson Lane at this point it time it is not a problem but
whatever developments happen on down the road and if Wilson becomes a busier
street we want to make sure we don't create a blockage so they can't get out and see
what kind of traffic is coming.
Hepper: Will you guys be improving Wilson Lane?
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October 11, 1994
Page 54
Schrandt: Yes, we are meeting ACHD requirements and improving that lane, where
we do our half whether the paving.
Johnson: Anyone else? This is a public hearing would anyone else like to come
forward?
Tom Zabala, 815 Park Boulevard, Boise, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Zabala: I know the hour is late and I appreciate your diligence to the task at hand
here. I myself have served over 10 years on the Boise City Planning and Zoning and
Design Review Commission so I know what an effort it is at these public hearings.
When I came here this evening I didn't have a receding hair line or a beard so I have
been here quite a while. I am here this evening however along with Mr. Fred Mack, we
are representing Thom and Barbara Myall who own the property to the south of the
subject proposal across Wilson Lane. We have had the opportunity to review the site
development plans. The earlier plans that were proposed for this project and like your
staff have had some concerns that we would like to share with you this evening. We
do request that conditions be added to any recommendation for approval by the body to
the City Council to ensure that this project is developed in accord with the Meridian
zoning and development ordinance and the comprehensive plan so that it is in fact
harmonious with the intended character of the neighborhood and future land uses in
the area. As designed and again I can only refer to the plans that we have been privy
and not what we've heard by the applicant here this evening. Although we do
commend them for their commitment to doing the landscaping correctly, but in terms of
the plans that we are privy to we believe that the landscaping along the south property
line is inadequate. Immediately fronting the Myall property there is presently indicated
477 linear feet of unbuffered unlimited access frontage. The back of this area is
indicated as the applicant's loading dock, their service area and their refuse area with
unobstructed vehicular access along its entire length. There is no indication on the
drawings that we are aware of that the existing lighting can, exterior lighting we can
only assume there will be wall mounted lighting directed toward the street for both early
morning and late evening operations and or for security. Trucks and vehicles that will
be using this area will be there we assume on a continual basis with their lights
perhaps horns, motors running, doors slamming etc. I do have and would like to enter
into the record this evening this site plan which we will elaborate on. As you probably
know Wilson Road is not developed as a major and will probably not be developed as a
major commercial retail access road. It is conceivable that the highest and best use
for the Myall's property to the south will be zoning that will allow for either Limited
Office type uses or medium to high density residential uses. The applicant's current
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 55
proposal creates what we believe to be a dangerous, injurious, obnoxious and
otherwise objectionable conditions which would adversely impact these surrounding
areas and not be in the best interest of the City of Meridian. We would request that
your recommendation for approval include conditions that require the applicant to
number 1 provide and maintain adequate landscape screening and buffers along this
south property line to protect the adjacent property line from excessive exposure to
noise, refuse, fumes, glare of lights, debris, miscellaneous mechanical, electrical
ground mounted equipment in that area, or any other unsightly developments that may
occur at the rear of this building. And this is a fairly significant size building on this big
piece of property. We would also like that the applicant provide and apparently there
is conditions under way to that effect. The appropriate right of way improvements that
will not only define and limit vehicular and service truck access to the sight but there by
avoid creating any interference or hazards with traffic on the adjacent Wilson Street.
We believe that this will provide, safe and fast and efficient movement of both vehicles
and pedestrians along this frontage. We would request that the conditions of approval
be specific in that the applicant specifically define the improvements that are proposed
along here and that those improvements should include a minimum of 5 to 6 foot high
screen to be provided along the south property line. This screen may include fencing,
walls and or landscape combinations to provide a dense sight obscuring sound
absorbing buffer. We believe the planting should be installed with gross characteristic
which will provide the right height and sight obscuring capabilities within a 2 year
period of time, that the landscape area should be developed with a random and natural
layout with both coniferous and deciduous elements. All planters we believe should
not be less than 6 feet wide within the property to provide adequate growth area for
plantings and to protect from dehydration along this south side. Obviously all
landscaped areas should be fully equipped with automatic sprinkler systems. We
believe that access to Wilson Road should be limited to the 3 access points and egress
points that we have indicated. And that obviously clear vision triangles be observed in
regard to all screens and vegetation, walls or other items that may be built in there for
other purposes. Any lights that occur along this area should be shielded or arranged
to reflect away from the properties to the south. And of course as we have mentioned
that all of the requirements by the Ada County Highway District for street
improvements, curb, gutter and sidewalk should be fully improved along that property
line. We believe that D & B Supply will be a good neighbor in this area and we
appreciate their commitment to doing the job right. We believe that the conditions as
we have outlined them here this evening will encourage further excellence in creativity
in the design for future developments and promote the goals of the comprehensive
plan. Thank you very much, I would like to enter this testimony into the record also. I
would be happy to answer any questions.
Johnson: Are they any questions of Mr. Zabala? This is a public hearing, is there
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 56
anyone else that would like to come forward at this time?
Thom Myall, 6227 Marlbourough Drive, Goleta, CA, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Myall: I would like to read a prepared statement. I am representing my wife, Barbara
Myall and myself. We are the property owners at 1470 N. Locust Grove Road,
Meridian Idaho, which is immediately south of the NEB-i proposal. This property was
the home of my wife's late parents for thirty years and is presently rural residential in
Ada County and zoned Rural Transitional (RT). We have maintained a gravel road
down Wilson Lane to our residence during this time. The property consists of a
residence and approximately 16 acres, lots 18, 19 and 20 of Pleasant Valley
Subdivision. The home is viable residence which is currently leased. At this time we
do not know how our land will be developed. We realize Meridian is experiencing
growth and desires commercial development to increase its tax base, provide jobs and
offer local shopping, a goal stated in the Meridian Comprehensive Plan. As
commercial development encroaches in an historically rural residential subdivision,
often incompatible land uses result. The Meridian Comprehensive Plan addresses this
issue relative to the Pleasant Valley Subdivision, which is designated as a Mixed Use
area. Policies applicable to development are stated, specifically paragraph 5.18U,
pages 28, "existing residential properties will be protected from incompatible land use
development in this area. Screening and buffers will be incorporated into all
development requests in this area." Also, the issue of screening and buffering is
addressed in the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, August 16, 1994.In
addition, the Meridian Zoning and Development Ordinance 1993 contains ordinances
that diffuse the adverse affects of commercial uses on residential property. The
following items are applicable to this development and of interest to us. 1. Provision
for commercial and industrial uses. 2. Outdoor storage of commercial and industrial
material. 3. Design standards for off-street parking. In addition to the written
testimony of October 5, 1994 submitted to the Meridian Planning and Zoning by Mr.
Fred Mack and Mr. Zabala's comments this evening, we have the following concerns
relative to the impact of the NEB-i proposal will have on our property. The present
application and site plan show a D & B retail store, with parking lot and storage yard.
