HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMPASS Charles Trainor Letter
COMPASS
COMMUNITY PLANNING ASSOCIATION
of Southwest Idaho
July 12, 2007
RECEIVED
J0_ 1 8 2007
CITY OF MERIDIAN
CITY CLERK OFFICF
Ms. Anna Canning
Planning Director
City of Meridian
660 E Watertower Lane, Suite 202
Meridian, 10 83642
RE: Bellabrook Villas (RZ-07-006 and CUP-07-038l
If approved by the City of Meridian, the proposed project would result in 34
multifamily units on 4.4 acres south of Franklin on Locust Grove. With a gross
density of nearly 8 units per acre, the project would meet "transit ready
development" criteria. It lies just 1/4 mile distance to Franklin, a corridor identified
by Valley Regional Transit as a high service level transit corridor in its Regional
Operations Capital Improvement Plan. It is also less than 1/2 mile from the rail
corridor now being evaluated for future commuter rail service.
Access onto Locust Grove presents an issue, especially when the pending
completion of the overpass will certainly add traffic to this street. I understand the
developer agreed to a joint access that would provide for the adjacent parcels to
develop without creating yet another intersection. This is an excellent strategy to
preserve arterial capacity.
The extensive and usable open space and connection to a possible pathway along
Five Mile creek are desirable features. The building designs appear to be
compatible with surrounding residential uses, with pitched roofs and massing that
emulates typical single family homes in the area.
The Communities in Motion plan approved by the COMPASS Board in August
2006 emphasized more compact development, a diversity of housing types, and
increasing the amount of development near services and transit routes. Bellabrook
Villas appears to support these objectives, allowing for growth without consuming
farmland. These are also goals endorsed in the Blueprint for Good Growth.
r1es Trainor
Planning Director
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pc: File 764-Land Use I Transportation Coordination (Meridian)
CT:nb T:\FY07\700 Services\764 Land Use Trans Coordination\Development Review
letters\merid ian \ bellabrook.doc