2020-08-18 Thad Murata
Adrienne Weatherly
From:thad murata <tmurata3@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 4:05 PM
To:Sonya Allen; City Clerk; planninginquiries
Subject:Victory Apartments
As a resident of Strada Belissima neighborhood, I am writing in concern of the proposed rezoning of
the property at the southwest corner of Victory Rd and Meridian Rd.
I have received notice yesterday and have visited the Victory Apartments CPAM AZ H-2020-0065
website to review documents.
I am very concerned with a few items and if they are being addressed appropriately.
1. I would like to mention traffic and possible issues with congestion and safety. The proposed
property will have a single access point south of Strada Bellissima sharing an intersection with S.
Alfani Way. I live on S. Alfani Way and have safety concerns with the potential amount and speed of
the traffic. Our street has a lot of pedestrian traffic with large grass areas and a playground where
neighborhood children and families frequent. In addition, residents park cars on the street which at
times makes 2 way traffic difficult. My concern with adding a high density property with only 1 access
point will increase the amount of traffic through the neighborhood and create a safety risk with
pedestrians, children at playgrounds, and neighbors parking in front of their homes.
2. The plans posted on the site did not have "Green" area where families with children or pets could
realistically enjoy. I noticed the dog park on the northeast corner of the property, but this feasible for
a property 192 units. The large grass field south of the Valley Shepherd Church of the Nazarene is
already frequented by non-residents of Strada Bellissima. I foresee residents of the new apartment
complex visiting the church field, increasing the pedestrian traffic and vehicle traffic in Strada
Bellissima and resulting in a safety risk and congestion.
3. In regards to property values, have there been studies of the impacts to property values to
neighboring areas when high density properties are built? Based on information received, the
Meridian Comprehensive Plan Policy promises "to make decisions, including land use restrictions and
conditions of approval that do not violate private property rights and to preserve private property
rights and values by enforcing regulations that will prevent and mitigate against incompatible and
detrimental neighboring uses." When previous high density properties were developed in Ada County
have property values been immediately impacted?
4. The ability to depart Strada Bellissima via W. Maestra St. onto Meridian Rd. is already difficult and
risky. Adding a high density property will only increase this issue or make departing onto Meridian
Rd. near impossible or accessing Meridian Rd via Victory Rd difficult. Does this create an
incompatible and detrimental neighboring use?
5. Have traffic studies been performed on Meridian Rd, Victory Rd, S. Alfani Way, and W. Maestra
St? Did these studies included dates during the recent pandemic which reduced the amount of traffic
on these roadways? Is that a valid study?
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6. Based on the information in the PZ - Staff Report 8-20 regarding schools and capacity, they are
already near capacity. What is the plan to ensure that there is room for the kids to attend school in a
safe environment that is not overcrowded?
7. The 2020-08-12 ACHD Draft contains information regarding street section and Right-of Way width
policy. Based on the available land, a standard 3 lane street section with a single travel lane in each
direction and a continuous center left turn lane with bike lanes cannot be accommodated. This will
cause traffic congestion for cars attempting to access and depart the apartments and traffic trying to
access Victory Rd. west of Meridian Rd. Which brings me to my next point on page 10, Section F.
Conclusions of Law, 2. "ACHD requirements are intended to assure that the proposed
use/development will not place an undue burden on the existing vehicular transportation system
within the vicinity impacted by the proposed development."
In summation, I am opposed to the rezoning and development of a high density property on the
southwest corner of Meridian Rd. and Victory Rd. The concerns and risks due to congestion and
traffic without the proper considerations or infrastructure will highly impact the existing
neighborhoods. This will create safety concerns for existing residents and especially children. Also,
our schools as noted will not be able to keep up with capacity.
Thank you for you time
Thad Murata
2857 S. Alfani Way
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