Public Testimony PZNovember 1, 2013
City of Meridian
Madam Mayor
Attn: Planning and Zoning Staff and Commission
Attn: Meridian City Council
33 E. Broadway Avenue, Suite 102
Meridian, Idaho 83642
Re: Opposition to Proposed Solterra Subdivision
and Rezoning Application By Capital Christian Church
Madam Mayor, Planning and Zoning Staff and Committee and Members of the Meridian City Council:
The Residents of Dove Meadows and Packard Estates hereinafter referred to as ("Residents") are writing
in opposition of the proposed zoning change and plan to build Solterra Subdivision. The property
consists of approximately 11 acres of land owned by Capital Christian Center whose address is 2760 E.
Fairview Avenue, Meridian, Idaho 83646, currently known to the neighborhood as the soccer field
directly behind the church.
The Residents are opposed to and also have concerns regarding the following, all of which need to be
addressed:
1. Density of proposed subdivision
2. Type of housing proposed (2-story homes on perimeter)
3. Lot sizes and lack of yards
4. Price point of homes and need for "owner occupy" language with a minimum of 12 months to
deter investors/rentals
5. Increased traffic and access issues
6. Speeding and traffic issue on blind corner of Apricot Ct.
7. Safety of children walking to and from the elementary school and vehicles traveling around blind
corner of Apricot Ct. where there are currently bus stops for the secondary school children.
^ The Residents feel that the proposed density is too high for this small plot of
land. With only 1 slim acre proposed as "green space" and approximately 93
-homes slated for the remaining 10 acres, we feel it is excessive.
^ The inclusion of 2-story stacked homes on 30-40 foot wide lots with only 15 foot
backyards is unacceptable. The homes as proposed are not conducive to the
homes that are already directly adjacent the property. No homeowner
(regardless of the neighborhood or price point of their own home) wants 3-4
two story homes with no yards staring down at them. It directly affects
property value, a feeling of privacy, security and well being of the existing home
owners.
^ With the inclusion of these homes and the increase in traffic there is a real
concern with the only outlet being Hickory to enter and exit the neighborhood
to Fairview as well as speeding issues that already exist on Hickory and will
continue to get worse with more traffic. Should this development be approved,
regardless of density, the Residents will work with the Developer and ACHD to
develop safety measures that should include an island to narrow the road and
other safety measures. It is a very dangerous corner and it is only a matter of
"when" someone gets hit whether on foot or in a vehicle, not "if".
The Residents are fiercely o osed to high density apartments (should that become a possibility) and to
the currently proposed two-story homes stacked one after the other along the fence line/perimeter
which will contain microscopic yards. The plan should include a mix of both one and two story on the
perimeter (notjust in the middle of the development) to allow nearby residents some amount of privacy
and retention of mountain views.
The Residents do not necessarily oppose the one-story attached housing units so long as the lots are
larger and the homes are set back off the fence line far enough to allow for privacy of the neighboring
homeowners. In addition, the Residents are also opposed to any provision that would not require the
homes to be owner occupied for a minimum of 12 months. Owner occupancy is essential in order to
deter investors from coming in and gobbling up homes for rentals which detracts from the quality of the
neighborhood. This type of provision is rather common and it has been enforced in various subdivisions
and planned communities in and around Ada County.
The addition of smaller homes with lower price points as those proposed for Solterre bring with it
several possibilities. Empty-nesters, lower income homebuyers/first time homebuyers, renters and
investors. First time homebuyers are typically young families that will be driving children to school and
as a result, increase the traffic on Hickory which is already dealing with speeding and safety issues. As
previously stated, the blind corner at Hickory and Apricot Ct. is a virtual death trap. It's not a matter of
if someone is going to get hit there, but a matter of when. These issues must be addressed in a manner
that is satisfactory to the homeowners; whether it is the installation of lane narrowing islands and
signage or speed bumps...something needs to be done. If a child can get hit and killed in a round-about
in a neighborhood in Ada County, and an elderly couple killed crossing a neighborhood street, the odds
of a fatality are 10-fold on a straight stretch of road with no speed deterrents and children walking and
crossing the road. In our opinion, a proactive approach on behalf of the City and ACHD would be
refreshing before it becomes a major issue with addition of any more homes.
It is understood that the City of Meridian has a Future Land Use Map and a Comprehensive Plan
addressing future growth of the City. Although the search was not exhaustive, we were hard pressed to
find much evidence of applications for zoning changes or subdivision submittals by developers in the last
few years that were denied. Is it the intent of the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve all of
them regardless of what the Comp Plan and Future Land Use Map may indicate? How long will the City
of Meridian continue to grow at the expense of those that already live and work here? Is that really
considered good planning on the part of the City?
As residents, one must question that process and intent in regard to long term planning. It would
appear from a citizen's view that each time a developer comes along and wants to build houses, the City
bends to that request and that the public hearing process is merely a hurdle they must go through.
