2022-07-25 Jeff Culbertson
Charlene Way
From:Jeff Culbertson <jculbertson080569@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, July 25, 2022 2:36 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Impressive East Ridge Subdivision
External Sender - Please use caution with links or attachments.
Please accept my letter in opposition to the application to remove single-level limitation on single-family residences
within Impressive East Ridge Subdivision No. 2 and No. 3 Village (Product Area).
Thank you,
1
Charlene Way
From:Chris Johnson
Sent:Monday, July 25, 2022 2:48 PM
To:Charlene Way
Subject:FW: Impressive East Ridge Subdivision No 2 & 3
Attachments:Mayor Simison.docx
From: Robert Simison
Sent: Monday, July 25, 2022 2:48 PM
To: jculbertson080569@gmail.com
Cc: Chris Johnson <cjohnson@meridiancity.org>
Subject: FW: Impressive East Ridge Subdivision No 2 & 3
Jeff,
As this is an open application, myself and the City Council should refrain from having any conversations about the
project outside of the public hearing. I have copied our City Clerk so that this letter and my response will be included in
the public record for this application.
Respectfully,
Mayor Robert Simison
City of Meridian
All e-mail messages sent to or received by City of Meridian e-mail accounts are subject to the Idaho law,
in regards to both release and retention, and may be released upon request, unless exempt from disclosure by law.
From: Jeff Culbertson <jculbertson080569@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, July 25, 2022 2:24 PM
To: Robert Simison <rsimison@meridiancity.org>
Subject: Impressive East Ridge Subdivision No 2 & 3
1
July 25, 2022
Jeff Culbertson
2613 E Brace Drive
Meridian, ID 83642
City of Meridian
33 E. Broadway Ave.,
Suite 102
Meridian Id 83642
Dear Mayor Simison
Re: Impressive East Ridge Development Agreement Modifications, H-2020-0037 East Ridge
Subdivision
I am writing this letter to request the Meridian City Council to deny the Development
Agreement Modification to remove single-level limitation on single family residences within
Impressive East Ridge Subdivision No. 2 and No. 3 (Village Product Area) as submitted.
On October 19, 2017, four (4) citizens attended the Planning & Zoning Commission Public
Hearing and on November 28, 2017, thirty-eight (38) citizens attended the City Council Public
Hearing in opposition of the Annexation and Zoning (AZ) and Preliminary Plat (PP). Some of the
concerns raised by both public testimony and written testimony included:
Additional Traffic
Density of Overall Development
Feasibility of Age-restricted Housing
Transition from the Surrounding Neighborhoods and the Transition from the
Age-restricted Lots
Concerns how the Blackrock Neighborhood were ignored by the Developer
Unfortunately, the Planning Commission and City Council voted to approve the 40.99-acre AR
and PP with R-4 and R-15 zoning districts without addressing the neighborhood concerns.
On June 5, 2018, the City of Meridian and DevCo, LLC entered into Development Agreement,
and on July 17, 2018, City Council approved the first Final Plat. The intent of the Agreement and
Final Plat is to set clear direction as to conditions, and expectations for what is to be built, along
with the confidence that what is proposed meets the intent of R-4 & R-15 zoning.
City of Meridian Med-High Density R-15 Design Considerations states the following:
“Residential developments should orient to surrounding uses, including residential and non-
residential areas, in a way that encourages compatible development patterns, character, and
appearances.”
“Appropriately address the critical issues of site layout that influence a compatible and
integrated neighborhood character, including, but not limited to, vehicular access, pedestrian
connectivity, building orientations, and common spaces.”
Development Agreement (H2017-0129) states “The applicant shall provide a master grading
plan and drainage plan for the site with the first final plat application.”
The first Final Plat Application did not include a Master Grading Plan. The applicant submitted
drainage calculations, Conceptual Engineering Plan, Landscape Plan and Final Plat. The
Conceptual Engineering Plan showed existing ground elevations, lot layouts and street
locations, but there was no vertical design component other than a hinge line. Without
knowing proposed lot elevations there is no way to understand the vertical transition between
Village Lots and Estate Lots. Vertical transition is a critical component when determining lot
orientation, landscaping, fencing, and building setbacks.
