HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter from Steven HardingThis nan•ative is being presented for consideration by the Meridian City Council as it
reviews the application for Soda Springs Subdivision. My name is Steven K. Harding,
2243 E. Mackay Ct., Meridian, Idaho 83642. My home is adjacent to the proposed Soda
Springs Subdivision.
As is evidenced by meeting minutes from the Meridian Planning and Zoning
Commission, this project was originally presented to the Planning and Zoning
Commission on October 2, 2003 and was held open to the November 6, 2003 meeting
while the developer addressed the concerns of the Planning and Zoning Commission
regarding the desired open space and meeting the general requirement of 10% open space
and the required amenities. This issue was addressed by Commissioner Jerry Centers
who demonstrated that the open space requirements had not been met. Unfortunately,
Mr. Centers passed away two days before the November meeting and, therefore, was not
able to follow up on his concerns at the November meeting.
At the November meeting, I do not believe that proper follow up was given by the
Planning and Zoning Commissioners regarding the issue of open space. The only action
noted at the November meeting was that the developer presented a revised plan showing
the loss of one lot to add to the open space and the Commissioners accepting this change
as adequate without further discussion. At the October meeting, Commissioner Centers
specifically stated that the loss of one lot would not be acceptable.. To quote ("I will not
be impressed"). My concern is that the 10% requirement still has not been met.
At the October meeting, it was noted by Wendy Kirkpatrick that "a little over the five
percent" of open space was available. It was also noted by Mr. Centers that the open azea
was .59 acres. The revised plat map now shows the open area being .89 acres. This was
obtained by losing only one lot, which was 6,500 square feet. However, to reach the .89
acres, which brings the open space close to the 10% requirement, a total of 13,000 square
feet would have needed to be added to the open space. It appears that the math does not
add up. Also, at the October meeting, the developer was unable to demonstrate exactly
how much of the open space would be functional and usable space as it abuts to
Ridenbaugh Canal and with easements, may not be totally usable space. The developer
stated that this part of the property had not been observed and that the actual functional
usable space was not known.
The bottom line is that I do not believe that the developer has properly addressed the
issue of adequate open space. I would also like to point out that Commissioner Centers
appeazed to want to see space for a proposed regional pathway system in addition to the
open space. Commissioner Centers summed it up by stating that "the developer has
given us the bare minhnum for the maximum and he hasn't even given us that with
usable space". It appears to me that if the developer were to lose on additional lot of
6,500 square feet, the 10% requirement would clearly be met. Given the increased
density of this project in relation to the sunounding subdivisions, I would like to request
that the Council to carefully review this issue to ensure that this requirement has been
met.
RECEIVED
DEC 0 22003
City Of Meridian
City Clerk Office
The following summarizes the issues I would like the Council to address related to this
project:
Review and confirmation of the 10% open space requirement as noted above.
2. The developer has stated that only single story homes would be constructed
when lots in the development were adjacent to single story homes in
Sherbrook Hollow. The developer has stated that these single story homes
may have a bonus room but that the bonus room window would only look out
over the street and not to the back yard. I request that this be clearly noted on
the final plat map. In Sherbrook Hollow, this stipulation was clearly marked
on the plat map that we were presented and had to work with. I do not want to
rely on the word of the developer that this will be adhered to when the lots
will be sold to builders who may not agree to this restriction if not on the plat
map.
3. Finally, I want to clarify that the minimum home size in this development will
be 1,300 square feet. The last map I have seen shows the minimum at 1,200
square feet. Per the minutes from the Planning and Zoning Commission
meeting minutes, the developer agreed to the 1,300 square foot minimum.
Finally, let me state that I am opposed to a development of this density. I realize that the
comprehensive plan has been revised to provide for more dense subdivisions. I
purchased my lot 4 years ago and constructed a custom home believing that I would not
have to be living next to a very dense subdivision. The developer has represented that the
homes to be constructed will be of comparable values to my home and that the target
market will be empty nesters, single professionals and retired persons. I hope this is true
as there will be virtually no yards for the majority of the homes to be constructed and if
the homes in this subdivision are purchased by first time home buyers with children,
there will be no place for the children to play.
Thank you.
Steven K. Harding
2243 E. Mackay Ct.
Meridian, Id 83642
208-888-3318