We urge the City to take into consideration the needs and desires of the residents that are already living
and working in the City of Meridian, both as concerned homeowners, and tax payers that provide
revenue for the City, and to listen and truly address their concerns, not just those of developers that will
build homes and bring in revenue for the City. Just because you can stack homes on top of one another
in order to turn a profit, doesn't mean you should do so at the expense of the neighbors. The on-going
trend seems to be growth at the expense of the current homeowners while developers and builders
reap financial rewards and the City gains revenue, it's the existing homeowners that take the hit--with
increased traffic, longer and more frustrating commute times,.safety issues for themselves and their
children, home values that are negatively affected and overall quality of life. What does the City think
the intersection of Eagle Road and Fairview is going to look like in 5 or 10 years? We envision gridlock
and residents who will do whatever they can to avoid it.
Developers and home builders are in our neighborhoods for a finite amount of time, they build their
projects and move on to the next one. As homeowners within these neighborhoods, we are left to deal
with the aftermath. Many of the Residents are still upside down in their homes, and as the economy
still struggles to recover, are fully invested, many without the ability to sell and move to avoid increased
traffic, crowded schools and other issues.
We also understand that it is fairly typical of a developer to approach opposition at public hearings by
merely postponing and waiting it out, hoping the homeowners will give up and stop showing up to
oppose their projects.
It is our intention to voice our opposition and remain steadfast in our involvement both with the
Developer and Builder as well as ACHD and see the process through every step in order to assure our
concerns are being heard and changes will be made to address those concerns in a satisfactory manner.
Sincerely,
Residents of Dove Meadows
Residents of Packard Estates
Encl. (Signatures in opposition attached)
December 2, 2013
City of Meridian
Attn: Planning and Zoning Staff and Commission
Attn: Meridian City Council
33 E Broadway Avenue, Suite 102
Meridian, ID 83642
Re: Fence Replacement
Residents of 2643 and 2646 Apricot Court currently have 4 foot fences on the East side of their property.
We are requesting Solterra Subdivision be required to remove said fences and replace them with a 6
foot fence that will provide the privacy we currently have.
We were led to believe the soccer fields would never go away and the view from our backyard is
beautiful and has been enjoyed for many years. With the plan to build a 'one acre' playground against
these fences we will no longer have any privacy to continue enjoying the view of the mountains and city
lights.
It has been suggested by the Developer that we share expenses half and half. This does not work for us.
We are the ones being inconvenienced and our lives disrupted by having 90 plus homes and playground
in our backyard.
We do not necessarily oppose the one story attached housing units so long as the lots are larger and the
homes are set back off the fence line far enough to allow us some privacy.
Any consideration that can be given would be appreciated.
Regards,
Ryan & Tessa Wingfield and Karolyn J Hall
Homeowners of 2643 and 2646 E Apricot Court
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12/10/2013
10:49 FAX
.December 8, 2013
Dear Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission Members:
RE: Application CPAM 13-002 by Capital Christian Center, Inc.
City oY Meridian f~j001
~i~~~
Thank you for the opportunity to make my wishes known regarding the above rezoning application.
own a home in the immediate vicinity and will be directly impacted by the unfortunate proposed
changes.
When I purchased my home over six years ago, I did a great deal of research into neighborhoods.
specifically chose this location due to the quiet nature of the neighborhood, the size of the lots, and the
overall feeling of being open. The proposed changes will threaten the very reasons I purchased my
home.
While history would predict the Planning and Zoning Commission will fall in with the big business, profit
seeking, and campaign contributing interests behind this application, I implore the Commission
members to instead look out for the interests of the existing homeowners. I believe Idaho is one of the
few places in the country that government still has the opportunity to look out for the interests of
common citizens. I don't have the budget to hire lobbyists, fancy attorneys, contribute to campaigns, or
otherwise use financial means to influence the outcome I am hoping for. Rather, I am hoping you will
understand that the rights of existing homeowners, who bought under an existing set of circumstances,
should prevail over the financial interests of the few.
Thank you for your time,
Scott Tiffany
480-250-4603
d
a
~~~:,~
12/18/13
Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission
33 E. Broadway
Meridian, ID 83642
Re: Solterra Application
Hearing Date: December 19, 2013
ProjectNarne: Project Naive: CPAM 93-002 RZ 93-095 PP 93-037 Solterra
Commissioners:
We make these comments as neighboring landowners in regard to the Solterra
application and development of the Capitol Christian Church property. Based on the
application submitted for this project, the proposed Solterra development may
impact the roadway access and traffic circulation of the future commercial
development.of our property as well as neighboring properties and roadways. It is
our understanding that ACHD will not be able to complete its review of the Solterra
application and provide the requisite traffic counts and analysis prior to the
December 19 hearing. I~urther, we have also just received this week the City staff
report that proposes a previously undefined commercial driveway "Cross Access"
connection through the Church property to our property (see "EX-2" on Page 20 of
the Staff Report). Given this recent change that we have not had sufficient time to
evaluate and the incomplete status of the input from the roadway agency, we are
not supporting the Solterra application at this time. We reserve our right to make
specific and additional comments in regard to the Solterra project at future hearings
in such matter before the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission and the
Meridian City Council.
