2021-06-29 ClarkWardle DEVELOPMENT REAL PROPERTY ZONINC
CLARK
WARDLE
T. Hethe Clark
(208)388-3327
hclark@clarkwardle.com
Via electronic mail(bparsons@meridiancity.org)
June 29, 2021
Mayor and City Council
c/o City of Meridian Community Development Department
33 E. Broadway Ave.
Meridian, ID 83642
Re: Open Space and Amenity Code Update
CW File No. 21895.0
Dear Council Members:
As our valley sees record temperatures in the midst of drought conditions all across the west, the strain
of a growing population is reaching our area.' We must be wise stewards of our resources, including
water, and avoid mistakes that compound the problem.
Irrigation was turned off early last fall. The current word is that the same will happen the first week of
September this year. In coming years, this is likely to be the norm rather than the exception. If HOAs
must keep acres of turf and green space alive using only potable water, this will cost thousands of
dollars every month. If they choose (or are forced) to let landscaping die, HOAs are highly unlikely to
have the funds to replace that landscaping. If HOAs do keep landscaping alive by relying on City water,
can the municipal water system bear that burden for 45 to 60 days each year?
The proposed ordinance increases qualified open space requirements by 50%. The actual increases are
likely to be significantly higher given other proposed requirements that restrict what can qualify as open
space. We should give serious consideration as to whether this is appropriate and what the long-term
effects will be. We believe the Council should be wary of mandatory open space increases, should
consider all open space as qualified (to avoid inflating open space/water requirements), and focus on
amenities (walking paths, etc.) that do not consume precious water resources.
Very truly yours,
CC-
T. Hethe Clark
HC/bdb
'See,for example,a recent article in Bloomberg News: "Drought Indicators in Western U.S. Flash Warnings of the
'Big One"', https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/drought-indicators-western-u-flash-100018383.htm/.
T.Hethe Clark Ceoffrey M.Wardle Joshua I Leonard T.208.3BB.1000 251 E Front St,Suite 310
F:208.388.1001 PQ Box 639
clorkwardle.com Boise ID 83701