HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-06 Christy Riley
Charlene Way
From:Christy Riley <christyriley1234@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, August 6, 2025 3:44 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:RE: Opposition to In-N-Out
External Sender - Please use caution with links or attachments.
Good Afternoon,
I can not make the meeting this time around so I'm continuing to voice my opposition to In-N-Out's
proposal, due to their appeal. Please understand I do appreciate the changes they made in their appeal
but it's more than just C-G code there are also human lives impacted by their intent to purchase and
build at thisTen Mile and Chinden site. Here are a few points the City should consider as still important to
those living in the vicinity.
1) HOURS OF OPERATION: They compared and changed their operating hours to match Burger
King's. Let's face it, Burger King is not the same as In-N-Out's volume or interest that will draw more
customers, thus more congestion. Even the recently opened Chevron/Eddy's off Chinden and Ten Mile is
only open until 11pm.
The Appeal noted that C-G hours of operation are typically 6am-11pm when "abut" against residential,
but they ignore that by stating, it does not "abut" against residential, thus wanting to stay open until
Midnight. I would challenge further what difinition they used for "abut". This is clearly a different location
than In-N-Out is used to operating in and I'm sure the Olivia Apartment complex considers their residents
"abut" this land, even with a small 20' wide easement. In-N-Out's own rebuttal continues to say the land
is big enough, and it continues to cite commercial sites which do not even come NEAR a residential area
(They just don't compare)! There is plenty of land near the surrounding highways (which by the way is
their typical placement) that does not currently impact existing neighborhoods.
2) NOISE: Noise knows no boundaries. Noise decibels were conducted on current conditions, they can
not say without a doubt that adding their restaurant site would not increase the dBA's. If in the future
they find it does or enough complaints come in, will they or the City take action?
Residents like to enjoy their backyard space usually as a tranquil place or family BBQ fun, but instead
they will have to hear the trucks, traffic, smell pollents that should not be impacting them.
3) Community Location: If they really do care about community and safety etc., they will drop this
location. Something concerning to me was Todd Smith admitted to NEVER seeing this location before he
had the call with the local residence. He seemed more excited that they finally get to own land rather
than how it might impact the local community, even after we all expressed we did not want them to
pursue this land.
This just doesn't impact the 300 ft limit it also impacts roadways to get to In-N-Out. For example, the
Rocky Mountain High School off Linder, these young drivers will speed through neighbors (Locha falls,
Silver Creek, Irvine Meadows, etc.) to hurry up to grab lunch within the 1/2 hour time limit. They may also
use the heavily traveled Chinden or the 2 lane road McMcMillan. Who will listen or pay for when other
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neighborhoods have to put up signs, speed bumps, no parking here signs, etc., to help curb traffic
concerns and safety because In-N-Out decided to place a restaurant in a residential area.
It's not about picking on In-N-Out, I would have the same response to other popular restaurants that
create a more than "normal" excitement and consistent traffic flow such as Chick-fil-la. The current
landowner seems to have a propensity to develop commercial and residential together (This is not NY or
San Fran). The decision on either party to enter into a land agreement seems to only
benefit their ideology and land deal without consideration of existing residential neighbors. Why should
existing residents have to suffer because two parties were "excited" and want to push a land deal.
If they really cared about the community this land is much better served to add a similar building as the
RM Chocolate Factory/Cafe Rio building. A new building could house small offices, mixed with other
options like a mail outpost or boutique. One thing that is really lacking in this north part of Meridian is a
good Bagel Shop. Or to consider a restaurant that is not a drive through but slightly upper class that
may require reservations to ease traffic coming all at once.
The City of Meridian must still consider its constituents/taxpayers within each project and there is still
enough land in the surrounding area for In-N-Out to build and own if they decide, This is not a Tourist area
but it seems In-N-Out thinks so... This is just not that spot!!
5) Legal: Their Appeal threw in a legal discussion of other CPU denials from other counties & cities
because they had no facts for denial. They said the same with Meridian Counsel, not providing enough
facts in their denial. I'm certain you did, as they did come back with an appeal. I would urge the Counsel
to make sure you have good facts for denial as you can see, they will not hold back with the threat to sue
to get what they want. Is that the kind of business we want to help shape our growing city?
I am not opposed to development or growth but we do hope the City Council continues to be mindful of
what is in the best interest for residents and the entire area, especially as the communities grow. This
location for an In-N-Out is not in the residents best interests!!
Thank you for hearing me out
Christy Riley
3075 W. Tango Creek
Meridian, ID
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