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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ - Letter of Support Pine 43 Letters of Support 1. Idaho State University 2. Off the Field 3. Scentsy 4. Meridian Chamber of Commerce 5. Roundhouse 6. Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Idaho State University August 1,2025 Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission Meridian City Hall 33 E. Broadway Ave Meridian,Idaho 83642 Re: Letter of Support for the Pine 43 development To the Meridian Planning&Zoning Commission and Mayor Robert Simison and the Meridian City Council: As the Executive Director for Idaho State University Health Science Center in Meridian, Idaho,it is my pleasure to write on behalf of Idaho State University to express the university's strong support for the Pine 43 development, a visionary project that aligns seamlessly with the ongoing growth and strategic direction of the MedTech and health sciences corridor anchored by our Idaho State University Health Science Center in Meridian. Over a year ago the idea of the Pine 43 development was presented to the ISU Meridian campus leadership along with leadership from our academic partner and neighbor the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine(ICOM). Since then,we have been patiently waiting for this project to move forward! Pine 43 has been thoughtfully designed to complement and strengthen this emerging academic district focused on health sciences and other innovative academic programs. By integrating a mix of high- quality housing options—including executive-level homes—the project addresses a critical need for relocating faculty,medical professionals, and researchers who are choosing to work and live near institutions like ISU Meridian and ICOM. Additionally,the inclusion of a full-service hotel with flexible meeting space fills a long-standing gap in lodging and event infrastructure. This will directly support visiting professionals, student families, and institutional programming, creating new opportunities for collaboration and engagement. Beyond the physical infrastructure,Pine 43 emphasizes connectivity and community. Their plans for a walkable,bike-friendly layout will connect in with ISUs plans for creating our future campus just off Central Drive and Locust Grove and help link our campus to other areas of Meridian like The Village at Meridian. The public amenities such as a central community plaza foster interaction, accessibility,and a high quality of life for residents and visitors alike. This development reflects a clear commitment to place-making,talent attraction, and long-term economic vitality in the region. ISU, specifically the Health Science Center in Meridian, enthusiastically supports the Pine 43 project and its role in shaping a dynamic, integrated environment for healthcare, education,and innovation. Respectively, Ga riel Bargen, PhACC-A/SLP, Interim Dean, College of Health Executive Director,ISU Health Science Center,Meridian Campus Associate Professor,Department of Communication Sciences&Disorders College of Health I Kasiska Division of Health Sciences 921 South 8th Ave, Stop 8090 1 Pocatello, ID 83209-8090 1 (208) 282-4665 1 isu.edu/coh OTF OFFTHEFIELD July 23rd,2025 OFFTHEFIELD,LLC 2204 E Lanark SL Meridian,ID 83642 Dear Mayor,Members of the City Council,and Planning Commissioners, I am writing to express my strong support for the Pine 43 Mixed-Use Development proposal.As the owner of OFFTHEFIELD,an athletic performance company that serves local high school and collegiate athletes,I see firsthand the benefits that this development will bring to our community. The Pine 43 development allgns perfectly with the needs of our business and the growth of the surrounding area.With a mix of residential units,hospitality spaces,and commercial amenities,this project will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy and create a vibrant,connected community.The proximity of these residential units to our business will allow us to expand our reach and better serve both existing and new athletes who live In or near the area. I am particularly excited about the positive impact this development will have on the accessibility of OFFTHEFIELD's services.With more people living nearby,we expect to see increased foot traffic,more local clients,and a stronger presence In the community.This will not only support our business growth but also benefit the local economy by attracting more talent and investment to the area. Moreover,the development's focus on creating a modern walkable environment aligns with our vision of fostering a community that prioritizes health,wellness,and active lifestyles- values that are at the core of our business philosophy. I firmly believe that the Pine 43 project will be a key driver In enhancing Meridian's reputation as a thriving,Forward-thinking city,and i am proud to lend my support appreciate the City Council's continued dedication to shaping a prosperous future for Meridian,and 1 look forward to seeing the positive impact this development will have on our community and our business. