2020-05-18 Amanda Seabock
Charlene Way
From:Amanda Seabock <amandaseabock@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 15, 2020 7:45 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Public Comments
Application: Modern Craftsman at Black Cat CUP, MDA, PS, RZ H-2020-0022
Applicant: Baron Black Cat, LLC.
Project Location: NE Corner of N. Black Cat Rd. & W. Chinden Blvd.
To the City Clerk and the Community Development Department:
I write to add my concerns regarding the above-referenced development project. At the outset, let me confirm my
understanding that growth demands development and new dwellings are essential to the life blood of our City's
economy. But in that spirit, we must develop intelligently and with an eye toward the well-being of the community and
its current residents. My issues are as follows:
1. Neighborhood Quality: When I moved to this area, I had several options. I ultimately chose Spurwing for the quiet
community it provided. Nestled at the edge of the City against a canal that acts as a natural barrier to development, this
location seemed to provide a quiet space in a growing, vibrant City. Now, that solitude is threatened by a massive
project that will add far too many people into too small a space. The character of the neighborhood that many of us
spent a large amount of money to be a part of will change. The types of homes here should remain consistent with the
existing values of the neighborhood.
2. Sense of Community: Apartments are an important part of the housing economy. They provide safe and affordable
living options for young people/families, those who may just be starting out, and others who may not yet have the
opportunity to purchase a home. But no one can deny that without 'skin in the game', people will behave differently. I'm
sure these will be high-quality apartments. But, if someone is only going to live in an area for a year, what do they care
about that area in eighteen months? An apartment will necessarily bring more traffic, litter, noise, and reduce the will of
the people to keep up their area - because it's not really theirs. Having lived in mixed residential neighborhood before, I
can attest to the deterioration apartment complexes bring. And then, there is the safety element. My kids walk to and
from the bus stop. I chose to move to Meridian because I wanted to live in a place where my kids had that kind of
freedom and independence. But add in a transient element, including younger residents, and it's all but assured that the
traffic will increase and be less safe.
3. Schools: We live fewer than two miles from Willow Creek, but had to hustle to get our kids into school here in
Meridian. Apparently, we are districted for Star. (Note: If I wanted my kids to go to school in Star, I'd live in Star.) So how
does the City propose to school the hundred or so likely new kids in this area? From what I understand, the Bainbridge
development is getting a new school, but Spurwing is not to be included in that plan either. In short, the infrastructure
must precede the development.
In short, this is the wrong time and place for a project like this. This land should be reserved for single-family homes, 55+
living, and/or small retail spaces and amenities. There is no reason to inundate our quiet neighborhood with too many
people and too few resources.
1
Sincerely,
Amanda Seabock
Spurwing Heights
2