HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-20 Katelin Bartles KB LEGAL
August 20, 2025
Planning and Zoning Commission
City of Meridian
cc: Bill Parsons, Associate City Planner
Re: Objection to Cherry Blossom East Subdivision (File No. H-2025-0030)—August 21,2025
Hearing
Dear Commissioners,
My name is Katelin Bartles, and I represent the Williams family, owners of the property
located at 1251 NW 4th Street, Parcel No. S 1212131250. The William's property lies directly
south of the proposed Cherry Blossom East Subdivision. I write to respectfully but firmly object
to the approval of this development as currently proposed.
The proposed plat appears to encroach directly onto the Williams' property. In addition,
the design of the development creates a dangerous and unlawful barrier to essential public services.
The developer intends to construct a fence along the Williams driveway,which would permanently
block access for fire trucks, EMS, and trash services. The Meridian Fire Department has already
expressed concerns about this issue, confirming that emergency access could be compromised.
Without reliable access for fire prevention services,the Williams family risks losing homeowners'
insurance coverage. Emergency medical services and waste collection would face the same
limitations.
The developer has been aware of these issues from the beginning. They approached the
Williams family to request an access easement,which was declined.Despite this,the applicant has
continued to pursue the subdivision plan without legal access rights. In fact, the applicant stated
they could"do whatever they wanted,"an attitude that reflects a disregard for neighboring property
rights. These concerns were also raised during the required neighborhood meeting but have been
ignored.
I believe under these conditions the proposal violates Meridian City Code. Section 11-1-8
requires the preservation of private property rights and prohibits undue encroachment and undue
burden on neighbors. Section 11-1-2 requires that property rights be protected, property values
enhanced, and the health, safety, and general welfare of the community promoted. Blocking
emergency access and encroaching onto adjacent property is plainly inconsistent with these
codifications.
The Williams therefore respectfully request that the Commission either deny the
application or, at a minimum, continue the hearing until staff and relevant agencies can provide
clear findings on the following:
• The applicant has a sufficient legal basis for any encroachment onto the Williams property,
with documentation provided to both the Williams family and the Commission.
• The Meridian Fire Department explicitly confirms adequate access for fire services.
• EMS services explicitly confirm adequate access for medical response.
• Trash services explicitly confirm adequate access for waste collection.
• That,if any of the above are not true,the preliminary plat be revised to allow for such
access.
The health and safety of the Williams family, as well as their property rights, are directly at
stake in this decision. It is difficult to understand how a project that so clearly conflicts with
neighboring rights could come to fruition. Most concerning, the applicant has chosen to ignore
these issues, and the Commission now has the responsibility to ensure that the protections of
Meridian City Code are upheld. Thank you so very much for your time and attention to this
concerning matter.
Sincerely,
Katelin Bartles
Attorney for the Williams Family
Email: kate@kblegal.legal
Phone: 208-701-2031