There is a potential for glare from the parking area lights and rear store security lights
and the potential for contaminated water run-off from the parking area and building.
We are currently on a well at the residence. In reference to the aforementioned
policies and ordinances, and in order to minimize the adverse affects created by the
development on the continued enjoyment of our residence and any future development
of our property, we suggest the following be required: 1. Appropriate landscaping,
berming and fencing be increased from what is shown on the site plan to extend the
entire length of the storage yard, building and parking lot as they abut Wilson Lane. 2.
The rear of the site be limited to 3 access points on Wilson Lane, 2 curb cuts located
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October 11, 1994
Page 57
at the west end and one curb cut to the east end. These two items wold reduce the
adverse impacts of glare and noise and unsightly view from our residence. 3. We
request that all drainage from the site enter a sewer system. 4. We request that
during the construction ingress and egress to our residence not be blocked at any time.
Thank you for the opportunity to express our concerns. I have the prepared statement.
Johnson: Thank you. How long have you actually owned the property?
Myall: We have owned the property for approximately 4 years, my wife lived there for
2 years prior to our marriage.
Johnson: At one time there was some commercial use of that property was there not?
Myall: Not that I am aware of, unless the raising of alfalfa on that land.
Johnson: I thought there was a sign business operated out of that residence for some
time?
Myall: (Inaudible) our rental contract states that there will be no commercial business
ran out of that house. We found out through some neighbors that it was being done
and it was moved immediately I believe over by the glass place on the corner. I think
that is where they are right now, it was Mark's.
Johnson: I don't know the fellows name it was Signs Inc. or something like that. Any
questions, any further questions? Anyone else from the public? Dick did you have
some final comments?
Schrandt: Just to answer some of the comments that were made by Mr. Zabala we
have already addressed that there will be additional landscaping provided on the south
side of that building. The agreement or the arrangement that we have with the Ada
County Highway District is that there is not going to be unlimited access off the back of
that property. There is curb and gutter going to be provided there as well as only 2 40
foot cut outs for access to that property. there will be some wall mounted lighting at
the back of that building but our design allows for that to be pointed down ward so it
does not shine out onto the road at all, we have that on our other buildings now and it
works very effectively in preventing any kind of glare that shines out into any kind of
traffic or any adjacent properties. The truck traffic that was mentioned is very over
stated, we only have a truck that comes to our store during normal business hours, it
comes, the most we would ever see a truck at a store would be once a day and again
that would be during normal business hours. We send our own truck to the store once
a week again during normal business hours. There aren't an blaring horns and
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October 11, 1994
Page 58
dazzling lights at night. This is a very clean retail store, there is nothing toxic or
noxious about our product mix or anything that we put in our yards. There is no
external noise in the equipment that we use, our forklifts are the only thing that runs
around outside and those are propane fueled so they are very quiet. As far as
contamination due to water, I am not sure where that would come from, again our
products are not contaminated, not toxic. All water run off will be contained on the
property according to code and arrangements that we have already made.
Hepper: Would you address the fencing that they mentioned?
Schrandt: We have fencing all the way around our yard, our property in our design.
In addition to the fencing there is screening from trees and shrubbery all the way
around the property too.
Hepper: Would this include that strip across the back of the building that didn't show on
the map?
Schrandt: Yes, the fencing comes around part way and then like I mentioned before
we will be providing more landscaping across the back of that store.
Hepper: Would the fencing be included with that landscaping across the back of the
store?
Schrandt: No fencing, I am not sure what the fencing would accomplish.
Hepper: More or less a screen for the residents, I assume the residence is just
opposite the store.
Schrandt: No, the residence is off (inaudible) there is nothing behind the store itself.
Hepper: Although someday there could be, the general ideas that it would probably be
high density housing that would be the normal transition from commercial to residential.
Whether it happens or not we don't' know. I don't know, I don't personally feel that a
6 foot fence across the back of there is not an unreasonable request.
Schrandt: If the requirement is that there be some screening we will provide whatever
screening is necessary.
Johnson: Any other questions? Anyone else, any further comments? I will close the
public hearing then. I see the attorney has already prepared preliminary findings of
fact and conclusions of law, what is your position Mr. Crookston with respect to acting
on these in light of the testimony?
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October 11, 1994
Page 59
Crookston: (Inaudible)
Johnson: We need a motion.
Rountree: Mr. Chairman, I make a motion that the preliminary findings of fact and
conclusions be amended to reflect the testimony tonight and specifically addressing the
screening of the Wilson Lane side of the development.
Shearer: Second
Johnson: It is moved and seconded that we amend the preliminary findings of fact and
conclusions of law that have been prepared to reflect the testimony, any pertinent
presented this evening, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
Johnson: It was your intent that those have to re-drawn or amended?
Rountree: They have to be amended.
ITEM #15: PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR ANNEXATION AND ZONING WITH
A PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR DANBURY FAIR SUBDIVISION 5, 6, AND 7 BY B.W.
INC.:
Johnson: I will now open the public hearing and invite a representative for Danbury
Fair subdivision to come forward.
Dan Torfin, 250 South Beechwood, Boise, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Torfin: Mr. Chairman, members of the Commission the application before you tonight
contains a request for annexation and zoning, and preliminary plat approval for the 3
parcels that are shown on this map over here on the easel. These parcels are located
adjacent to the existing developed and developing Danbury Fair subdivision which is
designated as R-8 zoning. The parcel to the lower left is designated as phase 5, it
contains 33 lots on 10.4 acres. That is also designated as an area for urban
development on the comprehensive plan, it is located on a collector street adjacent to a
potential green belt area. The highest and best use for property with those
classifications would be for multi-family and high densities, we are proposing single
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October 11, 1994
Page 60
family that is compatible with the surrounding area including existing homes to the west
across the Five Mile Drain. We are proposing a pocket park, it is the green area in
that middle block that will be developed with playground equipment. Sewer and water
services will be extended to serve this project. Access will be through the existing
Danbury Fair subdivision through a street that is currently scheduled to be constructed
sometime in November. No development would occur in that area until that street was
extended. Like I said this phase is adjacent to the Five Mile Creek which is a potential
greenbelt area. We are contemplating preserving access for the Nampa Meridian
Irrigation district along the Five Mile Creek. There is approximately 15 to 18 feet of an
existing road that they have. We are also proposing that area could be developed as
a green belt or a pathway, a multi-use pathway which in my mind that is probably a
gravel pathway, we are talking bicyclist and possibly equestrians and walkers. We
would like, if we develop that as a pathway we would like to make sure the City of
Meridian would take over ownership and maintenance of that pathway that could be
incorporated into a master pathway system for you as things develop along the creek.
