HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-22-04 Letter from Mike Adkins. .. ~~ y-, r V ~V~ ~~ ~ , ~a V,~v, i ~.. v, n V i 4~ 1 J
Anna Borchers Powell, A1CP
Planning Director
Meridian Planning and Zoning Department
660 E Watertower, Ste. 202
Meridian, ID 83642
Dear Ms. Borchers:
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6000 North Meridian Road
Meridian, ID 83642
December 2, 2003
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I would have preferred to introduce myself in person, however, I will have to resort to this letter as a
means of introduction and to express my sincere concerns regarding the proposed Saguaro Canyon
Estates Subdivision. Additionally, I share the same views as do the Priddy's, who are my neighbors,
directly to the south of my property. We both have executive style homes, actively farm or ranch and
choose our locations with the idea in mind that our property values will not diminish as a result of
Meridian's long range development plans.
Development is inevitable and as a business leader, I support growth and development. However,
Meridian is quickly becoming a bedroom community that continues to fight over-crowding in our schools
and congestion in the streets. The proposed Saguaro Canyon Estates Subdivision will further add to this
problem, as well as diminish the value of my property. Under no circumstance should the proposed
Saguaro Canyon Estates Subdivision request for Conditional Use be granted. By approving the
conditional use, Meridian's long range development plan will be compromised by lowering lot and house
size. A precedent will be established that will be difficult, if not impossible, to ever reverse. Meridian
does not need, nor is it in Meridian's best interest, to allow this level of density when trying to preserve
Meridian's Culture and heritage.
Unfortunately, my schedule may not allow me to attend the public meeting tomorrow, so I do hope that
my concerns are heard and considered through this letter. Having lived in Meridian most of my life, I
have seen the inevitable Change with some change being bolter than others. More recently though, it has
become apparent that the developers are looking at Meridian as a place to drive high density
development at the expense of what long time residents and new residents of Meridian have come to
enjoy as a way of life, The trend will continue if exceptions are made and the long range plan is
compromised. Does the commission really need to consider reducing lot and home sizes? Do we have
the basic infrastructure such as city services, roadways, law enforcement, schools, etc. to support this
type of development? Are we not better served by having mixed use development that entices some
lower entl housing along with higher end homes with acreage? I trust that the commission will be looking
at these and other concerns when making a final determination on the Saguaro Canyon Estates
Subdivision since approving it "as-is" will have a detrimental impact on Meridian's long range plans and
the surrounding properties.
To summarize, I will highlight my main concerns with the proposal;
Density of the proposed subdivision and the request for reducing minimum requirements.
Protection of open space.
Adjacencies to existing farm/ranch land that are active and wilt continue to be active, There
doesn't appear to be any consideration for buffer zones between housing and farm/ranch activity
creating a situation where neighbors will immediately be at odds. I have seen this happen
throughout the Treasure Valley. Meridian has an opportunity to address this proactively. Some
thoughts or ideas to address this:
• Tall berm with solid fencing that separates housing from existing
agricultural land.
• Plannetl parks or common areas oreating a butter zone along with the
fencing and berm. At a minimum, consideration must be given to the fact
JRN 22 '04 10=07 2088937317 PRGE.02
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that there are active farMranches directly adjacent. Livestock is present,
pesticides/herbicides are utilized and during the growing season farm
machinery may be operated at all times of the day.
• To my knowledge, the developer has not made any attempt to try and address the needs desires
or concerns of the adjacent properties. I do not find comfott in this and it would seem to indicate
that they are not interested in Meridian's long range plans or protecting the value of some very
unique Meridian properties.
Again, I apologize for not presenting this in person, but my schedule will not permit me to do so. I want to
reiterate that I am not opposed to development, provided it is well thought out and the entire community
benefits from it, not just a handful of developers. I am extremely motivated to protect the value of my
home and acreage and I feel that the proposed subdivision will limit the future potential of my property
and surrounding property to high density development.
I appreciate the Commission taking my comments and concerns into consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael S. Adkins
JRN 22 '04 1007 2088937317 PRGE.03