HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-09 Denise Pierce
Charlene Way
From:Josha Iverson
Sent:Tuesday, September 9, 2025 7:47 AM
To:Denise Pierce
Cc:Clerks Comment; citycouncil; Mayor Office Feedback; Bill Parsons
Subject:RE: Letter to City Council Opposing In-N-Out Development at Ten Mile and Lost
Rapids
Good morning,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your thoughts about the proposed project. Your email has been
received by the Mayor’s Office. Because this project is part of an open application, the Mayor and City
Council members are prohibited from commenting outside of the public hearing process. That said, we
take public feedback seriously and want you to know that we have received your email and have read
your comments.
Your email has been forwarded and received by our City Clerk and is included in the project public
record. As you may be aware, the City does not determine which food service or business locates at a
property, the City regulates the land use of various properties while businesses decide to locate at given
sites or areas based on market conditions. This project’s City Council public hearing is currently
scheduled for Tuesday, September 9th. Additionally, we invite you to check the City’s website,
meridiancity.org for any upcoming public hearing notices and additional information regarding the
development. I have also copied the Planning Department if you have additional questions on hearings
or should that date change.
Thank you,
Josha Iverson| Executive Assistant
City of Meridian | Mayor’s Office
33 E. Broadway Ave., Meridian, Idaho 83642
Phone: (208) 489-0529
Built for Business, Designed for Living
All e-mail messages sent to or received by City of Meridian e-mail accounts are subject to the Idaho law,
in regards to both release and retention, and may be released upon request, unless exempt from disclosure by law
From: Denise Pierce <denisepierce@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 6:59 AM
To: Clerks Comment <comment@meridiancity.org>; citycouncil <citycouncil@meridiancity.org>; Mayor Office Feedback
<MayorOfficeFeedback@meridiancity.org>
Subject: Letter to City Council Opposing In-N-Out Development at Ten Mile and Lost Rapids
External Sender - Please use caution with links or attachments.
Dear City Council Members,
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We are writing as a concerned resident regarding the proposed construction of an In-N-Out Burger at the
corner of Ten Mile and Lost Rapids. While we recognize the economic opportunities that new businesses can
bring to our city, we strongly urge you to reconsider this particular development on this site for a variety of
reasons rooted in the welfare and sustainability of our community.
Traffic and Safety Concerns
First and foremost, the intersection of Ten Mile and Lost Rapids is already a busy crossroad, frequently
congested during peak hours by cars entering and exiting Costco. Traffic that wants to go south or west exit
Costco using the only access road that will be the entrance to In-N-Out. Adding the high-traffic fast-food
restaurant customers will inevitably increase vehicle volume, leading to much further gridlock that will spill
out onto Ten Mile.
In-N-Out’s enormous popularity, especially during opening weeks, often draws large crowds and lines that
only use this alley entrance for access and spills onto surrounding streets (Ten Mile), exacerbating traffic for
weeks or even months. This could pose significant risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and schoolchildren, who rely
on safe crossings in this area. Increased traffic also heightens the likelihood of accidents and emergency
response delays.
Students from Rocky Mountain High on Linder will cut through and use Cayuse Creek -Lost Rapids residential
areas and create havoc and horrible traffic which will surely disrupt the quality of Life for Residents
Noise and air pollution are unavoidable consequences of high-traffic businesses like In-N-Out. The intersection
of Ten Mile and Lost Rapids is surrounded by homes, parks, and churches. Residents in these areas have had
to accept the addition of Costco and its commotion, which destroys the relative peace and quiet and
introduced high traffic to the area. Adding the high traffic of this particular drive-thru restaurant with
extended operating hours would drastically alter the character of our neighborhoods. Late-night traffic,
delivery trucks, and drive-thru speakers would add to the disruption, making it harder for families to enjoy
their homes and for the elderly and children to rest at night.
Community Character and Urban Planning
As our city continues to grow, thoughtful urban planning is more important than ever. The placement of high-
volume commercial properties should be considered strategically and with the input of residents, rather than
simply responding to market demands. The location at Ten Mile and Lost Rapids is at the heart of a residential
zone. Approving the In-N-Out proposal would set a precedent for further commercial encroachment,
potentially transforming our neighborhoods into busy corridors that prioritize profit over community wishes
and well-being.
Alternatives and Suggestions
While I appreciate the desire to attract new business and increase the city’s tax base, there are more suitable
sites in Meridian for an In-N-Out development that would have a less detrimental impact on residents. Areas
already zoned for high-density commercial use, with established traffic flows and infrastructure such as Ten
Mile and I-84 would be more appropriate. Furthermore, I urge the council to conduct a comprehensive impact
study, including detailed community input, before moving forward with any approval.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I ask you to carefully consider the long-term effects of approving the In-N-Out at Ten Mile and
Lost Rapids. The decision you make will shape the future of our city, impacting not only economic growth but
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also the quality of life, character, and sustainability of our community. As a resident, I respectfully request that
you oppose this development and seek alternative solutions that balance economic interests with the needs
and values of our city.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your ongoing commitment to serving the best interests of
our residents.
Sincerely,
Steve and Denise Pierce
3867 W Silver River Ln
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