Phase 6 which is the piece over to the east side and it fronts on Locust Grove contains
73 lots. It is on 18.93 acres. We have modified that area based on some
requirements from ACHD and I would like to hand out a new 8 1/2 by 1 copy that shows
the stub streets. One to the north, we have been approved by the Ada County
Highway District subject to providing a stub street to the north as shown in the
northeast corner of the phase 6. And the main reason for that was there is a parcel of
ground between our project and another project that is proposed to the north and it is
kind of a narrow deep piece and they are concerned about access for that parcel. The
City of Meridian has a requirement that blocks lengths will not exceed a thousand feet.
We have put the stub street in at this location and we still have, if you interpret the
block length from the stub street to the northwest corner we are still over 1000 feet, if
that is in fact the interpretation in your ordinance we would see a variance from the City
Council when and if we get to that level. We are also proposing an access from this
#6 phase to a park that is proposed in phase 3 that will be developed in the spring of
1995. We also, while we are talking about a park if I could point it out, in this area
right here in phase 1 which contains a basketball court and play ground equipment I
would like to give you a hand out on that. (Inaudible) They are, these parks are
owned and maintained by the homeowners association and have provided in the
developed phases recreation opportunities for the residents of Danbury. We have
received a favorable comments from the homeowners in the subdivision. Phase #7
which is the northerly portion in the small culdesac was included within the original
preliminary plat of Danbury Fair. We are constructing a veterinary clinic just north of
that parcel and went through a rezone that required us to go back through the process
and include some R-8 property that was rezoned and was previously approved by the
City Council. It contains 12 lots on 3.07 acres. It is adjacent to commercial and the
green area is a buffer that is proposed to be installed in conjunction with the
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October 11, 1994
Page 61
development of the vet clinic. The Danbury Fair Subdivision is an entry level
subdivision, it is a transitional zone surrounded by some heavier commercial and
industrial uses. We are heavily, strongly involved in the architectural control of the
subdivision, we are kind of proud of the subdivision, the location and what we have
been able to accomplish as far as the looks of the homes and the quality of the
subdivision. I would like to hand out a couple of pictures to you. We feel like
Danbury is one of the quality entry level housing subdivisions in the area. We
accomplished that by a strong architectural control committee. We require all homes
to have brick, in many cases we have gone back and made the builders do, put more
brick on if it doesn't seem adequate. We require everything to be approved and strong
control on fences and colors. And we feel like we are doing a good job on that. like I
said we are in a transitional area, primarily in a mixed planned use area where there
are other developments and other things that are happening out there other than
residential. We are requesting R-8 zoning for this property with the 1100, 1200 and
1300 square foot homes. We are not allowing anything under 1100 square feet. I
would like to show you this map and this map shows, this is the vicinity right here and
to the north of us is some commercial uses that are under construction right now. To
the northeast we have the auto salvage yard, these are our neighbors, over here to the
east we have a tool manufacturing plant. This would be across a field that was
proposed for some development, high density residential and industrial, across from
them we have the (inaudible) plant. This parcel over here to the south (inaudible)
homes that are compatible with what we have developed. They are older homes, they
are probably 15, years old and probably of the similar size. This is another neighbor
right across the creek from us, the creek lies right here. This is another home in the
area and also along the west boundary of this development we have apartments, high
density. So we feel strongly that in order to compete and in keeping with what we have
done at Danbury so far we need to have the R-8 zoning and be able to build the 1100,
25% would be 1100 square foot, 25% - 1200, and then 50% would be 1300 and above.
Regarding, we received a letter from Dan Mabe of the School district indicating that
his original letter submitted to the City was in error and that they did not require a site
in this area and that they felt like with the bond election and some other schools that
they have planned that they could adequately serve without a school in this area. I will
introduce into the record a copy of that letter. As I stated previously, they feel that the
school that they have planned in the Edgeview Subdivision off of Cloverdale will
adequately provide some classroom space for this development, 118 lots this is
probably a 3 to 5 year project so we are not talking about this subdivision coming on
line all of a sudden. In fact we are building phase 4 of Danbury right now. Which
contains 66 lots. The traffic plan for this subdivision has been approved by ACHD,
their board of Commissioners approved this new preliminary plat of 5, 6, and 7 last
week with the condition that we provide the stub streets. We are providing, we have 2
access points right now for the development which is Stonehenge to Pine and
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October 11, 1994
Page 62
Stonehenge to Fairview in a circuitous route and you can see the existing streets
depicted on there that link that all together. With the new development we are putting
in a third access point out to Locust Grove and Locust Grove will be a major road that
will be able to handle the additional traffic load even as it exists now we will widen it to
meet ACHD's requirement. They have asked for 45 feet from center line. In addition
to that another stub street is proposed in this location, ties into Atkins Lane which is an
existing gravel road that can also provide another access point for the subdivision.
When the preliminary plat for Danbury Fair was approved their was a stub street shown
to this 18 plus acres and at that time we entered testimony on the preliminary plat that
someday that street would go through and here we are now with plan for it. The land
package had been put together but the farmer that farmed that ground didn't know (End
of Tape). In the staff report for this project, the City Engineer is indicating that he
would like to have the traffic analyzed. Ada County Highway District has not put that
requirement on us and with 4 access points which is probably more access for a
subdivision of this size than any that probably exist in Meridian to this degree, to major
arterial roads. We feel like the analysis is complete, there was a traffic study
completed when we went through the first time it was approved by ACHD. So we would
like to have that requirement stricken. Back to the Five Mile Creek, we have just
recently gone through an engineering analysis of the floodplain for the Five Mile Creek.
I believe your Mayor and City Engineer have received correspondence from FEMA
that modified the floodway and floodplain lines in this area. It was based on new data,
the topography was in error and we showed through new topography that the floodplain
didn't actually exist to the extent that was shown meandering through phases 3 and 4.
It has now been pulled over, the floodway is totally in the channel of the Five Mile
Creek and the floodplain line now runs right through here in phase 5 only of any of the
Danbury property developed or proposed for development. Our plan for that is to
remove that from the floodplain by means of fill and that is in that area somewhere
around 3 to 6 inches and we have done that in the past. It is just a process with
FEMA. In all actuality the road that the bike path is on is above that line, it is a highway
spot and there is a little swell behind the access road that needs to be filled. Gary
Smith, your City Engineer may be able to respond to the recent information received by
FEMA. We have submitted covenants for this for the new phases, the master
declaration which has been recorded. As we develop we just annex the additional
phases to that, that is our plan. We are also proposing to provide pressurized
irrigation, we are retro-fitting the existing phases and our design that we have right now
and that we are completing getting the approvals on will service these future phases.
That is about all I have, I would be happy to answer any questions you have.
Johnson: Any questions of Dan? Anyone else from the public like to come forward?
Bernadine Morgan, 1187 East Fairview, was sworn by the City Attorney.
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October 11, 1994
Page 63
Morgan: Where the #7 is on the map there is our property and we look into 14 back
yards. Would there be any possibility that we could have that side fenced please.
