HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-15 Melissa Chandler Jacob and Melissa Chandler
6137 N Jericho Rd
Meridian, ID 83646
jm chandler(o)hotmail.com
208-899-9638
To:
City Planning and Zoning Commission
City of Meridian, ID
Subject: Opposition to Proposed 18-Unit Multi-Family Development of Borough Village at
Corner of Everest and N Jericho Rd
Dear Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission,
I am writing to formally express my opposition to the proposed 18-unit multi-family housing
development planned for Borough Village on Everest Ave, located within our low-density
residential neighborhood.
Our community is composed primarily of single-family homes and small-scale residences, and
the proposed project is inconsistent with the established character and zoning intent of this
area. Beyond this, there are several critical concerns regarding safety, infrastructure, and
livability:
1. Safety of Children and Pedestrians:
Our neighborhood has many young families, and children frequently walk, bike, and
play near the streets. Increased traffic from 18 new units will significantly raise the risk of
accidents—especially given that vehicles already travel at unsafe speeds through our
area. Adding additional residents and vehicles would further compromise pedestrian
safety. There is a bus stop for the West Ada School District at the corner of Everest and
Jericho Rd that is already being blocked and hindered with cars parked on the street
from the existing apartments at this location. Adding more vehicles to the street since
there is not adequate parking for this complex, will cause more harm and lead to
possible injuries of children and accidents involving vehicles.
2. Inadequate Parking:
Parking is already limited in this neighborhood. The proposed development will bring
dozens of additional vehicles, and overflow parking on the street will reduce visibility and
accessibility for residents and emergency vehicles alike. The parking lot is not capable
of handling the volume of cars that will come with the proposed project. As stated
above, the existing complex is already short of parking stalls and residents are required
to park on the street per notice given by CBH to the residents of the residential complex
about 2 years ago. The street width is not adequate enough for cars to be parked on
both sides of the streets and allow 2 way traffic through at the same time. On the street
of Jericho Rd, residents are not allowed to have more than 1 car parked on the street at
any given time due to our HOA. If we do not comply with this rule, we get fined by our
HOA, yet cars from a different development are somehow allowed to go around this
HOA bylaw. If the project was changed to duplex properties, there would be adequate
parking for each residence. An 18 unit Multi Family complex will completely overcrowd
the existing parking lot and force even more overflow onto the streets.
3. Traffic Volume and Speed:
The surrounding roads were not designed to handle the increased traffic this project
would generate. With limited access points and existing speeding issues, more vehicles
entering and exiting the area would exacerbate congestion and create additional
hazards. Everest, Jericho Rd and Commander streets have become a through way for
cars in this residential area, and we as residents have seen an overwhelming increase in
traffic, and with that has come speeding. I have small children, and there are 4 other
families on my street alone who also have small children. They play basketball outside,
ride their bikes and walk all along our street, and we as parents do not feel it is safe as
we see cars drive at excessive speeds down the road. Residents along these streets
have asked for speed bumps to be placed to deter drivers from speeding on the straight
away roads, but not one city official has come out to review complaints, nor has there
been a traffic study to show the amount of traffic that has increased over the last few
years. There is no stop sign coming out of the proposed and existing complex at the
proposed site address. Cars come out of the parking lot as if they have the right of way
and do not have to yield to any traffic. Adding a significant amount of more drivers and
residents will only make this situation go from bad to horrendous.
4. Noise and Neighborhood Character:
A multi-family complex of this size will introduce significantly more noise and activity,
disrupting the peace and quiet that current residents value. The proposed density does
not align with the low-density residential zoning that has preserved the family-oriented
character of this neighborhood for years.
5. Strain on City Services and Infrastructure:
City services—such as water, sewer, waste collection, and emergency response—are
already stretched thin in our area. Adding 18 additional households would put further
strain on systems that are not currently equipped to handle that level of demand.
For these reasons, I urge the Commission to deny the proposed change or development permit
and instead encourage projects that are compatible with zoning and that are respectful of the
established neighborhood character. Responsible growth is important, but it must not come at
the cost of safety, infrastructure integrity, or community well-being. I would also urge the
developer to look at following the development plan that is directly adjacent to the property and
build duplex properties. This would be in line with the current neighborhood appeal and
development design.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to protecting our neighborhoods and
maintaining thoughtful, balanced development across our city.
Respectfully submitted,
Melissa Chandler