HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-13 Allison Shafer
Charlene Way
From:Allison Shaffer <shaffe2k@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, October 13, 2025 9:32 PM
To:Clerks Comment
Subject:Opposed to Staff-Level Approval of Drive-Thrus – Preserve Public Input
External Sender - Please use caution with links or attachments.
Dear Mayor Simison and Meridian City Council Members,
I’m writing as a concerned resident to express my strong opposition to the proposed change that would
allow drive-thru applications to be approved solely at the PZ staff level, without the opportunity for public
hearings or community input.
As quoted in recent reporting, Mr. Parsons stated that if an applicant meets code requirements for
stacking, menu boards, exit lanes, and circulation, etc. the application should not require a conditional
use permit and could be approved at a PZ staff/director level alone, without hearing. This change would
significantly reduce public transparency and eliminate community involvement in decisions that can
deeply affect neighborhoods. This is a shameful proposal.
Drive-thrus can create real impacts — including increased traffic, noise, and safety concerns —
especially when located near residential areas. These are issues that cannot always be captured by
technical compliance alone. Public hearings provide residents a vital platform to raise site-specific
concerns, offer context that staff may not be aware of, and help ensure development aligns with the
character and needs of the community, and in alignment with regional planning vision statements and
goals.
Excluding the public from this process would erode trust and reduce accountability. Meridian has
benefited from an engaged community, and removing the requirement for a conditional use permit would
send the wrong message about how resident voices are valued in shaping our city.
I urge you to oppose this proposal and preserve the public’s right to be heard on developments that
impact our neighborhoods.
Thank you for your service and consideration.
Sincerely,
Allison Rice
A huge fan of In and Out burger
A nearby, but not 300-foot adjacent neighbor that frequents Costco, Cafe Rio, Keith bird park for walking,
playground and biking, Heroes park for soccer, and who has read enough planning docs and studies to
know that an In and Out Burger with a drive through at this location would be a nightmare.
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