Johnson: How much acreage do you have their?
Morgan: About 5
Johnson: Is there just one home on it?
Morgan: Yes (inaudible) and across the back it is 14 backyards. Everything that you
don't want to put in the front you put in the back. We have young people from Danbury
subdivision cutting across our place. We have horses in there in the summer time and
we don't want anyone to get hurt. That is it.
Johnson: I appreciate your comment, thank you. Anyone else?
Melinda Harper, 1004 North Scrivner Way, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Harper: I have friends that live in the Danbury Fair development and I commend the
developer on the phases so far, they are very attractive. I have no qualms there, since
you get sarcastic as it gets later I will make it quick. One thing, there is a lot of trash
and debris that is created during construction and this is nothing new to anybody. I
know that when my house was being built that houses around me were being built I
could tell you every day what every construction crew worker had for lunch because I
picked it up. I am hoping that there will be dumpsters that will be supplied and
hopefully mandated for the builders to use. And although many people may not think
about it I hope their are portable toilets please because I get tired of people doing it in
public. There are safety hazards, lots of nails and things laying around and children
love construction sites, so I hope that is considered. I am trusting and I hope that
there will be lighting that is good and safe and yet is not offensive for those of us who
live behind. Traffic, there is a big problem of traffic and it is increasing and I have sat
here tonight and so far there are 4 developments coming up that will be affecting
Locust Grove, Layne, D & B, Bedelco and now Danbury. So I am hoping that traffic is
addressed and I would like to see that road, you are saying there will be a setback and
I know that road is going to be widened eventually, I would like to see the traffic speed
on that road diminished to 25 miles per hour because there are children on that road
and as these houses are coming on line there will be more children. Buffering, I do
see that you have some buffering and it certainly looks nicer than what we have, I won't
say anything there. I hope that ordinances are observed and as it starts getting darker
even though the nights tend to be longer in the summer that the builders who are there
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 64
will at least take us into consideration and not putting on a roof at 12:00 o'clock at
night. As for a gravel pathway, that sounds really nice, it would be nice to have a
gravel pathway with bikes and walking, I hope there is a restriction so that motorized
vehicles are not allowed. Thank you.
Johnson: Thank Melinda, anyone else? Dan would you come up we have a couple of
questions for you and you probably have a couple comments you want to make. One
thing, the question regarding the fence up by the numeral 7 there is that a possibility, is
anything planned for that?
Torfin: Typically what we have done and I think for the most part along the Morgan's
boundary with exception of maybe one parcel the homeowners have fenced.
Johnson: That has been the trend.
Torfin: That is what we, if we are up against a ditch than we will.
Johnson: There is no ditch there.
Torfin: No, the ditch comes in and goes this way.
Johnson: It is not in your covenants they have to fence though?
Torfin: No
Johnson: The photograph you gave us of the basketball court is that a photograph of
what is there now?
Torfin: Yes, that is the most northerly part and then we have this park down here
which is nearly double that size and then the park here which is (inaudible) a basketball
court in the northerly one and playground equipment and grass and pathways and it
(inaudible). The people like to have those near their homes so they can watch their
kids from their kitchen windows and they are positive.
Johnson: Are you aware of the petition that the City has received signed by some 18 or
so individuals opposing this project?
Torfin: Yes, we have seen it, I make my point again that we are compatible with what
they have on that side. I think, it seems like the issue was losing the wildlife habitat
and it is a field of weeds right now with an irrigation road access along it. There
(inaudible) inside the channel but for the most part, I may have some pictures. I can
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 65
show you what (inaudible) I guess we like the birds and the bees and the animals as
much as all of these people on the other side, they, if you can see in the picture those
developments have come right to the bank so there is not room for access along there
and there is no (inaudible) area at all. We are proposing to maintain a 15 to 18 foot
area for a gravel pathway. I don't' think it necessarily needs to have sod down the side
of it, maybe windflowers or some other type vegetation that provides a cover and a
corridor for the bids along there.
Johnson: Have you had any meetings with any people that object to the, I believe on
Cathy Lane?
Torfin: No I have not, I just received the staff report Monday and haven't really had a
chance to address it.
Johnson: Anyone else have any questions? Tim
Hepper: We just had a subdivision just north of where that 6 is (inaudible) right above
that we had a piece there that adjoins the salvage yard there. We had lots of
testimony from residents in Danbury Fair that wanted us to keep that at 1300 square
feet. If I remember right we did except for those pieces of property that were on the
northern edge that were adjoining the salvage yard we allowed them to go with the
smaller footage homes, but the balance of those homes was required to be 1300
square feet and that was mainly because of concerns of the residents in Danbury Fair.
Torfin: I will tell you that in Danbury right now, 50% of the homes that are 1100 and
1200 square feet and you probably weren't hearing from people that couldn't afford
1300 square foot house. If you look at these houses that I have given you, from the
outside the 1300 and the 1100 look a lot the same. There is a little bit difference in
price. And in this transitional zone and given the surroundings if we had to build 1300
or larger everyplace north of Locust Grove requires 1300 or larger we couldn't compete
for one thing and we are also trying to provide an area where there is a transition in
these mixed uses to allow for some of these entry level homes. A 1300 is an entry
level also, but the 1100 and 1200 are important to a lot of people. It is the difference
from them being able to get into a home or living in an apartment. I think if we
eliminate that, especially in this area, you will see us back, or see other people back
proposing apartments because it is astronomical the cost to get into a house anymore.
So, I think with the mix we are proposing 50% to be 1300 we are not proposing
anything less than an 1100, we have a lot of people that live in there that is the
difference for them to be able to get into a home. And they are nice homes.
Hepper: First of all everything north of Fairview on Locust Grove is 1350 or bigger, a
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October 11, 1994
Page 66
lot of them are going to 1400 now. I don't think we are passing anything that is
(inaudible) so if you had 1300 I don't think we have any subdivision in Meridian that we
passed lately that we allowed 1300 so you would still have an edge on the market.
Torfin: I think there are still quite a few homes, unplatted lots north of Locust Grove
that can build a 1300, 1350, I think they are almost the same thing as far as 50 more
square feet in a home. I don't think it pencils out, if you had the option of going here or
going north you would probably go north given the manufacturing concerns and the
commercial concerns and the traffic. I say that, we want to be able to compete and we
are business and we want to compete, but also there is a need and that need is going
to travel west to Canyon County as there are no more affordable lots in Meridian or
anywhere else.
Hepper: I feel if Canyon County wants 1100 foot houses they can have them,
personally I really don't feel that the residents in Meridian want 1100 foot houses. I
realize from an economic standpoint as a builder, because I am a builder that 1100 foot
houses economically sell a lot better and there is a need for them. With the growth
that Meridian has got I don't' necessarily feel that the people of Meridian want 1100 foot
houses in Meridian.
Torfin: I don't know what the numbers are.
