PZ - Planning Memo for Resolution PZ-21-03
Mayor Robert E. Simison
City Council Members:
Treg Bernt Brad Hoaglun
Joe Borton Jessica Perreault
Luke Cavener Liz Strader
May 28, 2021
MEMORANDUM
TO: Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
CC: David Miles, Chief of Staff
Cameron Arial, Community Development Director
Caleb Hood, Planning Division Manager
FROM: Victoria Cleary, Economic Development Administrator
Brian McClure, Comprehensive Associate Planner
RE: Second Amendment to the Meridian Revitalization Plan Urban Renewal
Project
Click Here for Second Amendment to Meridian Revitalization Plan Documents Folder
This memo is intended to provide Comprehensive Plan related analysis for the Second
Amendment to the Meridian Revitalization Plan Urban Renewal Project. The amendment as
proposed includes two distinct de-annexations for the areas described as the Northern Gateway
and the Idaho Block. Both of these areas are proposed to be removed from the original 2002
downtown Urban Renewal District. Approval of a resolution acknowledging compliance of this
amendment with the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan is a necessary pre-cursor to Meridian
City Council action on the de-annexation.
Ultimately, the purpose of this de-annexation will lead to the designated areas being annexed
into other Urban Renewal Districts (Districts). With the original District set to sunset in 2026,
these other Districts will provide greater opportunities for continued redevelopment that are
otherwise impossible within the lifespan of the existing District. The next steps after de-
annexation will include annexing the Idaho Block into the existing Union District, and the
creation of a proposed Northern Gateway District. Both of these distinct Districts will allow for
continued public-private and public-public partnerships in an area of town with both
infrastructure deficiencies and also unique opportunities. The Planning and Zoning Commission
and City Council will have discretion to act on the future Union District Plan Amendment and
the new Northern Gateway District Plan before they are implemented. Concurrent approval of
1
next steps was deemed to be inappropriate due to the timing of work associated with partner
agencies and with ongoing Urban Renewal legislation.
Recommendation
Since there are no new urban renewal area plans, proposed developments, use changes, or zoning
changes associated with this Second Amendment, it maintains consistency with the City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan. Community Development staff recommends that the Planning
and Zoning Commission approve the resolution confirming compliance of this amendment with
the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Following is a summary of the de-annexations by area.
Summary of De-annexations:
District Name Size (appx.) Current Zoning Description
Idaho Block 1.5 Acres O-T De-annex intending to transfer to existing
Union District
Northern Gateway 77.1 Acres O-T, R-8, R-15, R-De-annex intending to incorporate into a
40, L-O, C-C, C-G, new Northern Gateway District, which will
RUT also include land not previously within a
URD.