HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Testimony by Gary & Kay Fors 5/5/14 CCTO: MERIDIAN CITY COUNCIL May 5, 2014 c/ 14 ,
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RE: TEN MILE CENTER AZ -14-001 41 ,
We are writing to express our views regarding this proposed development. We live at 843 Lilac
which is directly south of the section currently zoned TN -C, so the type of development will have
a direct effect on us. We moved to this subdivision 36 years ago to avoid city traffic and maintain
privacy on a 1 -acre lot, so you can understand why we are upset that this will end. We would like
to explain how we feel the land could be developed without completely overwhelming our
neighborhood.
First, we question the proposed transitioning from residential to commercial use. To create the
least impact on the existing neighborhood, it seems logical to go from low-density 1 -acre lots to
light commercial. Placing single -level office buildings along the south border of the development
would protect those of us whose residences adjoin the development and prevent high-rise
buildings from overlooking our front yards.
We went through similar issues with the property to the west being developed by Brighton. They
had planned to allow residential usage adjoining our west boundaries. After our neighborhood
and Brighton provided additional input, the zoning was changed to allow only commercial usage.
We appreciated this decision which recognized our concerns and hope you will consider
something similar.
By keeping both of these large developments primarily commercial, we also would not be facing
traffic issues on Waltman and Lilac (as addressed next).
Second, we believe good access in/out of this large-scale development should be established to
promote efficient traffic flow. The logical route is to direct traffic to Franklin Road. Franklin Road
was widened and improved to handle existing and future traffic from new developments. We
accept commercial zoning in this area. However, if high-density residential must be included, this
will generate substantial new traffic which should be directed to roadways built to handle it.
We, therefore, ask you to reconsider opening Lilac as a through -street from our neighborhood
into the new development. We understand this may be an issue handled by ACHD but want you
to understand the impact of doing so. Our streets are local roads, not built for a lot of traffic (there
is already an issue with Peregrine School). If Lilac is extended, we will have to contend with
vehicles from subdivisions along South Linder (looking for a shortcut) driving west on Waltman,
north on Lilac and west to Ten Mile. In reverse, the new traffic will be funneled down Lilac and
eastward on Waltman to get to Meridian and Boise, as that is currently the only access other than
Ten Mile. The concept of hundreds of vehicles from a large-scale development utilizing our out-
of-the-way local road is hard to understand. .
We are an old established neighborhood and are not desirous of being connected to a large "Life
Style" development. We do not believe residential building should be approved until good access
to Franklin Road has been provided.
Thank you for reading and considering our letter.
GARY AND KAY FORS