Hepper: It is just an opinion thing, I think a 1300 square foot house you would still
have an edge on the market because everyone else is required to have something a
little bigger. Most of them are going bigger than that, beyond that anyway, they are
going 1400, 1500 square feet.
Torfin: As a builder do you see a lot of those larger homes not moving though in
Meridian?
Hepper: Yes, because of the interest rates, just recently before that we were selling
them as fast as we could build them. As soon as the interest rate went up then
everything came to a screeching halt.
Torfin: And we are faced with that too, so everything like that will cause us problems.
I guess I disagree if you can go north and build a 1350 or in a 1400 you would probably
do that and I would just ask that you give us consideration given the area in which we
are located and the things that are proposed at Locust Grove, the existing uses.
Hepper: Would you be willing to compromise on the square footage, they have a
requirement I think it is 10% 1100 and 20% for 1200 square feet, would you be willing
to compromise and go 30% 1200 square feet and then the rest bigger or something like
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October 11, 1994
Page 67
that?
Torfin: We have already eliminated the 1000 square so we are not proposing that first
step in there, 1100 is the bottom. I feel like we are compromising and we wanted to
make that step to keep the quality up in the subdivision and that was a compromise and
we carry that throughout all the other phases of the Danbury Fair.
Johnson: We have to move this along, we are running into tomorrow. Anything else?
Is there anyone else before I close the public hearing?
Dennis Baker, 250 South Beechwood, Suite 120, Boise, was sworn by the City
Attorney.
Baker: Mr. Chairman, members of the Commission, due to the late hour I just wanted
to make a thank you for your indulgence and would like to make one comment as the
developer of Danbury. I am also the developer of several other subdivisions over the
last 25 - 27 years in the area here and Island Woods is one of them, I address myself
to Island Woods as one of the ones where we had a lot of environmental issues. As to
this petition that was addressed talking about repairing an area along the Five Mile
Creek. With our environmental experts the environmental engineer Mr. Gebhardt and
his wife Joyce Gebhardt botanist (inaudible) as we looked into all of this along the river
and the (inaudible) north and south channels which are on the actual island of Eagle
Island what we found was it was incompatible to have pedestrian traffic up and down a
green belt area along the river and still protect the (inaudible) and the wildlife areas. If
we are going to have a path and green belt along Five Mile then you don't need to
expect that you are going to have (inaudible) wildlife area in that area. The biggest
single detraction to bald eagles for wintering and the biggest single detraction to
wildlife along the rivers is pedestrian traffic and not living close to the river. It is the
pedestrian traffic, this is not Dennis Baker speaking this is documentation by way of
studies that have been done on Eagle habitat and other wildlife habitats. I think you
might consider that in your considerations and your findings of fact. We really also
feel on the density issue that we would like to hold to the densities that we are asking
for with the area to the east of us across Locust Grove in an industrial range for
commercial industrial, allowing from some residential. I don't' think you are going to
find much residential mixing too much in there with the industrial commercial unless it is
extremely carefully monitored as to how you put your industrial commercial next to your
residential. It would have to be very carefully monitored. So we have the industrial
on the north of us on the east and on the south of us and we have an older
neighborhood on the west of us not in the best of condition. We ask that you consider
us as we have submitted to you tonight. Thank you.
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October 11, 1994
Page 68
Johnson: Thank you Mr. Baker. Is there anything else? I will close the public
hearing at this time. We need findings of fact prepared on this.
Shearer: I move we have findings of fact and conclusions of law prepared for this
project.
Rountree: Second
Johnson: Moved and second that we have the City Attorney prepare findings of fact
and conclusions of law for Danbury Fair Subdivision 5, 6, and 7, all those in favor?
Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #16: PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR ANNEXATION AND ZONING WITH
A PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR GROVE RUN SUBDIVISION BY JLG BUILDERS:
Johnson: Is there a representative for the JLG Builders?
Joe Glaisyer, 3955 North Cowboy Lane, Star, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Glaisyer: Gentlemen, I am back again requesting for annexation on a piece of parcel
that is located off of Locust Grove with approximately 5 acres and I am requesting,
originally I asked for 40 units, and because we had some testimony by some neighbors
who felt the density was too high we have re-evaluated that decision and I thought we
could make the project be economically feasible at 36 units, and that is what I have
proposed for you today. I believe you have all the information as required, to my
knowledge that was given to you prior to the last meeting but somehow it didn't get
passed along. At any rate I think you have everything you need here now. I know it is
late and there are several other people that want to testify for and against. So other
than that I would just entertain any questions you might have.
Johnson: Thanks Joe, any questions of Mr. Glaisyer?
Don Brian, 2070 North Locust Grove Road, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Brian: If I fall asleep during this wake me up will you. I need some clarification I
guess because when I was here at the first public hearing before it was asked to be
tabled I was under the understanding there were 20 units and now he is asking for 36.
So I thought it was being doubled in size.
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October 11, 1994
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Johnson: I think we are looking at duplexes, that is what the application says.
Brian: So if we are starting the process all over again I guess I better go over my list
on them on all of the things I would like to see done, like fencing and water monitoring
and we still haven't' gotten any clarifications as far as, I have a meeting Friday with Ada
County Highway District and the people are developing the shopping center on the
corner discussing the water and the ditch and the highway system. So I guess we will
find out then what we are going to do with the ditch that has been eliminated that feeds
that property. I imagine it is going to have to be pressurized irrigation. That is one of
my concerns on what is going to happen to the ditches out there. Of course we
discussed the fencing, and the fencing he agreed to put the fencing up before he
started construction to keep the trash enclosed inside. When I first gave testimony to
this project I thought it was 20 lots and 20 units, I guess I was under the wrong
assumption. I said that at that time I stated they sure could be a worse development
but from what I hear now it sounds like it is a lot worse development. I am going on
record as being opposed to it. Do you have any questions?
Johnson: As I recall Don that was, correct me if I am wrong Wayne, it was 20 lots and
they were all duplex townhouses. So it would be 2 units per lot for 40 was the original.
(Inaudible)
Johnson: Is that right, now we have eliminated 4 units which would be 2 units.
Brian: So it is a smaller development?
Johnson: It is smaller than it was only in terms of units, it is the same amount of land.
Two landscape lots and 36 building lots, 18 duplexes.
Brian; I am opposed to this project, thank you very much.
Eric Anderson, 2107 North Zircon Place, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Anderson: I have some grave concerns about the density of this, if you notice the
houses to the south of here, there seems to be basically 4 to the south side and you
look into Gem Park where I live, there are 9 total and there are 2 on the other side and
here we are we seem to be going away with the trend that is going on in that area. I sit
on a 1/3 acre lot but I don't know how far back from the lot line these houses would
have to sit. I would assume they are probably going to be 15 feet off of my back fence.
So to me there is a privacy issue going on here with this density and the noise.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 70
Johnson: Do you recall your lot number?
