HomeMy WebLinkAboutITD CommentsIDAHO~NSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
P.O. Box 8028
Boise, ID 83707-2028
~
__ y ~ 3 ""~ ~ ~,~ - ~ _- ... ~OS) 334-8300
~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~I~ ~ `~ itd.idaho.gov
July 29, 2008
City of Meridian
Planning Department
660 E. Watertower Lane Suite 202
Meridian, Idaho 83642
FAX 888-6854
A~G 0 1 200~
~, e ~~ ~~; ~.~ ~- ~~ ~ s ;; ~.~ i~.r~~,
`aB ~ ~ ~.~ ~~~'R ('`Pl-~-~~~ ~
Re: Location: NW Corner of W. Amity Road and S. Meridian Road
Route: SH 69 MP 7.2
Name: Hawkins Companies
File No. CPA 08-004 & AZ 08-005
Hearing Date: August 7, 2008
Dear Zoning Administrator,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this notice.
~~~~~~~~
~8~~ ~ ~ ;
~1 n~n6ng pepardtmen~
Meridian Road (SH-69) is a Type IV highway. The intersection of Amity Road and SH-69 is currently
signalized, and we understand ACHD is working with other developers in the area for signalization of the
Hazris Street and SH-69 intersection.
Between Amity Road and Harris Street there are eight (8) deeded points of access to SH 69 granted in 1986
and 1987: three (3) are located on Pazcel 1, one (1) on Parcel4, and three (3) on Parcel3. Parcel numbers
reflect those presented on Exhibit 1 of the application. The remaining deeded access is for the gas facility.
At the time these deeds were recorded, these properties were agricultural andlor residential; however, no
restrictions for use are included in the deeds. Copies of the deeds are available upon request.
Relative to CPA 08-004, SH-69 is a high speed, high mobility facility. Much growth is anticipated in the
Kuna area, which would increase traffic volumes on SH-69. Changing the comprehensive plan to allow
additional commercial uses along the highway frontage would increase the potential for conflicts on the
highway attributable to tu.ming movements andlor increased trips. Further, changing the comprehensive
plan at this location to a higher intensity use could set precedent for additional rezoning for high intensity
uses along SH-69. There are several examples in the Treasure Va11ey, including Eagle Road (SH-55) where
high intensity uses fronting a sta.te highway have reduced ITD's ability to balance access, safety and
mobility.
Relative to AZ 08-005, no pennit applica.tions have been received to upgrade the existing agricultural and
residential approaches to commercial approaches. High intensity commercial development, such as what is
conceptually proposed by the applicant, could create multiple high speed conflict points because of the lugh
volumes of turning movements associated with traffic entering and exiting the site. These conflict points, or
potential accident locations, can be reduced with the use of a frontage/backage road connecting Hazris Street
with Amity Road. We respectfully request that the City not take action on the annexation and zoning
City of Meridian Zoning Administrator
Name: Hawkins Compa#
Case ~10. CPA 08-004 & AZ 08-005
+Hearing Date: August 7, 2008
July 29, 2008
Page 2 of 2
application until both ITD and ACHD have an opportunity to review a traffic impact analysis for the proposed
development.
The proposed intensity of the development presented in the application would increase the intensity of the use
of the existing deeded approaches. This would appear to violate the Meridian Unified Development Code,
Chapter 3 Article H which generally says that the use of existing approaches shall be allowed to continue
provided the nature of the use does not change or the intensity of use does not increase. Further, the ordinance
goes on to say that if an applicant proposes a change or increase in intensity of use, the owner shall develop or
otherwise acquire access to a street other than the state highway. The use of the existing approach shall cease
and the approach shall be abandoned and removed.
If you have any questions please call me at 334-8377.
Sincerely,
~ ?
: G~.~~ ~~ ~~C~~
Pam Golden, P.E.
District Three Development and Access Management Engineer