Sincerely,
-U -Gr Z'~- ~ -_
//AA w
~~~
~'V ~-~ ..
~ ~w
Kleiner Trusts by
David Kleiner, Trustee
Karl HIeiner, Trustee
Karen Kleiner, Trustee
Bruce Kleiner, Trustee
P. 0. Box 31682
Seattle, WA 98103
RECE1v~
DEC` 192013
12/18/13 CITY OFr.~!~~~
P.NO
CITY CLERKS OFFICE
Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission
33 E. Broadway
Meridian, ID 83642
Re: Solterra Application
Hearing Date: December 19, 2013
Project Name: Project Name: CPAM 13-002 RZ 13-016 PP 13-037 Solterra
Commissioners:
We make these comments as neighboring landowners in regard to the Solterra
application and development of the Capitol Christian Church property. Based on the
application submitted for this project, the proposed Solterra development may
impact the roadway access and traffic circulation of the future commercial
development of our property as well as neighboring properties and roadways. It is
our understanding that ACHD will not be able to complete its review of the Solterra
application and provide the requisite traffic counts and analysis prior to the
December 19 hearing. Further, we have also just received this week the City staff
report that proposes a previously undefined commercial driveway "Cross Access"
connection through the Church property to our property (see "EX-2" on Page 20 of
the Staff Report}. Given this recent change that we have not had sufficient time to
evaluate and the incomplete status of the input from the roadway agency, we are
not supporting the Solterra application at this time. We reserve our right to make
specific and additional comments in regard to the Solterra project at future hearings
in such matter before the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission and the
Meridian City Council.
Sincerely,
F -~ ~_v--
Kleiner Trusts by
David Kleiner, Trustee
Karl Kleiner, Trustee
Karen Kleiner, Trustee
Bruce HIeiner, Trustee
P. a. Box 31682
Seattle. WA 98103
RECEIVE
. DEC` 192013
12j18/13
CITY OFC`~!' m,,,,
CITY CLERKS OFFICE
Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission
33 E, Broadway
Meridian, IQ 83642
Re; Solterra Application
Hearing Date: December 19, 2013
Project Name: Project Nai~Tie: CPAM ~ 3-002 RZ 9 3-09 5 PP 13-037 Solterra
Commissioners:
VVe make these comments as neighboring landowners in regard to the Solterra
application and development of the Capitol Christian Church property. Based on the
application submitted for this project, the proposed Solterra development may
impact the roadway access and traffic circulation of the future commercial
development.of our property as well as neighboring properties and roadways. It is
our understanding that ACHD will not be able to complete its review of the Solterra
application and provide the requisite traffic counts and analysis prior to the
December 19 hearing. Rurther, we have also just received this week the City staff
report that proposes a previously undefined commercial driveway "Cross Access"
connection through the Church property to our property (see "EX~2" on Page 20 of
the Staff Report). Given this recent change that we have not had sufficient time to
evaluate and the incomplete status of the input from the roadway agency, we are
not supporting the Solterra application at this time. We reserve our right to make
specific and additional comments in regard to the Solterra project at future hearings
in such matter before the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission and the
Meridian City Council.
Sincerely,
~~~
~.
Kleiner Trusts by
David HIeiner, Trustee
Karl Kleiner, Trustee
Karen Kleiner, Trustee
Bruce KIeiner, Trustee
P. 4. Box 31682
Seattle, WA 98103
jZECEIV~]~
DEC 19 20q
22/18/13 CITY OFC`~f' w
CITYCLERKS OFFICE
Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission
33 E. Broadway
Meridian, iD 83642
Re: Solterra Application
Hearing Date: December 19, 2(113
Project Name: Project Name: CPAM 13-002 RZ 93-095 PP ~3-037 Solterra
Commissioners:
We make these comments as neighboring landowners in regard to the Solterra
application and development of the Capitol Christian Church property. Based on the
application submitted for this project, the proposed Solterra development may
impact the roadway access and traffic circulation of the future commercial
development.of our property as well as neighboring properties and roadways. It is
our understanding that ACHD will not be able to complete its review of the Solterra
application and provide the requisite traffic counts and analysis prior to the
December 19 hearing. Further, we have also just received this week the City staff
report that proposes a previously undefined commercial driveway "Cross Access"
connection through the Church property to our property tree "EX-2" on Page 20 of
the Staff Report}. Given this recent change that we have not had sufficient time to
evaluate and the incomplete status of the input from the roadway agency, we are
not supporting the Solterra application at this time. We reserve our right to make
specific and additional comments in regard to the Solterra project at future hearings
in such matter before the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission and the
Meridian City Council.
Sincerely,
..
_..~.
~K~v~.
~~- ~~Ce~
Kleiner Trusts by
David Kleiner, Trustee
Karl Kleiner, Trustee
Karen K]einer, Trustee
Bruce Kleiner, Trustee
P. 0. Box 31682
Seattle, WA 98103