Anderson: I am number 5 in Gem Park, the corner one. I also have another concern
wit the water pressure that has been going on with all of the development out in that
area. There have been times at 5:00 at night that I turn on my sink and get no water
which is becoming a little ridiculous for the last 2 years. I have pop up sprinklers that
do not come up any more because of no water pressure in the area. I have daughter
now that is 2 years old who can't go to the school that is a block away from us because
it is full. I am looking at what we are packing in here and can't believe what is going
on with this. This to me is not following the same sort of density that is going on with
cougar Creek and the other ones that are being built around us. There is going to
have to be probably a lot more traffic going out on Locust Grove with these 36 tucked in
there, you figure 2 cars per house and as far as the first time this came I had never
been notified at all about this. T his is all becoming quite a surprise to quite a few of
us. The plot height right now between Gem Park and what they are proposing varies
anywhere from about 4 1/2 feet in the center of Gem Park clear down to my end which
is probably 2 - 2 1/2 feet. So I have some interest in what they are going to do with
that land. If they plan on raising it up. Whether there are 2 story buildings, 3 story
buildings (inaudible) what is going to be built and how they look then into our
backyards. The current houses that sit in Gem Park sit at least 40 feet off of those
back fences due to an easement. Mine sits closer to 55 feet so we have quite a deep
back yard at that point. If these houses are going to be stacked up against there I
think a lot of us in those area feel we are going to lose a lot in property values. I am
really opposed to this density, I don't think it follows the flow of the neighborhood that
surrounds it. Thank you.
Johnson: Thank you
Kathleen Coulter, 2095 North Amethyst, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Coulter: My lot is lot 27, it directly backs this project. The only thing I can say about it
is it is stupid. For one thing the street doesn't even look as big as the other streets. I
don't know if they have had to file with Ada County about the size of the street because
it does not look, I don't think it was when I was at the Meridian City Council meeting
when they first brought this up. It seemed to me the street as I recall was smaller and
the easements were less because there was not enough room. And they had requested
a variance and I don't know if that ever came about. I don't know the setback off of
Locust Grove. I am very concerned like my neighbors with the placement of the
houses, now you yourself Mr. Hepper had just said about the size of the houses, 1300
square foot, 1100 square foot. If you are going to pack 18 houses per site, they have
got to be less than 1100 square feet. Now my house is almost 2200 square feet on a
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October 11, 1994
Page 71
big lot and I am very concerned about the property value to my lot and to my neighbors
lot. Again, this is poor planning, a gentlemen earlier in testimony in another public
hearing said that you need to look at the whole area and this is a part of the whole area
that wasn't looked at years ago. It seems like it would have (inaudible) if the developer
of Gem Park would have bought the subdivision when he was developing the
subdivision and bought that 5 acres and just extended it down. Then it would flow
easier well that was not done and now we are in this. My water pressure, I have none,
just like the gentleman that just testified. There are times in the day when I try to turn
my water on and if someone else is watering I get barely a trickle out of my kitchen
faucet. If someone is trying to take a shower or bathe well heaven help getting any
water (inaudible). My lawn is dry in certain areas because there is no water to water
the lawn, sprinklers don't even pop up any more. And you want to put 36 more houses
in here.
Johnson: Who wants to put?
Coulter: Okay they want to put, it just seems like whatever is proposed anymore in
Meridian is just automatically passed and signed and it is going to be developed,
developed. I think it is time to pull back from development and let's get some wells.
Let's plan. I just don't think the wells in the area are going to be sufficient enough to
handle this many people. I don't' think the traffic patter is going to be able to handle 2
cars which is 72 cars coming in and out of there. If each unit has 2 cars per family. I
am very concerned about the setback and the easement against the back once those
go in there are they going to be within 5 feet of my fence and looking down into my
backyard. Obviously they are going to have to be 2 story and I am concerned with our
privacy. That is about all.
Johnson: Thank you
David Baley, 870 North Linder, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Baley: I wanted to come up and address a couple issues that they have talked about
here and there may be some mis-communication about what we are doing. There are
36 lots noted on the plat with 2 landscape lots and those are non-buildable lots that
provide frontage onto Locust Grove. We have met with the Highway District on this
plan and we have met all the requirements as far as the 45 feet from Locust Grove. It
turns out that area in there is actually a restriction of Locust Grove through there, and
the improvements that we will construct on the frontage there will actually improve the
traffic through that area. Locust Grove is designated as a minor arterial. In that
manner it is a good place for higher density development in that the traffic pattern does
flow better, there are some problems with restriction in that area that need to be
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 72
improved and this certainly helps that. On the street width due to the narrowness of
the lot in here, and I wanted to mention also this is an in fill project in that yes it should
have been planned for 10 years but maybe that developer didn't' have the money or
whatever it was at the time. This project will fill a blank area in there and there is
existing sewer and there is a question about the water which hasn't' been resolved yet
but that is something we will work with the City to get through to see what needs to be
done to provide this with water and not reduce the capacity of water to the surrounding
subdivisions. The street width we are proposing a 46 foot right of way in there which
has been approved by the Ada County Highway District, within that 46 foot right of way
we put a 36 foot street section and 5 foot sidewalks which are.
Johnson: That is wider than the original proposal right?
Baley: The original proposal, I don't have it in front of me but I believe that in the
original proposal we did have a 40 foot
Johnson: We are trying to help you here.
Baley: In any case we are proposing a 36 foot street section there which is a standard
street, that is what all of the streets are and a 5 foot sidewalks adjacent to the street
there and on Locust Grove in that area. The variance of the 46 feet gives us room in
order to keep the building more towards the street and still allow the 20 foot setback.
There will still be room for parking in the driveways and 2 car garages on each. Those
are single story units that are going to be going in there and when Steve Jensen gets
up here he can tell you the exact size of them. They are duplex units, each has 2 car
garage and they are single story units.
Johnson: Are they all about 800 square feet? I see the application shows 800 square
feet that is where I got that, that is why I asked that question.
(Discussion Inaudible)
Johnson: Anyway what is the minimum square footage?
Baley: The minimum square footage is 1228 square feet.
Hepper: Would those be single story or 2 story?
Baley: Single story buildings. I do want to be quick about this, I wanted to address a
couple of issues in the staff report here. The Nampa Meridian Irrigation District has a
comment in there about 60 foot right of way for the Jackson Drain and how that
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October 11, 1994
Page 73
encroaches on this property. There is a 50 foot easement to the north and that is why
there are all those big back yards in Gem Park Subdivision, there is already a 50 foot
easement there. There are no easements of record on this property and I am sure we
would be happy to provide them a 10 foot easement in the back to create their full 60
feet at that point but there is no easement of record for that Jackson Drain associated
with this property. And there are also some comments in the staff report from the city
engineer that indicate that they didn't' get the conceptual engineering plan that was
submitted and there are some questions about what is on that plan. I think that the
plan we submitted was substantially in accordance with the code on that and I will need
to get back with the City engineer and the Planning Director to find out what we missed
on there. There were 2 plans submitted one was a preliminary plat and the other was
a conceptual engineering plan. I would be glad to answer any questions if you have
any.
