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ITD Commentse July 11, 2008 IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT P.O. Box 8028 Boise, ID 83707-2028 City of Meridian Planning Depattment 660 E. Watertower Lane Suite 202 Meridian, Idaho 83642 FAX 888-6854 Re: Location: 545E. Chinden Blvd. Route: US 20 MP 38.52 Name: JR,LLC - Zamzows Case No. CPA 08-007 Hearing Date: July 31, 2008 Dear Zoning Administrator, ~~ (208) 334-8300 , ~~ itd.idaho.gov ~~~. ~ ~. ~. ~~,~ ~~ ., P~ ~R U y,~ ~' ~et~ `:!~`~ ~~ ~ ,~~ -~. y - ~ ~f ~, ~~~ .~~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~ ~~ ° _ ~ -~-~~ ~; ' ~UL 2 ~ 200~ _~ ~ a~i~~~" ~I~- t~~~~~lAf~ ~I~'x'' ~:I ~~~ C~~~t~,~ Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this notice. This site has 2 existing rural access points for commercial agricultural use. The addition of new retail (including drive-through and residential uruts) would increase the intensity of the site. This proposed increase of traffic volumes may violate the Meridian Unified Development Code, Chapter 3 Article H which says 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. The site plan shows a collector or backage road in the southern portion of the property with housing between the road and the property line. We would assume the intent of the City in the comprehensive plan was for the collector or backage roadways to be along property lines so they can provide access to multiple parcels. It is our opinion that the collector/backage roadway would provide the highest access and circulation benefits if located on the southern property line. Are the two existing approaches planned for closure when the parallel collector road has full connectivity? If so, is the plan to have new retail sited neazest the state highway viable? The commercial components would be at the end of the road and patrons would have to travel through the residential area. Was any traffic information submitted with the application7 If so, we would like to review the information to evaluate temporary and/or long term safety and operational impacts of the increased volumes at the driveway. ~y ~ Cit~ of Meridian Zoning Administrator , Name: JR,LLC - Zamzows Case No. CPA 08-007 Hearing Date: July 31, 2008 July 14, 2008 Page 2 of 2 We would respectfully request that the City not ta.ke action on this application until the issues above have been addressed. However, should the City elect to approve the application, we would request a 70 foot setback from centerline to accommodate future highway widening. If you have any questions please call me at 334-8377. Sincerely, ~~z~~ ~C~~~~~ Pam Golden P.E. District Three Development and Access Management Engineer