2020-09-08 Jaymi Hugo
September 8, 2020
TO: Meridian City Council
RE: 1625 E Bentley Dr., Meridian, ID – Annexation & Rezoning – AZ-H 2020 0078
Dear Council:
My name is Jaymi Hugo and I am a property owner and resident in the Locust View Heights neighborhood and
have lived there for over 17 years. The entrance to Locust View Heights takes its access off of Locust Grove
and Bentley.
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First off, I apologize I was unable to attend the August 6 hearing and provide testimony. I was out of town
and I did not receive a notice because our property is not within 300 feet of the subject property. Therefore I
was not personally notified in writing. The sign posted on the site was so small, it’s unlikely anyone could
have read it unless they were within walking distance as it is hidden by tall weeds. I request you consider this
written testimony and insert conditions in your approval as I will outline below.
I am aware of the recent sale of the above referenced property and personally discussed the plans with the new
owner. Where I am sad to see our neighborhood encroached upon by commercial development, I understand it
is a part of growth. I ask that our City Officials remember the need for quality of living to those who lived in
the neighborhood prior to such growth and honor the need we have to maintain the integrity of our quiet,
residential, family friendly, neighborhood.
So far with the approval of the FLUM after much objection from our neighborhood, the City moved forward
changing our neighborhood anyway per the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning, which Caleb described
as using their “trump card” instead of honoring the steering committees recommendation. This has placed a
very bad taste with many of the homeowners of our neighborhood and this project is the first of many that
could possibly destroy our current way of living. I would like to preserve the quality of life currently enjoyed
due to the type of neighborhood this is. I do not look forward to seeing this neighborhood dwindle away into
the City of Meridian Future Land Use Map intentions.
With that said, I would consider support for the approximate 4,800 sq. ft. office building for their business
proposed by Land Solutions. However, my main concern is with the use of the additional land where a
possible second building could be built or a possible re-subdivided in the future and what use of that property
could be used for. I am NOT in support of a possible 50 foot building (5 stories) being built on either section
of this property which is what has been discussed in the Staff Report as a possibility in the zoning being
considered.
After reviewing the Application, Staff Report, Site Concept Plan and other supporting documents I would like
to bring up a few concerns that should be clarified and corrected before moving forward or approving:
1. Page 2 of Staff Report – “Proposed Road Improvements” – Roundabout – Who will be installing this
roundabout and is this still a plan for this intersection of S. Locust Grove Rd. / E Bentley Dr.
intersection? It seems that with a lighted intersection and Locust Grove built out to a maximum 5
lane section a roundabout would not be considered. Normally, proposed roadway
improvements would be on the frontage of the project. Therefore, the Development Agreement
should include that the full frontage on Truss Place be required to have the access points, curb
gutter, sidewalk, and landscaping installed.
2. Page 6 of Staff Report – “C” – Indicates the property consists of a 1 acre parcel and a small.2 acre
‘strip of land’ and I believe this should be .02 acre. If not, where is the additional property they are
referencing? The site plans on page 11 and 12 show no additional .2 acres; the two proposed parcels
contain 0.44 and 0.55 acres on page 12 and only a 0.02 acre parcel on page 11 which is the boundary
for the rezone area. Page 11 seems to include the south half of the old Bentley St section that is no
longer used since Bentley was realigned at the current stoplight location. Before this approval moves
forward the correct legal description should be included as the Development Agreement is to be
recorded upon the conditioned and approved property.
3. There is no legal description included of the subject property, only the property to which is requesting
annexation and rezoning. I believe the legal description for the 1625 E Bentley should also be
included in the report.
4. Is the property being subdivided as described in the application? If so, it is not discussed anywhere in
the staff report other than a reference to a “short plat” that we as neighbors would not be able to
comment on. If so, I would request Development Agreement only allow the subject property to be
subdivide into 2 lots maximum without public notice to the full Locust View Heights neighborhood
with opportunity to discuss.
The following are requests that I would ask be added as conditions of approval and not just observations, notes
or statements:
1. Both access points and improvements (sidewalks etc.) along S. Truss Pl. should be completed all at
once and not just the entrance to the south portion of the property where the subject Land Solutions
building (1) would be constructed.
2. If a change to the Conceptual Building Layout (2) described in the “Proposed Concept Site Plan” -
page 12 of Staff Report is to be changed then the process would require notification of all Locust
View Heights neighborhood owners and not just within 300 feet and would require additional public
hearing.
3. If there is a change to the architectural design or structure and size, notification to all neighborhood
homeowners and opportunity given for additional public opposition and comment be given.
4. The hours of operation should be restricted to Monday through Saturday from 8am to 5pm for
customer access
Before making a final decision, please consider the needs of current existing families and neighbors. Put your
loyalties to your resident families into play and do what you say you do, by keeping Meridian a family friendly
city with large open spaces, and quiet safe neighborhoods. As you consider various options for how this
property will be used, I ask you to please keep the following things in mind:
1. This subject property’s only access point is through the entrance for our subdivision. The subject
property is part of the Locust View Heights Subdivision. The streets are narrow residential streets and
not designed to accommodate heavy commercial traffic. Anyone going to 1625 E. Bentley will have to
come into the subdivision to reach their destination.
2. Given that this property is very close to the homes in the neighborhood a business operating Monday
through Friday from 8AM to 5PM would certainly be preferred. This would minimize the impact to
the residences at the front of the subdivision.
There is only one entrance/exit to the subdivision with very light residential traffic; it is one of many reasons I
purchased our home. I enjoy the quiet, rural lifestyle we have in our neighborhood and do not want to see that
change. While I know change is inevitable. I just ask that you consider the impact of your decisions on the
residents of Locust View Heights and as you make your decision, try to protect the interests of the people that
live in the subdivision through a properly restriction Development Agreement to protect the Locust View
Heights neighborhood. I hope this situation will result in a solution the buyers and the residents can feel good
about.
Thank you for considering my viewpoint, desires and concerns. I know many surrounding neighbors of my
property feel the same. Some are elderly and unable to communicate as easily because they do not have access
to digital communications. Considering the current conditions surrounding Covid-19, they find it difficult to
attend meetings and may feel to a disadvantage in having their views heard.
Sincerely,
Jaymi Hugo
1925 E Cadillac Dr.
Meridian, ID 83642