2022-10-11 Jim Schmidt
Charlene Way
From:Jim Schmidt <jims@chipool.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 11, 2022 1:38 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Klein Huis Development AZ, CUP H-2022-0051
Attachments:Proposed Reserve Concept_Meridian ID.pptx
External Sender - Please use caution with links or attachments.
To Meridian Planning and Zoning Commissioners:
I am writing to oppose the Klein Huis Development AZ, CUP H-2022-0051.
For 25 years I have lived beside the land in this proposed development. The land is unique and does not lend itself to
development. That is evidenced by the number of developers that I have watched come and go through the years and that always
approach me wanting to buy my land – Alpha Development included.
This proposed development is asking for special conditions to fit a square peg in a round hole. The conditions being asked for ‘force’ a
multi-family land use, 'for rent' housing with no pedestrian or vehicle connections to other subdivisions, no local streets, no transitional
densities or buffers to existing single family homes, and difficult access to and from already congested arterial roads.
Meridian City leaders may not be aware of the uniqueness of this land and the opportunity that Meridian City has to create something
truly special for its citizens and for the Treasure Valley. I have been approached with a concept for a nature reserve that is supported
by the Golden Eagle Audubon Society and the Land Trust of Treasure Valley. This is a reserve that would be similar to Boise’s Diane
Moore Nature Center , Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve, MK Nature Center, etc… (attached)
This concept preserves Meridian’s agricultural history, provides outdoor educational opportunities for generations, demonstrates the
science of purifying groundwater on its way to Lake Lowell, demonstrates the ability to cool and clean city air all while reserving urban
open space for migrating birds, insects and the birds of prey that currently use it. With four times larger land mass than the MK Nature
Center, this land could be a destination for tourists and valley citizens.
Meridian, you said it yourself when addressing ‘Livability’ in your Comprehensive Plan, “ While development is expected within the
Area of City Impact, a maze of monotonous expansion is not desired either. It is essential to find a balance that protects and
preserves Meridian’s natural resources, agricultural heritage and open spaces… Providing and protecting unique sites and
resources will assure the quality of life that the residents have come to know and expect”
Meridian City leaders, working in partnership with the other stakeholders in this land (i.e. Ada County, Idaho Power, Nampa Meridian
Irrigation District and the current owner, SW Meridian LLC/Ball Ventures), has the power, the knowledge and the means to find a
solution that is acceptable to all stakeholders and work with the citizen groups and non-profits to acquire the land and preserve it as
recommended by the Golden Eagle Audubon Society and the Land Trust of Treasure Valley.
Meridian leaders - Do not approve a plan that requires special conditions in order to force a development to fit on this land. Work
instead to preserve this unique opportunity for the City of Meridian and for its citizens.
Regards,
Jim Schmidt
President
APSP Certified Building Professional
Aquatech Pools by C.H.I.
www.chipool.com
355 W. Victory Rd
Meridian, ID 83642
208-288-2259
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