HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-15 Doug Phillips
Charlene Way
From:Doug Phillips <dougphillips@me.com>
Sent:Saturday, March 15, 2025 11:44 AM
To:Clerks Comment
Subject:H-2024-0058 In-N-Out Burger at Ten Mile – CUP
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Doug Phillips
3656 West Sunny Cove Lane
Meridian, Idaho 83646
March 15, 2025
Commissioner Matthew Sandoval
Commissioner Jared Smith
Commissioner Patrick Grace
Commissioner Sam Rust
Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission
33 E. Broadway Ave.
Meridian, Idaho 83642
Dear Commissioners;
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed development of an **In-N-Out Drive-In** within 1,200 feet
of my residence and to urge the Commission and the City Council to carefully consider the negative impact this unique
proposal would have on our community. While In-N-Out is a popular and well-regarded chain, placing a drive-in
restaurant so close to a residential single-family neighborhood raises serious concerns about traffic, noise, and the
overall quality of life for local residents. As you know, this is an extraordinary case where In-N-Out would be placing one
of their units with such immediate adjacency to residential streets and housing.
### **1. Traffic and Safety Concerns**
In-N-Out is known for drawing large crowds, often resulting in long drive-thru lines and increased traffic congestion. A
drive-in so close to a residential neighborhood will introduce constant vehicle activity, including cars idling and
maneuvering within a proximity to apartments and homes. Over the past two years, it has become difficult to even
egress from the uncontrolled Lost Rapids entry/exit point with the current level of trips created by Costco alone. Despite
the In-N-Out traffic projections, this will create inevitable bottlenecks at this and other nearby intersections, and also
increase the risk of accidents, particularly for pedestrians and children walking or biking in the area. The addition of
delivery drivers and late-night customers will further strain traffic patterns and compromise neighborhood safety.
### **2. Noise and Light Pollution**
Drive-in restaurants operate late into the evening, creating consistent noise from car engines, ordering speakers, and
customer activity. The installation of bright signage, parking lot lights, and illuminated menu boards will introduce
significant light pollution, disrupting the quiet residential atmosphere and interfering with residents’ ability to
comfortably relax and sleep.
### **3. Environmental and Health Impacts**
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Fast food establishments generate a substantial amount of disposable waste, including packaging, cups, and bags.
This increases the likelihood of litter in nearby yards and streets. Additionally, cooking fumes from the restaurant’s grills
and fryers may produce unpleasant odors and diminish the air quality in the neighborhood. From a health standpoint,
the proximity of a fast food chain could also contribute to poor dietary habits, especially among children and
teenagers.
### **4. Impact on Property Values and Neighborhood Character**
Placing an In-N-Out Drive-In adjacent to a residential neighborhood would almost certainly reduce property values due
to increased noise, traffic, and commercial activity. The presence of a high-traffic business would erode the quiet,
residential character of the neighborhood, making it feel more like a commercial zone than a place for families and long-
term residents.
### **5. Alternative Zoning and Business Options**
The proposed location is fundamentally at odds with the zoning and long-term residential character of the
neighborhood. If economic development is a goal, I strongly urge the Commission to consider businesses more
compatible with a quiet residential setting, similar to the concepts that are currently in place within this development, a
locally owned café, or a small specialty shop. Such alternatives would provide economic benefits without introducing
the negative consequences associated with a high-traffic drive-in. Moreover, there are certainly viable alternative pad
locations in the area that In-N-Out could consider. These sites listed below are but two ideas of properties that could
accommodate an In-N-Out in a more typical Quick Serve Restaurant setting away from homes and families:
- Winco Foods development (Chinden and W. Linder Road)
- New pads becoming available in the area of the SW corner of Chinden and Black Cat Road
### **6. Precedent and Community Resistance**
Approving this proposal would set a troubling precedent, encouraging other high-traffic, late-night businesses to seek
similar exemptions in residential areas. Furthermore, there is strong opposition within the community; many of my
neighbors share these concerns and are prepared to formally object to the development. I ask the Commission to
respect the voices of the local community and the need to preserve the integrity of our neighborhood.
For these reasons, I respectfully request that the Planning Commission **deny recommendation** for the
proposed In-N-Out Drive-In. Protecting the safety, character, and quality of life in our community should remain the top
priority. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued service to our city.
Sincerely,
Doug Phillips
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