PZ - Applicant's Response to Staff Report
Date: April 2nd, 2020
City of Meridian
Building Department
33 E. Broadway Ave
Meridian ID 83642
Re: H-2020-0015
Hidden Gem Events: Written Response
We are in agreement with the well written and prepared staff report provided by
Planner Joseph Dodson, with the City Of Meridian. The report represents the overall project
goals and intent well. The Tolleth Houses prior use served as a local antique shop and also
held various events ranging in attendance. The new proposed use for the historic home will
be the new location of Hidden Gem Events, owned by local business owner Elizabeth
Burgess. Elizabeth also owns and resides in the adjacent home 120 E. State Avenue, the
property is located directly behind the Tolleth House. As stated in the report “Allowing an
event center to take place in a historic downtown home will help spread the knowledge
and history of both Meridian and this historic home. The economic impact of additional foot
traffic should also help other locations within Downtown to flourish.”
Response Item #1:
H: PARKING:
1. The City of Meridian has expressed concerns regarding parking within the report,
understanding the concern we have taken various steps to help allocate parking;
Utilizing Meridian City Code section UDC 11-3C-7. “All Traditional Neighborhood Districts the
requirement shall be one space for every one thousand (1,000) square feet of gross floor
area.” When applying this calculation to the property of Hidden Gem Events it would require
approximately 4 off-street parking spots. In addition, the City Code also states; “Lawfully
existing structures in Traditional Neighborhood Districts shall not be required to comply with
the requirements of this section except when a proposed addition increases the number of
off street parking spaces normally required, then the applicant shall provide additional
parking as set forth in this section.” There are no additions being added to the subject
property. However, we understand the concern for parking and provided a detailed parking
plan to the city. The parking plan is a total of potential parking spaces that could be used
when events are hosted. We acknowledge that not every space will be available at all
times, but believe that there is enough parking to be shared between residents, business
owners, and the public.
An additional step that was taken to help alleviate some of the parking concern as
suggested by planning staff and noted in the code section UDC 11-3C-7 “Alternative parking
standards” was to have shared parking as long as the properties and/or uses are within one
thousand feet (1,000') of each other. Business owner Elizabeth Burgess reached out to a few
surrounding businesses for permission to have a shared parking agreement. Currently Hidden
Gem Events has a notarized parking agreement with all American Insurance located within
750 feet of the property.
Elizabeth is still working on gaining other additional parking agreements, due to the current
worldly events this has slowed the process of obtaining a few additional shared agreements
but they are still in the process of being made.
2. An additional item to cover regarding parking within the report is the Planning
department's request to better understand how the owner plans to educate and inform
patrons of where to park during held events. The owner Elizabeth Burgess has written the
following response: “Hidden Gem Events will be providing a detailed map to all clients who
will be renting out the facility to send to each guest/patron before the scheduled event.
Each event should be scheduled weeks, if not months in advance. So this will give plenty of
time for new guests/patrons to know where parking is available. Hidden Gem Events will also
provide this detailed map and instructions on our website.”
Response Item # 2
J: Landscaping
1.The owner Elizabeth Burgess agrees to the recommendation by the planning staff to add
additional landscaping on the southern fence line for the property to help add privacy and
mitigate both light and sound.
The surrounding community has been supportive of the growth and flourishment Elizabeth
has planned for the community. It is our belief that the proposed use of the space enhances
the charm, appeal and marketability of the whole corner. Elizabeth has been very involved
in the Meridian community and hopes to be a part of its growth and improvement. The
beautiful historical home holds so much history, character and memories it's important that it
is celebrated.
Thank you for all of your time and consideration during this process. Please see the attached
business letter and response letter provided by owner Elizabeth Burgess.
First, I would like to thank you for taking the time to review this letter and for getting to know me and my
vision for Meridian’s next Hidden Gem a bit more. As a 4th generation Idahoan, born and raised in
Meridian, I understand the growth our “small town” has been experiencing first hand-and while growth is
incredibly exciting, I also know that means there are people, like yourselves, who are working tirelessly to
ensure that that same growth is achieved with the best interest of citizens, business owners, the city, and the
future in mind. So, again, thank you for the important work that you are doing and for ensuring Meridian
doesn’t lose its hometown nostalgia while also helping it to thrive.
