2022-11-06 Laura and Dom Trairatnobhas
Charlene Way
From:Laura Trairatnobhas <lauratrairatnobhas@hotmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, November 6, 2022 5:11 PM
To:Clerks Comment
Subject:Comments on the proposed Kingstown subdivision
External Sender - Please use caution with links or attachments.
To the Honorable Mayor and Members of the Meridian City Council:
The Kingstown subdivision, as currently proposed, has two notable failings: density and traffic
patterns.
The density along the northern border with Alpine Pointe is a very poor match-up, with the
adjacent Kingstown lots having an average size of 5,250 sq ft, versus the smallest adjacent lot in
Alpine Pointe, which is 12,960 sq ft. In fact, the match-up is so poor that one Alpine Pointe
homeowner will have FIVE Kingstown homes adjoining his back yard. We are asking that the
Council send the developer back to the drawing board to come up with a plan that doesn't burden
Alpine Pointe with this extreme density. We understand that infill development is challenging, but
the plan as currently proposed needs to be revamped.
Regarding traffic, the entire one-square mile block encompassed by Eagle Road, Ustick, Locust
Grove and McMillan was developed inside out ~ the greatest density is at the center of the block
(Kingstown, the Brick Yard apartments, the proposed Delano apartments, among others) with the
least density around the borders (i.e., Alpine Pointe, Champion Park, etc.) This inside-out
development means large numbers of vehicles have to drive the greatest distance within the block,
as those who live in the various apartment complexes and high-density housing developments must
pass through the quiet, low-density subdivisions just to get out to the main roads ~ over and over
again each day. Logically, high-density development should be on the perimeter of a block, leading
to the greatest number of vehicle trips originating at the perimeter, for quick, easy and safe access
on to main roads. Unfortunately, the several thousand residents who live in the center of the block
in question will be tempted to race through the perimeter subdivisions as they seek access to Eagle
Road, Ustick, etc. We are asking for traffic calming measures throughout the Kingstown sub ~ not
the kind of traffic calming measures that ACHD mandates but the kind that are part of the
subdivision's design. It may be too late to completely mitigate the effects of this inside-out
development, but that doesn't mean we should give up entirely.
The following items from the current Comprehensive Plan of the City of Meridian apply to this
application and should be considered in your decision:
2.02.02C Support infill development that does not negatively impact the abutting, existing
development. Infill projects in Downtown should develop at higher densities, irrespective of
existing development. (NOTE: The area in question is not downtown.)
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3.01.01A Evaluate comprehensive impacts of growth and consider City Master Plans and Strategic
Plans in all land use decisions (e.g., traffic impacts, school enrollment, and parks).
3.05.00 Ensure that all planning, zoning and land use decisions balance the interests of the
community by protecting private property rights for current citizens and future
generations.(Emphasis mine.)
3.07.01A Require all new development to create a site design compatible with surrounding uses
through buffering, screening, transitional densities, and other best site design practices.
3.07.02F Coordinate with transportation agencies to align future needed infrastructure with land use
plans and implement through the development review processes.
5.01.00 Sustain, enhance, promote, and protect elements that contribute to livability and a high
quality of life for all Meridian residents.
5.01.01 Encourage the safety, health, and well-being of the community.
Thank you for your time.
Regards,
Laura and Dom Trairatnobhas
208-275-9823 (Laura)
Address: 4621 N Camas Creek Way
Meridian ID 83646
Sent from my iPad
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