Hepper: Would these be built as duplexes or townhouses?
Baley: They will be built as townhouses. Each unit will be sold separately.
Hepper: Each one will have a separate power meter, water meter?
Baley: Yes
Hepper: Fire walls between the units?
Baley: Right that is correct. And the minimum lot size in this zone is 4250 square feet
for the lot size and we are meeting that minimum lot size.
Johnson: Any other questions? Thank you.
Steve Jensen, 1420 W. Washington Street, Boise, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Jensen: Thank you, I know it is late, I will try to be brief as I can. I think the first thing
that I would like to re-emphasize here is that this definitely is an in fill type project. It is
unfortunate that this particular piece of ground was not provided in the existing
subdivisions, we have Gem Park to the north, Meridian Place to the west and Carol
Subdivision to the south of this parcel. It is basically landlocked with those
surrounding subdivisions. It is certainly not the intent of the developer to put in a
subdivision here that is going to devalue anybody's property and we would like to
stress right off that this is a single level unit, it is designated or targeted for a senior
citizen market, it hasn't been 2 1/2 weeks since it appeared in the Idaho Statesman that
the City of Meridian has no senior citizen type developments and really has a lack of
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 74
any kind of senior citizen type housing. What we have done with these projects in the
past we found that 75% of the units do sell to senior citizens, the remaining 25% of the
units normally sell to single adults or to married adults with no children. We have a
plan here that has full 2 car garages, with some fairly heavy restrictions as far as the
use of those dwellings and the types of animals if any that will be provided for there.
There are 6 foot privacy fencing going around the entire exterior of that property, and
then everybody's individual backyards will be privacy fenced as well. As the engineer
stated the Gem Park to the north, the closest that any of those people are to the
property line is 50 feet and likewise with Carol subdivision to the south we are meeting
all the minimum setback requirements of a 20 foot front setback and a 15 foot rear
setback throughout this development. I do have copies of the plans, I would be happy
to show anybody that would be interested, the building plans. Like I said the smallest
units is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath 1228 square foot unit with a 22 foot wide garage. It is a
nice size unit and I mean in 2 bedrooms 1228 square feet is quite large. The 3
bedroom unit is a 1406 square foot unit with a 22 foot wide garage as well on the 3
bedroom unit. The subdivision restrictions will prevent anybody from parking vehicles
or anything like that on the street or it requires that they garage their vehicles. We are
trying to do a first class development here and fill a housing niche in the City of
Meridian that nobody else to this point of time has made an attempt to fill. It is
certainly not the intent of the developer to in any way negatively impact the surrounding
property owners property. That is not what we are going to do here, we have done
developments in the past similar to this one and that hasn't occurred in the past and it
is certainly not the intent of the developer in this situation.
Johnson: Have you done any of those recently and if so could you point us toward
one?
Jensen: The most recent one would be Silverton Park Subdivision in Boise just off of
Boise Avenue and Law which was a 14 unit development just completed by the
developer JLG Inc. less than a year ago.
Johnson: Are you familiar with the development similar to this maybe a little more
square footage, but not much the 8900 North Maple Grove, that is a situation very
similar to what you are doing. A few less units but sandwiched in between a couple
subdivisions and it is very nice. I thought maybe you were familiar with that one.
Jensen: I am not familiar with that particular one, do you know it by name by chance?
Johnson: It is called Juniper patio homes.
Jensen: Yes, I am familiar with Juniper, this would be similar to that development.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 75
For whatever, I have a rendering here, this is a rendering of the front of the building
(End of Tape) pretty nice street lane, we have talked along the lines of an old
fashioned street light pole to kind of alternate down the street, because that site is a
difficult site. There is really no other way to develop in there other than the way the
current developer has proposed it. So we thought if we alternated some street lights
going down the sides of that street and this project is totally landscaped and fenced
and delivered to the client. In other words underground sprinkler system is in and
operating when they take over the property it is all maintained by a homeowners
association, professionally maintained. The lawns, the homeowners association will
provide for the re-painting and re-roofing of the units as it becomes necessary. It has
the potential to be a full first class project and really fill a niche in the market place and
given the alternatives of what might happen in that area for the surrounding neighbors
which is the potential for apartments or whatever might come in there I think it is a
reasonable alternative. We are not going to be looking into anybody's backyard with a
single level unit. Those people with a 2 story unit might be looking into the backyards
of these units. Like I say they are a minimum of 50 feet off their property line and we
are 15 feet off the back property line of our property there.
Johnson: Do your covenants specifically restrict rentals?
Jensen: They don't' specifically restrict it no because there is really no way we can do
that. In the price range that these would be at they would have to rent in the $900 to
$1000 range to be economically viable. We don't' find very many people looking for
rentals in that price range, that isn't to say that they wouldn't go, but if they were a
rental they are going to be subject to the same restrictions. Everybody is going to
have to garage their car, they are not going to be able to do anything that is going to
adversely impact their other neighbors. That is what is so critical about this type of a
development is that it does require that everybody live in substantially a similar manner
but what we have is a senior citizen market out here and a single adult or a shall we
say or a single woman with one child that has neither the need nor the desire nor the
means to maintain a lawn but they want to live in a maintained area and want to have
an ownership interest. So, we would like to think we are filling a niche there and I
would hope that people would recognize it is not the intention of the developer to put
anything other than a first class unit in there because it is not going to sell and we
certainly don't' want to negatively impact the property values of anybody that is
adjacent to this property. I think they would be pleasantly surprised if they took a look
at the Silverton Park development off of Law Avenue and we also did a few years ago a
project over in Caldwell that is probably one of the more desirable places in town to live
at this point. If there are any questions I would be happy to try and answer them.
Johnson: Any questions? Thank you, anyone else?
