HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC - Memo on Pathways
Charlene Way
From:Kim Warren
Sent:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 12:01 PM
To:Womack, Nicolette
Cc:Miranda Carson; Clerks Comment; Mike Barton; Linda Ritter
Subject:H-20214-0019 Centrepoint Apartments, walkable routes to school
Hi Nicolette –
I appreciated meeting with you, Miranda Carson of WASD, and your team members last week to talk about safe
routes to school from the proposed Centrepointe Apartments to River Valley Elementary. This area southwest of
Eagle and Ustick is particularly challenging due to major roadways and existing development enclaves that do not
allow for safe, low-stress pedestrian access to River Valley Elementary.
We explored a couple of possibilities in our meeting, but given the existing context, it appears there are no easy
solutions that are predictable or achievable in the short term.
Thoughts on possible options:
Meridian’s Pathway Master Plan identifies a proposed section of detached 10’ wide sidewalk (pathway)
along Eagle Road that would facilitate school access from the Centerpointe apartments. Most detached
sidewalks along Eagle Road were conditioned with development, however. Projects that necessitate
procurement of public access easements take more time to achieve. And while we would welcome a
pathway in this location, the sheer volume and speed of the roadway make this a less-than-ideal option for
elementary age children.
The second, more preferable, solution might be to find a connection from Leslie Drive to River Valley
Elementary, as Leslie Drive connects safely to/from the proposed development. To achieve a connection,
we would need to obtain an easement across a private residential property between Leslie Drive and the
schoolyard. In the past, the City has successfully negotiated easement purchases to widen existing
sidewalks as part of the pathway system. Easements may often be obtained from homeowner’s
associations and, less commonly, private owners. In my experience, though, it’s far more di?icult to
secure access across private property, and unlikely to happen in the near term. Assuming that access can
happen at some point, it’s di?icult to say when this might be achieved.
It's interesting to note that many residences along Leslie Drive are still within Ada County and not yet part of
Meridian proper. This means a pedestrian easement could be secured across a property that seeks annexation in
the future. However, I am aware of one owner in the area that recently declined to annex when told they would be
required to dedicate an easement. It may be that the City could provide some kind of incentive to future
applicants to make the prospect of dedicating an easement more appealing, but I’m not aware of any precedents.
As pathway project manager, I will stay attuned to possible solutions that may be implemented along SH-55. If
realistic access from Leslie Drive could be identified, I’d be thrilled to help support a micropath connection project
-- as time and schedule permit, of course, and as supported by Council.
In summary, while we identified some valid options to improve walkability for future Centrepoint residents, both
are longer-term solutions that will need to be implemented over time.
Thank you again for seeking solutions to this very real concern.
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Sincerely,
Kim Warren
Kim Warren, ASLA | Pathways Project Manager
City of Meridian | Parks and Recreation
33 E. Broadway Ave., Meridian, Idaho 83642
Phone: 208.888.3579 | Fax: 208.898.5501
Meridian Parks and Recreation: Quality. Community. Fun.
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