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PZ - Narrative BLAINEJB . WM .�_ . I AW CIVIL G 1V�� N�G 13 September 15, 2021 Project No.: N1420004 Ms. Sonya Allen City of Meridian Planning Division 33 East Broadway Avenue, Suite 102 Meridian, ID 83642 RE: Woodcrest Townhomes Subdivision—Meridian, ID Applications for Preliminary Plat On behalf of Landmark Pacific Investors, we are pleased to submit the attached applications for the development of the Woodcrest Townhomes Subdivision(Project) (previously referred to as Fairway Townhomes Subdivision), located at 1789 N Hickory Way in Meridian, ID. More specifically, this Project is in the southwest 1/4 of the southeast 1/4 of Section 5, Township 3 North, Range I East, Boise Meridian. The purpose of this letter is to provide supplemental information for the Project to assist in the review process of this application. Our application includes: 1) Preliminary Plat for a new residential subdivision consisting of 19 single family lots. Existing Use of the Property The property is currently vacant and has no existing homes or buildings. The parcel has historically been unused and vacant. The land generally slopes from north to south. Overview The Woodcrest Townhomes community totals 1.97 acres. Applications to change the comprehensive plan and zoning of the property to accommodate the proposed townhomes development is currently in process with the city. This proposed preliminary plat application complies with the City Council's desire to have the comprehensive plan, zoning change and preliminary plat processed simultaneously. 4355 W. Emerald Street, Suite 145, Boise, ID 83706 • Phone: (208) 593-7555 1 It is proposed that property be rezoned to R-15 to develop 19 new lots for attached single family townhomes. These new townhomes will meet the high demand for quality and diverse housing that will serve a mix of demographics and lifestyles. Woodcrest Townhomes is surrounded by property already annexed and developed in the City of Meridian. As a result of the location, Woodcrest Townhomes is a well-designed and well- integrated subdivision that complements the surrounding land uses: the commercial businesses to the east and south and the existing residential homes to the west and north. This proposed development will provide the perfect transition and buffer between the commercial and residential uses. The proposed use provides residential live, work and shopping opportunities due to the site proximity to the Scentsy Inc. campus and The Village, among many other career and commercial options along Eagle Road and Fairview Avenue. This live/shop/work friendly environment will cause a reduction in vehicle trips. The development of this Project will not only develop a vacant, infill property that has had numerous amounts of failed conceptual site layouts but will also provide a fine product that is desired in this location and current economy. Residential Lots and Density The Project provides lots ranging in size from 3,789 square feet (sf) to 2,000 sf, with an average residential lot size of 2,701 sf. The proposed gross density of the project is 9.64 dwelling units per acre [(19)/1.97=9.64 du/acre]. The Project is intended to be developed as one phase. Open Space and Amenities A landscape buffer along Hickory Way reserves space for a large amount of landscaping to buffer traffic noise and sight lines into the neighborhood. This provides a beautiful common area for residents as well as neighbors. Quality landscaping will be provided throughout the community. Tall and skinny Cyprus-type trees are proposed along the northwest property boundary. This will create a natural sight-line barrier between the proposed project and the existing residential lots along this common boundary. Detached sidewalks along Hickory Way allow for significant trees and shrubs in the planting strip and behind the sidewalk. A large open space in the southeast corner is proposed to be developed with additional parking, a meandering walking path and a gazebo. Each of these homes will have between one and two-car garages, along with a paved apron/driveway for up to two additional cars. Twenty (20) onsite parking stalls are being provided to be used by both the community and surrounding businesses. This will help to alleviate the parking concerns shared by the city and current residents of the surrounding community. In addition, Woodcrest Townhomes Subdivision is less than one (1) mile from the Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, which plays host to plenty of walking pathways, fishing ponds, playgrounds, and restrooms. Across from the Park is The Village at Meridian. This entertainment complex provides plenty of amenities, including shopping, a movie theater, and restaurants in an exciting outdoor environment. 4355 W. Emerald Street, Suite 145, Boise, ID 83706 • Phone: (208) 593-7555 2 Streets and Utilities All streets in Woodcrest Townhomes are private but will meet ACHD and City of Meridian standards. We have carefully spaced and off-set the street and driveway connections to Hickory Way. To provide ample turning movements. Potable water, sewer and pressurized irrigation are all readily available to the property. All storm water generated onsite will be handled and remained onsite. Neighborhood Meeting Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the neighborhood meeting for Woodcrest Townhomes was held on site. The meeting was held at 5:00 pm on Thursday, January 28, 2021. Attendees of the meeting received a copy of the most current lot layout at the time and an invitation to contact the project planner (me) at any time with questions or concerns. The names of attendees are listed on the neighborhood meeting attendance sheet. Neighbors who emailed for more information are also listed on the attendance sheet with their contact information. Traffic Concerns Throughout this process, there has been numerous comments and concerns made about the current lack of parking and the potential increase in trips made because of the requested zoning change. We listened to these concerns and took action by conducting a traffic/parking analysis of both the current and future demand of the parking area. Based on conversations and the analysis conducted by Kittelson &Associates, the proposed rezone from light office to medium residential reduced the number of trips generated by roughly 35%. The analysis also showed that the current parking space allotment meets the demand, and no parking lot was observed to be over 70% full during the study. This project is providing plenty of parking opportunities for its residents with the garages and aprons, while also providing an additional 20 parking spaces for guests. 4355 W. Emerald Street, Suite 145, Boise, ID 83706 • Phone: (208) 593-7555 3 Summer We are pleased to submit our applications that will provide a desirable product at this special location in Meridian. We believe the residents of this proposed development will enjoy a quiet neighborhood, with the benefit of excellent access to the commercial uses and a short walk to parks and churches. We look forward to working with you, your staff and Meridian's decision makers through the approval process.Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions about our proposed development or the applications. BLAINE A. WOMER CIVIL ENGINEERING Y Andrew Newell, Project Manager 4355 W. Emerald Street, Suite 145, Boise, ID 83706 • Phone: (208) 593-7555 4