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Taylor Bateman Owner,OFFT FIELD Scanned with k CamScanneri * * Ar SCENTSY Scentsy,Inc. 1 2701 E.Pine Avenue. Meridian,Idaho 83642 1 (208)472.0800 toll free(877)895.4160 1 scentsy.com july 15th, 2025 City of Meridian Community Development Department 33 E. Broadway Ave. Meridian, ID 83642 RE: Support for Pine 43 Mixed-Use Development To Whom It May Concern, As one of the largest employers in the Pine 43 area, we are pleased to share our support for the proposed Pine 43 mixed-use development. Our company is an office-industrial operation with a significant regional workforce, and we appreciate development efforts that enhance Meridian's economic strength while elevating the quality of place for employees, residents, and businesses alike. When we established our facility just down the street, we aimed to set a high standard for industrial development—one that reflects the pride we take in being part of this community. Pine 43 continues that vision with a thoughtfully designed, high-quality development that complements the area and raises the bar for what Meridian can be. We have no reservations about residential development adjacent to our industrial operations. In fact, we see the proximity of housing options as a benefit, both for our employees and for the broader workforce in this region. Offering high-quality housing with rich amenities close to employers like ours can help reduce commute times, capture trips locally, and provide a more balanced, connected community for those who want to live, work, and play in Meridian. We also recognize the benefit of strong pedestrian and bike connectivity that Pine 43 is designed to support. Enhanced pathways and connections throughout this corridor will improve mobility for our employees, making it easier for them to move up and down the area safely and conveniently without relying solely on cars. Additionally, the inclusion of a quality hotel within Pine 43 is an advantage for regional businesses like ours. It provides a nearby, well-appointed option for out-of-town employees, guests, and partners who frequently travel to our facility—strengthening the area's infrastructure for business operations and professional hospitality. Wahm,the hm t,Enhvm the d&tdm and Indptu the oout Ar * * SCENTSY Scentsy,Inc. 1 2701 E.Pine Avenue. Meridian,Idaho 83642 1 (208)472.0800 toll free(877)895.4160 1 scentsy.com Lastly, we are supportive of efforts to preserve the adjacent rail corridor as a multi-functional asset capable of moving both people and goods. This type of forward-thinking approach to transportation and infrastructure is key to long-term economic vitality for Meridian and the region. We believe Pine 43 is well-aligned with the City of Meridian's Comprehensive Plan and the Communities in Motion 2050 Vision, striking the right balance between housing,jobs, connectivity, and quality design. We appreciate the opportunity to express our support and remain committed to being a strong partner in the success of this corridor. Sincerely, Heidi & Orville Thompson Executive Co-Chairs Scentsy Wahm the hmU,Enhum the d&zdm and Adpae the d"L MERIDIAN JAWMBER OF COMMERCE July 14,202S Meridian City Council Planning Commission 33 E. Broadway Avenue Meridian, ID 83642 Dear Mayor, Members of the City Council and Planning Commissioners, On behalf of the Meridian Chamber of Commerce,we write in strong support of the Pine 43 Mixed Use development proposal.As a strategic infill project, Pine 43 represents the kind of high-quality, mixed-use,and connected community Meridian needs to remain competitive in attracting jobs, investment,and talent.This quality development is perfectly located where all the service needs existed and ready to serve. This project brings together housing,hospitality, employment space,and public amenities in a way that complements our city's comprehensive plan and the long-term vision for"The Core" It builds on the tone for quality set by employers like Blue Cross and Scentsy and takes it one step further offering an urban gateway into downtown that is modern,walkable,and designed for the next generation of workers and residents. We are particularly excited about the potential of this development to support the Auditorium District concept.The Chamber drew the district's proposed boundaries to include this area because of its location,its connectivity to Downtown/Old Town,and its potential to provide the hotel rooms and meeting space Meridian so clearly needs. Pine 43 delivers on that promise. Additionally,the mix of townhomes,apartments, and live/work units provides a housing choice that is currently lacking in this part of the city—especially for executives,young professionals,and entrepreneurs. It will help surrounding businesses recruit and retain employees who seek an