2020-07-31 Steven Humphries
Adrienne Weatherly
From:Steve Humphries <stevehumphries@cableone.net>
Sent:Friday, July 31, 2020 2:51 PM
To:City Clerk
Cc:Robert Simison; Liz Strader; Joe Borton; Brad Hoaglun; Treg Bernt; Jessica Perreault;
Luke Cavener
Subject:Victory Apartments CPAM, AZ H-2020-0065
External Sender - Please use caution with links or attachments.
Dear Mayor Simson and City Council Members.
My name is Steven Humphries. I live in the Strada Bellissima subdivision, which is located near the intersection of State
Hwy. 69 (Meridian Road) and Victory Road, in the city of Meridian. I have read and understand the proposed
annexation and re-zoning application relating to a 17-acre parcel located near the intersection of South Alfani Way and
Victory Road. I have been following the application process with great interest.
As a 13-year resident of our subdivision and long-standing member of our HOA Board of Directors, I would like to thank
you in advance for taking the time to read and consider my comments. Please understand that I have seen a lot of
changes in our area over the past several years, and for the most part, I welcome growth that is both well planned and
beneficial to our community. Unfortunately, this proposal is neither. It falls short on being well planned, as the
proposed use is contrary to the surrounding area which consists of several hundred higher end single family detached
homes, and a moderate amount of commercial properties along Meridian Road. There is one high density apartment
complex on Victory Road (Red Tail), that in my opinion meets the absorption rate for this immediate area.
The bigger concern that I see with the addition of a complex that consists of 192 high-density apartments and the
proposed 384 parking spaces, is the impact created by the additional vehicles on Victory Road especially at peak times of
day. As I’m sure you are aware, Victory Road west of Meridian Road is a narrow 2 lane curvy road, that fluctuates in
elevation and follows the path of the Ridenbaugh Canal. Just to the west of Meridian Road is one of two primary points
of ingress and egress for the Strada Bellissima subdivision. For vehicles needing to head north on Meridian Road, exiting
Alfani Way onto Victory Road and utilizing the traffic signal at Meridian Road, is the safer alternative to using Maestra
Street. As a result of continued growth in south Meridian and into Kuna, traffic on Meridian can be extremely difficult
navigate at all times of day, and is dangerous to try and cross Meridian Road heading north from Maestra. The thought
of having a few hundred additional vehicles to contend with just to enter or exit our subdivision is very
troublesome. And with all of the additional vehicles on the road in this immediate area, it causes tremendous concern
for the safety of children attempting to safely cross Victory Road in order to get to school whether walking or riding
bicycles.
Is it possible that a main point of entry and exit for your project can be relocated to Meridian Road instead of Victory
Road? Or possibly reconsider the proposed use and look at a low-density alternative such as a commercial office park or
flex buildings instead?
Having had conversations with several neighbors both in and around this subdivision, I have found opposition to this
proposal to be a common theme. I am encouraging everyone that could be adversely affected by this current proposal
to make their concerns heard.
To be clear, I have no opposition to the City of Meridian annexing the subject property into the city. That has been
expected for many years. However, I do stand in opposition to the applicants request for rezoning of the property. For
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the betterment of Meridian and our immediate community, please consider an alternative use of this property, or look
to other areas that may be more conducive to this type of development.
Again, thank you for taking the time to read my comments and concerns.
Sincerely,
Steven Humphries
300 W. Fortini St.
Meridian, ID 83642
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