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 76
Scott Stewart, 415 Baldmore Road, Boise, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Stewart: Mr. Chairman and members of the Commission I wanted to just briefly explain
the origin of the project. I was one of the 2 original people that began looking into this
particular piece of ground for really one major reason and that is we had discovered a
demand for housing for senior people. We discovered that in 2 ways one through
some research we did at the senior communities around Boise, very enthusiastic
support for single level townhouses which just aren't being built. They are in a range
that is affordable for seniors to buy and the second is a partner of mine and I we began
looking further into townhouses in a very extensive townhouse survey and contacting
many townhouse owners in the greater area, we found a very large need for single
level townhouses. Many people owning 2 story townhouses that weren't able to live
there wanted to move into single levels. Because of that we looked into this site and I
talked to the City staff here initially and got a very positive response. I guess for 2
reasons, one they sense the same demand for this kind of housing for singles and for
seniors. And also they felt like it would be a very desirable in fill project. They also
said at that time that it seemed to be a pretty good fit because there would be typically
seniors. I feel like Mr. Jensen's testimony is fairly accurate from the research we did,
him mentioning the 75%, we have been very careful in looking at that because I am
also in the real estate industry and trying to determine demand we are very careful
about what we build so we can eventually market it. And so that would reduce the
amount of traffic onto Locust Grove, also typically because we do find single people
who purchase these we generally don't' find 2 cars per unit and that also holds true for
the seniors. There is also the argument and I know Mr. Glaisyer made of economic
feasibility, when you have a site like this it has been sitting, I guess it is not technically
land locked but in a sense if you consider Locust Grove as a barrier it really isn't a land
locked piece. I want to speak highly of Mr. Glaiyser, I have seen his projects over the
last few years, he does extreme quality work, I can speak very highly of the Silverton
Park project in Boise and recommend you take a look there. And I also am a strong
advocate of private property rights, I stand here with that testimony that I feel very
strongly about that. I appreciate your efforts and time tonight. I would be happy to
take any questions.
Johnson: Any questions of Mr. Stewart?
Jay Jones, 1426 North Carol, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Jones: I am sure you all have a plot map, I live at Lot 9 which is one of the smaller lots
in Carol subdivision directly south of this property. Currently Lot 8 is vacant and Lot 7
is occupied as well as Lot 4. A couple of concerns I have, have already been voiced
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October 11, 1994
Page 77
at previous public hearings here and at the City Council meeting. And as well as other
people here. First of all we should all know that the reason the developer is doing this
project is the financial income just like all of us going to work. Let's not look past that
when we start thinking about the needs of the community. We need to know that the
needs of the community are important and that the people in the neighboring
neighborhoods position as well as comprehensive plan all needs to take effect in
deciding what happens to this piece of property. First of all to make this as short as
possible I would like to say that I am opposed to it on the grounds of density, as well as
the difference in property values. You are talking lot sizes of 4000 square feet next to
lot sizes of mine which is the smallest in the subdivision of 26,000 square feet others
are an acre and a 1/2, I don't have that number off the top of my head, but quite a
drastic change in the density ratio. If you notice on the map here there is I think 5 lots
that are adjacent to the back of my property so I would have 5 units behind my place. I
moved to the area to have a rural atmosphere and kind of moved out of a close tight
neighborhood. Granted you never know what is going in behind you. That was one
of the main reasons we moved into the area. Square footage of the homes, they
talked about the square footage being around 1200, my home is 3000 square feet with
a triple car garage. It is quite a drastic change there with property value I would
estimate right at half of these proposed and I think that would pull my property down as
well. If, and this is a strong if, but I think now is the time to put these recommendations
in, I really don't feel like I ought to make recommendations because I feel like this
project does not suit the particular needs of this area. But if for some reason this
project is proposed and accepted that the following things be considered. One that the
square footage of the homes be increased to those minimum of 1350 to 1500 square
feet. That, I don't' know what kinds of provisions are made that once this project is
done or is completed or the economic times drop in the middle that they only get a few
units up, what is going to happen with fully landscaping and etc., but that should be
taken into consideration of this type of facility. When this was proposed originally they
talked about it being a senior development and now we are talking that its 75% and
25% is the norm. If this went in I would like to see them make it a senior center like
they are doing over off of Meridian Road. In order to do that though they have to have
a senior recreation center and then they can designate it as a senior area. It would
take some planning and some changing of what they have there, recreation facilities,
park areas which there are none provided. I have a real concern with the setback,
granted I have 50 feet from my back door to my back fence but I have 5 units that are
15 feet behind my fence, so I am a little concerned with that. Those are basically my
biggest concerns, I would like to not see it happen but if it does those restrictions be
based as well as no rentals, like Mr. Johnson said put it in the covenants. They do
have it in other areas and it works and I would rather not see some rental property right
there behind me, it would definitely detract from where we are at. Any questions?
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 78
Johnson: Any questions of Mr. Jones? Anyone else?
Lane Mortsen, 2092 Sapphire Place, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Mortsen: I am going to save everybody a lot of time I would just like to go on record
that I am definitely opposed to this. I reiterate on the other opposed that were said
before. Thank you.
Johnson: Thank you, is there anyone else? Does your property abut this?
(Inaudible)
Pat Sanford, 3510 West Tupolo Court, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Sanford: As I said I own Lot 4 on Zircon, I am concerned about the property value.
That is an investment property for me. I would like to go on record opposing this as
proposed. I think the idea of making it a senior center makes a lot more sense if that
indeed is the market they are after. Thank you.
Johnson: Thank you, anyone else that hasn't addressed us yet?
Kim Daniel, 2102 North Zircon, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Daniel: I sat here for 4 hours and I agree and I oppose with this project and I agree
with every thing that they have said. Number 1 is the water issue, I have heard 2 wells
are going to be sucking in Meridian, and I have lived here for 3 years and I have heard
this. This water issue has gone on for that long as long as I have lived here. The
sprinkler system the same thing as the others. I just can't see anymore development
until the water issue is taken care of. That is it.
Johnson: We have drilled some new wells, you are aware of that right?
Daniel: Where?
Johnson: In Meridian, anyone else?
Scott Dixon, 2137 Sapphire, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Dixon: I don't border the back of the property, I am just a couple lots down. I am very
concerned also about the property value, the water issue. Everything has been said
and I wholeheartedly agree with all of it. So I will keep this short and just wanted to
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 79
put it on record that is how I feel.
Johnson: Thanks Scott, last call. Is there anything the developer or their associates
would like to say in closing? I now close the public hearing, what would you like to
do?
Rountree: I am not sure we remember at this point. Mr. Chairman, I move we have
findings of fact and conclusions of law prepared by the City Attorney.
Hepper: Second
Johnson: We have a motion for the City Attorney to prepare findings of fact and
conclusions of law on this application, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #17: DISCUSSION OF AMENDMENT TO ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE:
Johnson: Do we want to address this next item on the agenda or do that at some later
date?
Crookston: (Inaudible)
Johnson: I would like a motion to that effect. Are these areas of the Comprehensive
Plan you are making reference to?
Crookston: (Inaudible)
Johnson: And it is clear enough there what you want us to look at?
Crookston: (Inaudible)
Johnson: I have a question for you, how many people representing Planning and
Zoning got involved in the process of reviewing this? Right, it would make our job
easier if we could get in on the ground floor of this stuff once in a while.
Crookston: (Inaudible)
Johnson: Except you have originated something without our input.
Shearer: I move we adjourn.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 11, 1994
Page 80
Rountree: Second
Johnson: Moved and seconded, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 12:24 A.M.
(TAPE ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS)
APPROVED:
JIM JOHNSON, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
WILLIAM G. BERG, JR., CITY CLERK