Letter by Keith WatsonMr. Bill Parsons
Associate City Planner
City of Meridian
33 East Broadway
Meridian, Idaho 83642
28 July 2010
REF: ZOA 10-001, Public Hearing-Amend of UDC -Portable Classrooms.
Dear Mr. Parsons,
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Residential housing development in Meridian, as well as other metropolitan areas, has
changed over the past several years. Where once school buildings were sited on property not
directly impacting residential communities, many (Paramount Elementary in specific), are now
sited or embedded in the middle of these developments. Consequently, the choice of
architectural design, building material composition, lighting and landscaping criteria (as
approved by P&Z) can negatively influence not only the property values of the surrounding
housing but can also deprive property owners the "quite enjoyment" of their homes.
The "Standards" as outlined in File No: ZOA 10-001, 11-4-2-14 Educational Institution, are seen
as falling extremely short of protecting our community standards in which these Portable
Classrooms are and can be installed. Paramount Subdivision has a very strict set of CC&Rs in
place to protect and enhance our community. The Meridian School District, especially for those
schools completely embedded within a residential community, should be required to adhere to
the same standards for these portable classrooms.
Regardless of the four (4) year definition of "temporary", we are asking for the following criteria
be added under Section 4. Standards:
The portable classroom shall be painted in a color complimentary to the surrounding homes
and to any existing permanent school building.
The portable classroom shall have a roof constructed of like material of the surrounding
homes and as installed on any existing permanent school building.
The portable classroom exterior lighting shall comply with the City of Meridian Design
Standards.
The City Council ruled on appeal in 2009 that the Meridian School District paint the portable
classroom #1, installed at the Paramount Elementary School, a color complimentary to the
community standards. The roofing material on portable classroom #1 was asphalt shingles
which complied with the community standards and therefore not a point in the appeal. Exterior
lighting did not comply with Meridian Design Standards and was brought into compliance.
The Meridian School District has recently installed portable classroom #2 at the Paramount
Elementary School. This Portable classroom does not match the color of portable classroom #1
(nor is complementary to our community standards); it also has a metal roof, which is not
allowed under the Paramount CC&Rs. This roof reflects sunlight to a blinding degree and is a
community hazard and nuisance.
We understand the need for the portable classrooms and only seek to have them, in
appearance and function, compliment our community standards.
Sincerely,
/s/
Keith A. Watson
762 West Cagney Dr.
Meridian, Idaho 83646
208/850-6708
keithwatson@q.com