CC - ITD Letter Regarding Copperbrook Subdivision Easement - 3/31
CC: TO Engineers
March 31, 2016 VIA EMAIL
Sonya Watters
Meridian City Planning Division
33 East Idaho Avenue
Meridian, Idaho 83642
RE: FUTURE SH16 ALIGNMENT
ITD responded to the City of Meridian H-2015-0029 Copperbrook Subdivision Application request via letter
dated January 25, 2016. To reiterate, we are not opposed to this development.
I am sending this letter to help clarify the discussion among ITD, ACHD, City of Meridian and the developer of
the Copperbrook Subdivision that occurred on on March 23, 2016. The Idaho Transportation Department
completed an environmental evaluation for the extension of SH-16 to I-84 in conformance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The study identified alternative alignments and recommended a preferred
alignment that was documented in an Environmental Impact Study (EIS). ITD constructed a portion of the SH-
16 extension with the GARVEE Program; however at this time ITD does not have the additional funding for the
remaining improvements identified in the EIS. While we are cognizant of current and future development and
access needs, we must act within the guidance shown in the EIS. The EIS addressed the need to protect a 300’
right-of-way along the preferred alignment for future construction and operation of an expressway.
The EIS also studied access for parcels that would be affected by the construction of the expressway. In the
vicinity of this proposed development the EIS documented a north/south road ¼ mile west of N. McDermott
Road to provide access to individual parcels that would no longer have direct access onto McDermott Road, as
well as an east/west secondary road that would provide access to a potentially landlocked parcel. Changes in the
location of these roads could potentially impact the future construction of the expressway and/or increase the
cost to taxpayers in order to provide connectivity. ACHD shows a major north/south road at the ½ mile spacing
in their current master plan, and ACHD will have jurisdiction over these local roads if/when they are
constructed. Therefore ITD concurs with ACHD’s recommended location for this local road.
Additionally, ITD would like to express our appreciation to the City of Meridian and the developers of the
Copperbrook Subdivision for their foresight and willingness to leave a 300 foot setback along the west
boundary of their development which has been identified as a portion of the future SH16 alignment, thus
helping to avoid unnecessary impacts to homeowners when the future SH16 highway is built and saving
taxpayer dollars.
It is of paramount importance that our agencies continue to work together as plans are proposed so that we can
understand each other’s needs. If you have any questions, you may contact Amy Schroeder at 334-8302 or me
at 332-7190.
Sincerely,
Ken Couch
ITD Development Services
Ken.Couch@itd.idaho.gov