2020-07-14 Josh FemreiteJuly 13, 2020
Project No.: 18-140
Ms. Sonya Allen
City of Meridian
Community Development Department
33 E. Broadway Ave., Ste. 102
Meridian, ID 83642
Dear Ms. Allen,
My name is Josh Femreite and I am the Chief of New Schools for Gem Innovation
Schools. Our school network currently operates school facilities in Nampa, Meridian and
Pocatello as well as a statewide virtual school Gem Prep: Online. As you may be aware,
we are currently developing our fifth K-12 Public Charter School Facility, Gem Prep:
Meridian North, on McDermott Rd in North Meridian. The annexation of our site was
recently approved at the July 7th City Council Meeting. At full enrollment, our campus
will serve 574 students from Kindergarten to 12th grade.
I write this letter to voice strong support of the annexation, zoning and preliminary plat of
the proposed Prescott Ridge subdivision. The project, located about 300 yards north of
our future campus, will bring much needed housing options for all people in Meridian.
Their community plan is an appropriate fit and design for the area. As a public education
provider, we are in strong support of smart residential growth that includes safe
pedestrian connectivity, parks and community amenities and transportation connectivity.
The plan for Prescott Ridge looks to further these principles.
I believe the project will make an excellent addition to North Meridian and we look
forward to providing a K-12 public education choice for the future families of the
neighboring community.
Sincerely,
Josh Femreite
Chief of New Schools
GEM PREP: MERIDIAN NORTH, LLC
PO BOX 86
DEARY, ID 83823
FAX: 208-877-1713
OFFICE: 208-877-1513
GEMPREP.ORG/MERIDIANNORTH