E L I Z A B E T H
B U R G E S S
Dear Joseph Dodson and the City of Meridian,
A D D R E S S
1 3 4 E . S T A T E A V E
M E R I D I A N , I D 8 3 6 4 2
C O N T A C T
(2 0 8 ) 8 6 3 -0 1 8 7
E L I Z A B E T H .A .B U R G E S S @ H O T M A I L .C O M
H I D D E N
G E M
E V E N T S
Growing up with enterprising Great Grandparents who owned and operated a dairy farm and who both
taught in Meridian’s first schoolhouse, instilled in me both a passion for creating my own business, and for
locating it in the heart of my favorite place to call home-Meridian. With this longstanding dream, I
approached the Alger’s on a whim to inquire about the potential of purchasing their home. I knew that their
home would become the perfect place to bring my vision to life—a space to celebrate some of life’s most
meaningful moments as it had done for the Alger’s and for so many families throughout the years. By
maintaining the home’s architectural integrity and celebrating its history within the community, I plan to
breathe new life into the heart of downtown by providing a space to celebrate small events like bridal
showers, baby showers, anniversaries, birthday and small weddings of no more than 150 guests (outdoors).
While I understand that my vision for this property may cause some concern with regards to noise and
parking, I can assure you that my experience as a homeowner, business owner, and engaged member of the
community will enable me to navigate these challenges thoughtfully in the same way that you must carefully
consider each request that comes across your desk and its impact on the city. My commitment to the city
and fostering both its growth and improvement -responsibly- began at a young age with my Girl Scout troop
that helped to design and donate funding for Memories-Generation Plaza. In 2015 I was the President of
Leadership Meridian and worked hand-in-hand with the Meridian Chamber to raise funding for Project
Kids, an amazing non-profit helping to invest in the students of the West Ada School District. I opened my
first business off Franklin and 3rd street and I am a proud member of the Meridian Downtown Association.
My roots and ties within the community, along with my investment in the town I love, are a reflection of the
same energy and integrity I will pour into Meridian’s Hidden Gem.
I cannot wait to share this historic home with the community, providing a much-needed space for small
celebrations within the heart of downtown. I would love to answer any questions you may have about my
vision. Thank you for your careful consideration; please, don’t hesitate to contact me-I would love to get to
know you as well!
A lw ays, Elizabeth Burgess
E L I Z A B E T H
B U R G E S S
Dear Joseph Dodson and the City of Meridian,
A D D R E S S
1 3 4 E . S T A T E A V E
M E R I D I A N , I D 8 3 6 4 2
C O N T A C T
(2 0 8 ) 8 6 3 -0 1 8 7
E L I Z A B E T H .A .B U R G E S S @ H O T M A I L .C O M
H I D D E N
G E M
E V E N T S
Thank you so much for the CUP report. I am happy to address your concerns below and during the
meeting if I have missed any.
H. Parking (UDC 11-3C)
Hidden Gem Events will be providing a detailed map to all clients who will be renting out the facility to
send to each guest/patron before the scheduled event. Each event should be scheduled weeks, if not
months in advance. So this will give plenty of time for new guest/patrons to know where parking is
available. Hidden Gem Events will also provide this detailed map and instructions on our website.
In addition, Elizabeth Burgess has been working with multiple neighboring businesses on achieving more
parking agreements.
J. Landscaping (UDC 11-3B)
Hidden Gem Events is planning on adding additional landscaping to provide privacy of the yard
surrounding the South side of the iron fencing of the Tolleth Home.
A lw ays, Elizabeth Burgess
E L I Z A B E T H
B U R G E S S
A D D R E S S
1 3 4 E . S T A T E A V E
M E R I D I A N , I D 8 3 6 4 2
C O N T A C T
(2 0 8 ) 8 6 3 -0 1 8 7
E L I Z A B E T H .A .B U R G E S S @ H O T M A I L .C O M
H I D D E N
G E M
E V E N T S