active, amenity-rich lifestyle. The Chamber recognizes that no single development can deliver and attract desired employers on its own.That's why we're committed to being at the table as a partner in helping attract the right users—companies,organizations,and events—that will bring Pine 43 to life and elevate its role as a regional destination. Thank you for your consideration and your continued efforts to shape a thriving Meridian. Sin er 1 , can Evans President/CEO Meridian Chamber of Commerce 0 Roundhouse Patrick Boel Roundhouse 1100 W Idaho Street, Suite 630 Boise, ID 83702 patrick@rndhouse.com 208.830.7168 7/8/2025 Meridian City Council City of Meridian 33 E. Broadway Avenue Meridian, ID 83642 Re: Letter of Support for the Pine 43 Masterplan by DRB Investments Dear Mayor Simison and Members of the City Council, On behalf of Roundhouse,the developer and owner of the Dovetail Apartments located adjacent to the proposed Pine 43 Masterplan, I am writing to express our strong support for this thoughtfully designed and well-positioned mixed-use development by DRB Investments. As a stakeholder in this neighborhood,we believe the Pine 43 Masterplan represents a meaningful opportunity for Meridian to embrace forward-thinking urban design.The integration of residential, retail, and commercial uses in a compact and walkable layout is exactly the kind of development that fosters vibrant, connected communities. This projectwill enhance local livability by offering more housingoptions,activating the streetscape,and improving access to everyday amenities. Its emphasis on walkability and proximity to transit corridors will encourage more sustainable transportation choices and reduce traffic congestion in the area. It also complements and adds value to existing investments like our Dovetail Apartments, while helping to shape a cohesive, high-quality neighborhood. We commend DRB Investments for their vision and commitment to quality development.The Pine 43 Masterplan is a clear example of smart, responsible growth and the type of project that will help Meridian continue to evolve into a more dynamic and resilient city. We respectfully encourage your support of this important project. Sincerely, Z C—r ; Z� C1___1 Patrick Boel Managing Director, Development Roundhouse rndhouse.com 1100 W Idaho Street, Suite 630, Boise, ID 83702 (208) 271-7281 1com ahoi July 14, 2025 Meridian City Council Planning&Zoning Commissioners 33 E. Broadway Avenue Meridian, ID 83642 Dear Mayor, City Council Members and Planning Commissioners, As a leading institution in Idaho's healthcare education landscape,the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine(ICOM) is committed to fostering innovation, attracting top-tier talent, and contributing to the growth of Meridian's MedTech corridor. We write in strong support of the proposed Pine 43 Mixed Use development,a transformative infill project located less than a mile and a half from our campus. Pine 43 offers a vision that aligns with the future of our city and our institution. This thoughtfully designed community provides a rare and needed mix of executive-level and high-quality housing, hotel accommodations,office space,and vibrant amenities—all integrated into a walkable,transit-connected neighborhood. These are precisely the features that help institutions like ICOM and Idaho State University—Meridian Health Science Center attract faculty, support visiting professionals,and engage with health science partners. The inclusion of a full-service hotel with meeting space is particularly significant. Meridian currently lacks sufficient high-quality lodging near our campuses, limiting our ability to host events, conferences, and out-of-town guests. The hotel proposed at Pine 43 directly addresses this gap and will be a valuable resource for our faculty, staff,and students. Moreover,this development supports the long-term vision of the MedTech corridor setting a standard of quality to attract the kind of MedTech users we want to attract. By creating spaces that can house companies and organizations aligned with our academic mission, Pine 43 positions Meridian to attract jobs in healthcare, life sciences,and health technology—industries we are proud to support and help grow. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate on attracting the commercial and innovation space proposed as part of this project. Finally,the development's pedestrian, bike, and transit connectivity will benefit students living nearby— including those in Dovetail student housing—and better integrate the area's education, housing, and employment nodes. This is smart, connected growth that reflects a shared commitment to quality of life, economic development, and urban design excellence. We thank you for your leadership and urge your support of the Pine 43 proposal. Sincerely, Tracy Farnsworth, EdD, MHSA, MBA, FACHE President&Chief Executive Officer 1401 E.Central Drive,Meridian,ID 83642(208)795-ICOM icotn.edu