2022-09-30 Mike and Malissa Bernard
Charlene Way
From:Mike and Malissa Bernard <MMBERNARD1@msn.com>
Sent:Friday, September 30, 2022 2:13 PM
To:Clerks Comment
Subject:For attachment to Klein Huis
External Sender - Please use caution with links or attachments.
Dear Clerks’ Office,
Please attach this email to the Klein Huis packet.
Thank you in advance. Have a great weekend!
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To the Honorable Mayor, City of Meridian City Council, and Planning and Zoning Commission:
I have the most overwhelming sense of déjà vu seeing the most recent proposal of Klein Huis built-to-rent for profiteers,
as I will demonstrate via photos below. We have lived overseas and stateside while being a career Air Force Explosive
Ordnance Disposal (EOD) family, and some of that time was spent living in military housing. While many can appreciate
a new product with a smaller footprint, one would hope this would be smaller and attractive homes for smaller families,
couples, or single person households with a manageable lot and less maintenance for busy lifestyles. Most would hope
this could be for ownership, as a life of renting will not build wealth except for the landlord. Rentals should be available,
but it would be so refreshing to see innovative and inspired smaller homes available for ownership.
While I am certainly not an expert in housing styles or trends, most of the comparative military housing has been
condemned and demolished over the years, as they are jokingly referred to as “The Projects” by many. While we still do
not have perfect housing for our military and their families (my son is currently a MSgt in the Air Force with his family),
they have come a long way from these humbler beginnings. “The Projects” touted a lot of open space and outdoor
amenities around the bases as well, to perhaps compensate for such staid no-frills revolving utilitarian units that are
quick, easy, and cheap to turn over to the next family. Patch the holes and slap on some paint, mop, rinse the trashcan
and clean the oven…all ready.
Cutesy name, spiel, and narrative aside, this feels like utilitarian housing, all for sizeable monthly profits for corporations
backed by investors, either domestic and/or foreign entities. I hope you will pass on Klein Huis. Nein.
Sincerely,
Malissa Bernard
Klein Huis vs. Military Housing
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Klein Huis and old military housing (most of this type of units have been demolished over the years)
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Klein Huis and military housing (again most of the units have been demolished nationwide and overseas)
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4