HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-02 St. Alphonsus (CSaint Alphonsus
) Health System
City of Meridian Planning&Zoning
33 E Broadway Ave
Meridian ID 83624
Dear Planning&Zoning Commission,
I am writing to express my support for the Centrepoint Apartments project,a pivotal development aimed at
addressing the critical need for affordable housing in our community.As a representative of Saint Alphonsus
Health System,a member of our community since 1894,providing advanced medical services in a spiritual
and healing environment,I see daily the growing need for affordable,workforce housing.
The Centrepoint Apartments project is poised to impact the housing landscape in Meridian significantly. This
development will introduce 295 high-quality affordable and workforce housing units,comprising one,two, and
three-bedroom units, all designed to accommodate residents with workforce incomes ranging from 30%to
70%of the Area Median Income(AMI). This range ensures that a diverse group of individuals and families
can access safe, affordable,and well-located housing.
Since 2019,housing and homelessness have been the top priority of the Saint Alphonsus Community Health
Needs Assessments in Ada County.As a healthcare system,we assess our patients for the greatest social needs
impacting their health and wellbeing,and housing has consistently been the area of greatest concern and need
among both our patients and colleagues in the Treasure Valley due in large part to the steeply increasing costs
of housing. Our care teams spend significant amounts of time assuring we are not discharging our patients
back into housing insecurity or homelessness,which is a challenge with the limited amount of affordable
housing located near services,amenities,and workplaces in the Treasure Valley,including and especially in
Meridian. This is equally challenging to us as an employer to recruit and retain qualified workers who often
cannot afford to live near where they work or can attain quality childcare for their families. The significant size
of the Centrepoint development would provide a much-needed boost in available units for individuals and
families who are otherwise experiencing housing insecurity despite being gainfully employed in our
challenging housing market.
I strongly believe that the Centrepoint Apartments project is particularly well-positioned to support the
residents of Meridian with its proximity to affordable food,transportation, excellent West Ada schools,and a
wealth of employment opportunities. The thoughtful integration of housing,community services and
amenities,and sustainable financing mechanisms will undoubtedly make a lasting positive impact on the
Meridian community.
I wholeheartedly support this project and encourage you to recognize its potential to significantly improve the
lives of many residents.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Lemmons
Regional Director,Community Health&Well-Being
Saint Alphonsus Health System