Public CommentNovember 14, 2013
Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission
City of Meridian
Re: Applications AZ 13-016, PP 13-033 by BHH Investments
Southern Highlands Subdivision
As homeowners in Blackrock, the subdivision overlooking the proposed Southern Highlands
Subdivision, we have several concerns about these applications.
While we recognize that growth is unavoidable, we feel that R-4 zoning for this area is far too
dense, and that R-2 zoning would better serve this area. As you are undoubtedly aware, there
are several subdivisions in various stages in this general vicinity; more houses are being built
than can reasonably be expected to sell. When supply exceeds demand, the bubble will burst, as
recent history has shown. If this occurs, Boise Hunter Homes may determine that the best
business decision is to build cheaper, more easily sellable homes, and the first step towards that
would be to re-draw the plat map to accommodate more than the 162 homes currently planned
for in the first phase.
Boise Hunter Homes has made no disclosures about how many homes they plan to build in the
second phase, but with R-4 zoning, the number could be as high as 360. Both phases together
then will be over 500 homes. Taking the proposed development across Eagle Road into account
as well, the increase in traffic would have significant impact on this area. Unfortunately it seems
that traffic studies are performed on each subdivision as they come up, but there is no
comprehensive traffic study taking into account all proposed building in the area.
The increase in traffic, noise, and light pollution will certainly have a significant negative impact on
property values in Blackrock. There are homes in Blackrock valued at an excess of one million dollars.
These are all custom homes, many with priceless views. To look toward Eagle for a comparison, all the
upper end subdivisions in Eagle are surrounded by similarly valued construction. It is incumbent on the
planning commission to set aside certain areas for higher end homes and in doing so, prohibit rampant,
high-density, lower quality homes. High-density housing would be a sad end to this lovely, peaceful
area.
When we first moved to the Boise area, we were under the impression that Meridian was a sea of
subdivisions, and because of that impression, we were distinctly uninterested in living in
Meridian. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the rural charm of this area of Meridian,
and it would be a shame to lose that. Can't Meridian do better than one densely packed
subdivision after another? Is there no interest in retaining any of the history here? Is there no
inclination for Meridian to be just a little special?
Please consider declining the application for R-4 zoning and recommending R-2 zoning instead -
thatwould go a long way to leaving this part of Meridian distinctively interesting and appealing.
Sincerely,
Al and Barbara Berlat