HomeMy WebLinkAbout07Feb27 Sp Mtg Compass Ltr to Mayor
January 31, 2007
The Honorable Tammy de Weerd
City of Meridian
33 E. Idaho Ave
Meridian, ID 83642
: US 20/26 Corridor Study Recommendations and Local Public Meetings
Re
Dear Mayor de Weerd:
The US 20/26 Chinden Corridor Study is progressing into a critical phase; one
which will determine its future capacity to handle regional traffic. At the
January 10, 2007 Corridor Preservation Meeting (CPC), participants reviewed
various options to preserve the corridor and manage access. At the conclusion
of the meeting, participants wanted to pursue one option. This option would
preserve the section between Middleton and Black Cat Roads as a modified
expressway with four grade-separated interchanges and at-grade intersections
spaced one mile apart in between. On the east and west ends of the corridor,
access would be more frequent. The extent of existing development and the
difficulty in providing alternative access roads in these locations were issues.
The recommendation is preliminary and subject to change. (Attachment 1-
Corridor Map)
The CPC also supported each local government along the corridor hosting its
own public comment opportunity. Members thought that each group of
elected officials needed to hear directly from their citizens about the corridor
option(s). CPC members will reconvene on March 15, 2007 to share what they
learned. (Attachment 2-List of CPC Members).
These comment meetings need to be scheduled during February 2007,
preferably during or immediately before a regularly scheduled council or
commission meeting. This would ensure maximum opportunity for elected
official contact. The staff for the Corridor Study will provide display maps, a brief
handout, and a PowerPoint presentation should one be desired. Staff can also
attend these comment sessions to make a short presentation and respond to
questions. The format for the public comment session is at your discretion.
Attachment 3 lists some ways it could be presented.
We want to get these meetings scheduled as soon as possible so we can
release a notice about these opportunities. I also hope that you can publicize
this comment session to your citizens.
We will be contacting you shortly to assist in any way we can. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Charles Trainor
Director of Planning
Attachments – 3
pc: Erv Olen, Parametrix
Sue Sullivan, Idaho Transportation Department
Matt Ellsworth, City of Meridian
Peggy Gardner, City of Meridian
File 611.03
CT:dwT:\FY07\600 Projects\611 US 2026\correspondence\de Weerd.doc