Today Village Lots are upwards to, and in some locations greater than 13 ft. vertically above the
Estate Lots. Village houses are constructed within 10 ft. of the rear property line, and existing
fencing between lots is a 4 ft. open vision fence. Open vision fencing is typically used when lots
are adjacent to public right-of-way, open space, and public parks. It is hard to believe, and hard
to accept that something this blatantly wrong can get to this point. I’ve attached a picture (see
attached) of my neighbors back yard. Would you consider this meeting the R-15 Design
Considerations of appropriately addressing the critical issues of site layout that influence a
compatible and integrated neighborhood character?
The application before you takes this already unbearable situation and makes it worse. This
application to remove single-level limitation on a single-family residence introduces changes to
roof lines, windows/lighting, and noise.
Because there is an average of a 13-foot vertical height difference from Estate Lots to Village
Lots and with a maximum roof height of 25 ft. creates a monotonous wall (38-foot) effect
concern. Today only one (1) house plan (Glendale) has a roof height of 25 ft. for the full width
of the house. This application proposes four (4) house plans (Glendale, Chandler, Pima and
Tempe) to have a 25 ft. roof height for nearly the full width of the house. If these houses were
constructed next to each other it would create a undesirable wall effect to Estate Lots Block 2,
Lots 3-16 & Block 3, Lots 19-21 (17 lots total).
The addition of Bonus Rooms/Bedrooms will have an increase in home occupants causing
increased noise from a small 10 ft. backyard. Because the existing condition between Village
Lots and Estates Lots is already intrusive, the addition of Bonus Rooms/Bedrooms will only
make it worse.
Bonus Rooms/Bedrooms with windows will also allow an additional location for neighbors to
look directly down into our yards and homes.
It is obvious that the existing situation between Village Lots and Estates Lots is not good and
does not align with the City of Meridian Med-High Density R-15 Design Considerations. I
believe the applicants proposed changes will only make things worse. I believe that the majority
of the issues being raised today are similar to the Transition from the Age-restricted Lots issues
raised by Blackrock neighbors in 2017. I also believe its not to late to make things correct by
including modifications as part of the proposed amendment to the Development Agreement.
Between now and the time of the Public Hearing I ask you to truly think about these concerning
issues which come to you as part of this application.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and thank you for considering the information
before you.
Sincerely
Jeff Culbertson
Charlene Way
From:Chris Johnson
Sent:Monday, July 25, 2022 3:00 PM
To:Charlene Way
Subject:FW: Impressive East Ridge Subdivision 3 & 4
Attachments:Cavener.docx
From: Luke Cavener
Sent: Monday, July 25, 2022 2:58 PM
To: Jeff Culbertson <jculbertson080569@gmail.com>
Cc: Chris Johnson <cjohnson@meridiancity.org>
Subject: Re: Impressive East Ridge Subdivision 3 & 4
Jeff, thank you for the letter and for taking the time to share how this project will impact your life. As I’m sure you know
because this is an open application I’m prohibited from commenting while not on the public record. I did want you to
know that I have read and received your letter, I’ve also sent it to the Clerk so it can be added to the public record and
can be seen by my City Council colleagues. I’ll point out that this item has been requested for a continuance tomorrow
evening so it’s possible this item will not be heard tomorrow and will instead be scheduled to a future date. Chris
Johnson our city clerk is cc’d on this email and can assist if you have questions about next steps.
Again, thank you for reaching out.
Best,
Luke
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 25, 2022, at 2:34 PM, Jeff Culbertson <jculbertson080569@gmail.com> wrote:
1
July 25, 2022
Jeff Culbertson
2613 E Brace Drive
Meridian, ID 83642
City of Meridian
33 E. Broadway Ave.,
Suite 102
Meridian Id 83642
Dear Council Member Cavener
Re: Impressive East Ridge Development Agreement Modifications, H-2020-0037 East Ridge
Subdivision
I am writing this letter to request the Meridian City Council to deny the Development
Agreement Modification to remove single-level limitation on single family residences within
Impressive East Ridge Subdivision No. 2 and No. 3 (Village Product Area) as submitted.
