HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-05 Michelle Hodges
Chris Johnson
From:Michelle Hodges <mrsmichellehodges@yahoo.com>
Sent:Wednesday, September 4, 2024 11:59 PM
To:Clerks Comment
Subject:H-2024-0019 Centrepoint Apartments
External Sender - Please use caution with links or attachments.
Meridian City Council
Meridian City Hall
33 E. Broadway Ave.
Meridian, ID 83642
Re: Re: SUBJECT: H-2024-0019 Centrepoint Apartments - ALT, CUP, MDA
LOCATION: Project is located at 3030 N. Cajun Lane and 3100 N. Centrepoint Way, near the southwest corner of N.
Eagle Road and E. Ustick Road, in the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 5, Township 3N, Range 1E.
Dear Members of the Meridian City Council,
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed development at Centrepoint Apartments.
While I understand and support the need for development in our growing community, I must strongly
oppose the current proposal for the following reasons:
1. Building Height
The city's regulations clearly limit building heights in this area to three stories, yet the proposed plans
include four-story buildings. Additionally, the "barracks-style" design is not in harmony with the
surrounding neighborhoods and runs counter to the original intent of the Bienville plat planning. This
alone should be sufficient grounds for denying the application.
2. Traffic
The proposed development has limited access points that will funnel traffic through Jackson Square,
a small subdivision primarily consisting of dead-end streets. Given that Eagle Road is one of the most
congested roads in the county and Ustick is its longest continuous road, the area already faces
significant traffic challenges. With nearly 300 units planned, this development will add approximately
400-500 additional vehicles, worsening congestion and causing further gridlock at the already
overburdened intersections of Eagle and Ustick, and Ustick and Centrepoint. This will also likely
increase speeding through Jackson Square as drivers seek to avoid traffic, creating safety concerns
for our residents.
3. Type of Units
As a homeowner, I am not against developing the property, but the proposed high-density, affordable
housing complex is incompatible with the surrounding small residential community. This type of
development would be better suited near larger commercial areas. The lack of sufficient ingress and
egress points, combined with the dead-end nature of the streets, creates conditions conducive to
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potential criminal activity, which unfortunately often accompanies high-density affordable housing
developments. This is exactly the type of situation we are all trying to avoid in our neighborhood.
4. Further Changes Requested
The developer is asking for multiple deviations from city standards. If such standards can be waived
or altered at the developer’s request, it calls into question the purpose of having these regulations in
the first place. This type of high-density residential development should not be situated along a major
corridor or obstruct a small enclave subdivision like Jackson Square.
5. Community Support Submittals
I have reviewed the letters of support submitted by St. Alphonsus Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital,
and I find their positions questionable. It is difficult to believe that these institutions have many
employees earning within the $35,000 to $75,000 range, which the development is supposedly
catering to. With the median income in Meridian ranging between $93,000 and $120,000, their
arguments in favor of "affordable" housing seem out of touch with the economic realities of their
workforce. Even the West Ada School District has expressed concerns, as this development would
place an unsustainable burden on local schools, which are already nearing capacity. The District’s
request for walking paths and sidewalks further emphasizes the strain this development would place
on the Jackson Square community. There is simply no room for additional schools in this area to
accommodate the influx of students that would result from the project.
In Closing
While I support responsible development, this proposal is ill-suited for our community. I strongly urge
the Council to reject the current application. Instead, the site would be far better suited for commercial
development, such as restaurants or retail outlets, which would bring economic benefits while
minimizing traffic and safety concerns. Commercial use would also preserve the character of the
neighborhood and reduce the negative impacts associated with high-density housing.
If not commercial than a much small number of residential units for approval. That area might be
better suited for townhomes or quad style units, like the ones located on the other side of Ustick ex.
3321 N Centrepoint Way or 3320 N Justin Ave.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I trust you will make the right decision for the future of our
community.
Sincerely,
Michelle Hodges
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