HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-18 Donald Reichel
To: Meridian Mayor and City Council Members
From: Donald Reichel
808 S. Hallenbeck Lane
Meridian, ID 83642
Re: Touchmark Rezoning Application – RZ H2025-0012
I am a Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village resident. I have lived here since Feb 26,
2004.
I am very concerned about an item in the proposed rezoning application before the city
council. That item is the proposed “reprogramming” of the small 9-hole golf course
open space amenity to villa homes. This change, while seemingly insignificant will result
in a major change to Meadow Lake Village affecting all of the present residents and all
future residents.
Meridian land development procedures require any developer to have a percentage of
the land being developed be open space for the wellbeing of the community. Open
space is a significant factor for deciding where to live. Touchmark has done a good job
planning open space in the current community. This definitely sets Touchmark apart
from other senior communities in the area.
While a small percentage of the residents play golf on any regular basis, 100% of the
residents enjoy the open space that the golf course provides. During the Planning and
Zoning hearing it was established that Touchmark has, in the current community, more
open space than city ordinances require. While true, having more than the required
open space for 20+ years is not a justifiable rationale to now reprogram the golf course
amenity to villas. That just removes the golf course, reduces the available open space
and provides no further benefit to 100% of the residents.
In addition to losing open space, the additional villas proposed to be built on the
“reprogrammed” golf course land will add 30 to 45 additional residents that will need to
be accommodated in the already over-crowded Grand Teton Dining Room and the
White Pine Bistro.
Having lived at Touchmark for 21+ years, I have always known that someday the
remaining Touchmark land would be developed. I just request that it be done without
affecting the already developed senior community and its’ associated amenities.
Thank you.
Donald Reichel