On October 19, 2017, four (4) citizens attended the Planning & Zoning Commission Public
Hearing and on November 28, 2017, thirty-eight (38) citizens attended the City Council Public
Hearing in opposition of the Annexation and Zoning (AZ) and Preliminary Plat (PP). Some of the
concerns raised by both public testimony and written testimony included:
Additional Traffic
Density of Overall Development
Feasibility of Age-restricted Housing
Transition from the Surrounding Neighborhoods and the Transition from the
Age-restricted Lots
Concerns how the Blackrock Neighborhood were ignored by the Developer
Unfortunately, the Planning Commission and City Council voted to approve the 40.99-acre AR
and PP with R-4 and R-15 zoning districts without addressing the neighborhood concerns.
On June 5, 2018, the City of Meridian and DevCo, LLC entered into Development Agreement,
and on July 17, 2018, City Council approved the first Final Plat. The intent of the Agreement and
Final Plat is to set clear direction as to conditions, and expectations for what is to be built, along
with the confidence that what is proposed meets the intent of R-4 & R-15 zoning.
City of Meridian Med-High Density R-15 Design Considerations states the following:
“Residential developments should orient to surrounding uses, including residential and non-
residential areas, in a way that encourages compatible development patterns, character, and
appearances.”
“Appropriately address the critical issues of site layout that influence a compatible and
integrated neighborhood character, including, but not limited to, vehicular access, pedestrian
connectivity, building orientations, and common spaces.”
Development Agreement (H2017-0129) states “The applicant shall provide a master grading
plan and drainage plan for the site with the first final plat application.”
The first Final Plat Application did not include a Master Grading Plan. The applicant submitted
drainage calculations, Conceptual Engineering Plan, Landscape Plan and Final Plat. The
Conceptual Engineering Plan showed existing ground elevations, lot layouts and street
locations, but there was no vertical design component other than a hinge line. Without
knowing proposed lot elevations there is no way to understand the vertical transition between
Village Lots and Estate Lots. Vertical transition is a critical component when determining lot
orientation, landscaping, fencing, and building setbacks.
Today Village Lots are upwards to, and in some locations greater than 13 ft. vertically above the
Estate Lots. Village houses are constructed within 10 ft. of the rear property line, and existing
fencing between lots is a 4 ft. open vision fence. Open vision fencing is typically used when lots
are adjacent to public right-of-way, open space, and public parks. It is hard to believe, and hard
to accept that something this blatantly wrong can get to this point. I’ve attached a picture (see
attached) of my neighbors back yard. Would you consider this meeting the R-15 Design
Considerations of appropriately addressing the critical issues of site layout that influence a
compatible and integrated neighborhood character?
The application before you takes this already unbearable situation and makes it worse. This
application to remove single-level limitation on a single-family residence introduces changes to
roof lines, windows/lighting, and noise.
Because there is an average of a 13-foot vertical height difference from Estate Lots to Village
Lots and with a maximum roof height of 25 ft. creates a monotonous wall (38-foot) effect
concern. Today only one (1) house plan (Glendale) has a roof height of 25 ft. for the full width
of the house. This application proposes four (4) house plans (Glendale, Chandler, Pima and
Tempe) to have a 25 ft. roof height for nearly the full width of the house. If these houses were
constructed next to each other it would create a undesirable wall effect to Estate Lots Block 2,
Lots 3-16 & Block 3, Lots 19-21 (17 lots total).
The addition of Bonus Rooms/Bedrooms will have an increase in home occupants causing
increased noise from a small 10 ft. backyard. Because the existing condition between Village
Lots and Estates Lots is already intrusive, the addition of Bonus Rooms/Bedrooms will only
make it worse.
Bonus Rooms/Bedrooms with windows will also allow an additional location for neighbors to
look directly down into our yards and homes.
It is obvious that the existing situation between Village Lots and Estates Lots is not good and
does not align with the City of Meridian Med-High Density R-15 Design Considerations. I
believe the applicants proposed changes will only make things worse. I believe that the majority
of the issues being raised today are similar to the Transition from the Age-restricted Lots issues
raised by Blackrock neighbors in 2017. I also believe its not to late to make things correct by
including modifications as part of the proposed amendment to the Development Agreement.
Between now and the time of the Public Hearing I ask you to truly think about these concerning
issues which come to you as part of this application.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and thank you for considering the information
before you.
Sincerely
Jeff Culbertson
Charlene Way
From:Chris Johnson
Sent:Tuesday, July 26, 2022 5:04 AM
To:Charlene Way
Subject:Fwd: Impressive East Ridge Subdivision 3 & 4
Attachments:Perreault.docx
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jessica Perreault <jperreault@meridiancity.org>
Date: July 25, 2022 at 7:23:56 PM MDT
To: Chris Johnson <cjohnson@meridiancity.org>
Subject: Fw: Impressive East Ridge Subdivision 3 & 4
For the public record.....
From: Jeff Culbertson <jculbertson080569@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, July 25, 2022 2:33 PM
To: Jessica Perreault
Subject: Impressive East Ridge Subdivision 3 & 4
1
July 25, 2022
Jeff Culbertson
2613 E Brace Drive
Meridian, ID 83642
City of Meridian
33 E. Broadway Ave.,
Suite 102
Meridian Id 83642
Dear Council Member Perreault
Re: Impressive East Ridge Development Agreement Modifications, H-2020-0037 East Ridge
Subdivision
I am writing this letter to request the Meridian City Council to deny the Development
Agreement Modification to remove single-level limitation on single family residences within
Impressive East Ridge Subdivision No. 2 and No. 3 (Village Product Area) as submitted.
On October 19, 2017, four (4) citizens attended the Planning & Zoning Commission Public
Hearing and on November 28, 2017, thirty-eight (38) citizens attended the City Council Public
Hearing in opposition of the Annexation and Zoning (AZ) and Preliminary Plat (PP). Some of the
concerns raised by both public testimony and written testimony included:
Additional Traffic
Density of Overall Development
Feasibility of Age-restricted Housing
Transition from the Surrounding Neighborhoods and the Transition from the
Age-restricted Lots
Concerns how the Blackrock Neighborhood were ignored by the Developer
Unfortunately, the Planning Commission and City Council voted to approve the 40.99-acre AR
and PP with R-4 and R-15 zoning districts without addressing the neighborhood concerns.
On June 5, 2018, the City of Meridian and DevCo, LLC entered into Development Agreement,
and on July 17, 2018, City Council approved the first Final Plat. The intent of the Agreement and
Final Plat is to set clear direction as to conditions, and expectations for what is to be built, along
with the confidence that what is proposed meets the intent of R-4 & R-15 zoning.
City of Meridian Med-High Density R-15 Design Considerations states the following:
“Residential developments should orient to surrounding uses, including residential and non-
residential areas, in a way that encourages compatible development patterns, character, and
appearances.”
“Appropriately address the critical issues of site layout that influence a compatible and
integrated neighborhood character, including, but not limited to, vehicular access, pedestrian
connectivity, building orientations, and common spaces.”
Development Agreement (H2017-0129) states “The applicant shall provide a master grading
plan and drainage plan for the site with the first final plat application.”
The first Final Plat Application did not include a Master Grading Plan. The applicant submitted
drainage calculations, Conceptual Engineering Plan, Landscape Plan and Final Plat. The
Conceptual Engineering Plan showed existing ground elevations, lot layouts and street
locations, but there was no vertical design component other than a hinge line. Without
knowing proposed lot elevations there is no way to understand the vertical transition between
Village Lots and Estate Lots. Vertical transition is a critical component when determining lot
orientation, landscaping, fencing, and building setbacks.
Today Village Lots are upwards to, and in some locations greater than 13 ft. vertically above the
Estate Lots. Village houses are constructed within 10 ft. of the rear property line, and existing
fencing between lots is a 4 ft. open vision fence. Open vision fencing is typically used when lots
are adjacent to public right-of-way, open space, and public parks. It is hard to believe, and hard
to accept that something this blatantly wrong can get to this point. I’ve attached a picture (see
attached) of my neighbors back yard. Would you consider this meeting the R-15 Design
Considerations of appropriately addressing the critical issues of site layout that influence a
compatible and integrated neighborhood character?
The application before you takes this already unbearable situation and makes it worse. This
application to remove single-level limitation on a single-family residence introduces changes to
roof lines, windows/lighting, and noise.
Because there is an average of a 13-foot vertical height difference from Estate Lots to Village
Lots and with a maximum roof height of 25 ft. creates a monotonous wall (38-foot) effect
concern. Today only one (1) house plan (Glendale) has a roof height of 25 ft. for the full width
of the house. This application proposes four (4) house plans (Glendale, Chandler, Pima and
Tempe) to have a 25 ft. roof height for nearly the full width of the house. If these houses were
constructed next to each other it would create a undesirable wall effect to Estate Lots Block 2,
Lots 3-16 & Block 3, Lots 19-21 (17 lots total).
The addition of Bonus Rooms/Bedrooms will have an increase in home occupants causing
increased noise from a small 10 ft. backyard. Because the existing condition between Village
Lots and Estates Lots is already intrusive, the addition of Bonus Rooms/Bedrooms will only
make it worse.
Bonus Rooms/Bedrooms with windows will also allow an additional location for neighbors to
look directly down into our yards and homes.
It is obvious that the existing situation between Village Lots and Estates Lots is not good and
does not align with the City of Meridian Med-High Density R-15 Design Considerations. I
believe the applicants proposed changes will only make things worse. I believe that the majority
of the issues being raised today are similar to the Transition from the Age-restricted Lots issues
raised by Blackrock neighbors in 2017. I also believe its not to late to make things correct by
including modifications as part of the proposed amendment to the Development Agreement.
Between now and the time of the Public Hearing I ask you to truly think about these concerning
issues which come to you as part of this application.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and thank you for considering the information
before you.
Sincerely
Jeff Culbertson
Charlene Way
From:Chris Johnson
Sent:Tuesday, July 26, 2022 5:04 AM
To:Charlene Way
Subject:Fwd: Impressive East Ridge Subdivision 3 & 4
Begin forwarded message:
From: Liz Strader <lstrader@meridiancity.org>
Date: July 25, 2022 at 7:21:29 PM MDT
To: Jeff Culbertson <jculbertson080569@gmail.com>, City Clerk <CityClerk@meridiancity.org>
Subject: Re: Impressive East Ridge Subdivision 3 & 4
Mr. Culbertson,
Thank you very much, I am in receipt of and have read your letter. I am cc'ing the clerk to
ensure it is added to the public record for the rest of the council and mayor.
Have a nice evening,
Liz
Liz Strader | City Councilwoman
City of Meridian | City Council Office
33 E. Broadway Ave., Meridian, Idaho 83642
Phone: | 208-546-9501
Online Meeting Scheduler: Click Here
Built for Business, Designed for Living
1
From: Jeff Culbertson <jculbertson080569@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, July 25, 2022 2:31:25 PM
To: Liz Strader
Subject: Impressive East Ridge Subdivision 3 & 4
2
Charlene Way
From:Treg Bernt
Sent:Tuesday, July 26, 2022 8:12 AM
To:Clerks Comment
Subject:Fwd: Impressive East Ridge Subdivision 3 & 4
Attachments:Bernt.docx
FYI. Please add to the public record...
My best,
--
Treg A. Bernt | City Councilman, Seat 4
City of Meridian
33 E. Broadway Ave., Meridian, Idaho 83642
Cell: (208) 409-7400 | City Hall Office: (208) 489-0544
--
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jeff Culbertson <jculbertson080569@gmail.com>
Date: Jul 25, 2022 2:33 PM
Subject: Impressive East Ridge Subdivision 3 & 4
To: Treg Bernt <tbernt@meridiancity.org>
Cc:
1
July 25, 2022
Jeff Culbertson
2613 E Brace Drive
Meridian, ID 83642
City of Meridian
33 E. Broadway Ave.,
Suite 102
Meridian Id 83642
Dear Council Member Bernt
Re: Impressive East Ridge Development Agreement Modifications, H-2020-0037 East Ridge
Subdivision
I am writing this letter to request the Meridian City Council to deny the Development
Agreement Modification to remove single-level limitation on single family residences within
Impressive East Ridge Subdivision No. 2 and No. 3 (Village Product Area) as submitted.
On October 19, 2017, four (4) citizens attended the Planning & Zoning Commission Public
Hearing and on November 28, 2017, thirty-eight (38) citizens attended the City Council Public
Hearing in opposition of the Annexation and Zoning (AZ) and Preliminary Plat (PP). Some of the
concerns raised by both public testimony and written testimony included:
Additional Traffic
Density of Overall Development
Feasibility of Age-restricted Housing
Transition from the Surrounding Neighborhoods and the Transition from the
Age-restricted Lots
Concerns how the Blackrock Neighborhood were ignored by the Developer
Unfortunately, the Planning Commission and City Council voted to approve the 40.99-acre AR
and PP with R-4 and R-15 zoning districts without addressing the neighborhood concerns.
On June 5, 2018, the City of Meridian and DevCo, LLC entered into Development Agreement,
and on July 17, 2018, City Council approved the first Final Plat. The intent of the Agreement and
Final Plat is to set clear direction as to conditions, and expectations for what is to be built, along
with the confidence that what is proposed meets the intent of R-4 & R-15 zoning.
City of Meridian Med-High Density R-15 Design Considerations states the following:
“Residential developments should orient to surrounding uses, including residential and non-
residential areas, in a way that encourages compatible development patterns, character, and
appearances.”
“Appropriately address the critical issues of site layout that influence a compatible and
integrated neighborhood character, including, but not limited to, vehicular access, pedestrian
connectivity, building orientations, and common spaces.”
Development Agreement (H2017-0129) states “The applicant shall provide a master grading
plan and drainage plan for the site with the first final plat application.”
The first Final Plat Application did not include a Master Grading Plan. The applicant submitted
drainage calculations, Conceptual Engineering Plan, Landscape Plan and Final Plat. The
Conceptual Engineering Plan showed existing ground elevations, lot layouts and street
locations, but there was no vertical design component other than a hinge line. Without
knowing proposed lot elevations there is no way to understand the vertical transition between
Village Lots and Estate Lots. Vertical transition is a critical component when determining lot
orientation, landscaping, fencing, and building setbacks.
Today Village Lots are upwards to, and in some locations greater than 13 ft. vertically above the
Estate Lots. Village houses are constructed within 10 ft. of the rear property line, and existing
fencing between lots is a 4 ft. open vision fence. Open vision fencing is typically used when lots
are adjacent to public right-of-way, open space, and public parks. It is hard to believe, and hard
to accept that something this blatantly wrong can get to this point. I’ve attached a picture (see
attached) of my neighbors back yard. Would you consider this meeting the R-15 Design
Considerations of appropriately addressing the critical issues of site layout that influence a
compatible and integrated neighborhood character?
The application before you takes this already unbearable situation and makes it worse. This
application to remove single-level limitation on a single-family residence introduces changes to
roof lines, windows/lighting, and noise.
Because there is an average of a 13-foot vertical height difference from Estate Lots to Village
Lots and with a maximum roof height of 25 ft. creates a monotonous wall (38-foot) effect
concern. Today only one (1) house plan (Glendale) has a roof height of 25 ft. for the full width
of the house. This application proposes four (4) house plans (Glendale, Chandler, Pima and
Tempe) to have a 25 ft. roof height for nearly the full width of the house. If these houses were
constructed next to each other it would create a undesirable wall effect to Estate Lots Block 2,
Lots 3-16 & Block 3, Lots 19-21 (17 lots total).
The addition of Bonus Rooms/Bedrooms will have an increase in home occupants causing
increased noise from a small 10 ft. backyard. Because the existing condition between Village
Lots and Estates Lots is already intrusive, the addition of Bonus Rooms/Bedrooms will only
make it worse.
Bonus Rooms/Bedrooms with windows will also allow an additional location for neighbors to
look directly down into our yards and homes.
It is obvious that the existing situation between Village Lots and Estates Lots is not good and
does not align with the City of Meridian Med-High Density R-15 Design Considerations. I
believe the applicants proposed changes will only make things worse. I believe that the majority
of the issues being raised today are similar to the Transition from the Age-restricted Lots issues
raised by Blackrock neighbors in 2017. I also believe its not to late to make things correct by
including modifications as part of the proposed amendment to the Development Agreement.
Between now and the time of the Public Hearing I ask you to truly think about these concerning
issues which come to you as part of this application.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and thank you for considering the information
before you.
Sincerely
Jeff Culbertson