Public Testimony by Sara CurtrightDecember 18, 2013
Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission
33 E. Broadway Ave.
Meridian, ID 83642
RE: RZ13-014 AND PP13-035
Dear Commissioners:
I am writing as a result of Summer Woods LLC's application to obtain approval for rezoning and
preliminary plat of Summertree Subdivision. I live at 4365 W. Cherry Lane which would share a
common fence with 4 lots in this proposed subdivision.
In regards to R-15 zoning, I respectfully request that Summer Woods LLC's request be denied. I
understand that from the Pre-Application Meeting Notes, Summer Woods LLC was recommended by
City Staff to request the R-15 zoning change. However, based on the information provided by Summer
Woods LLC for this Development Project R-8 zoning would accomplish their purpose of no more than 16
buildable lots for this subdivision. They agree that R-8 zoning would be "compatible" not only with their
development goals, but would fit within the current zoning of Cherrywood Subdivision-neighbors to
the east of proposed Summertree Subdivision. Additionally, I am concerned that if for some unforeseen
reason, Mr. Sargent was not able to complete Summertree Subdivision the new R-15 status of this land
would allow apartments to be built which would greatly reduce my own home value. Finally, I would
like to add a personal aside. I previously lived in Larkspur Subdivision which were homes with the same
basic design as are proposed to be built in Summertree; in fact, I owned an Arlington floor plan (as was
submitted in 4 sided elevation plans). Larkspur is zoned R-8 and each home was able to have an
individual driveway, one of Summer Woods, LLC's concerns for desiring R-15 zoning. But, even with R-8
zoning, significant problems arose in Larkspur. Most critical to the home owners was the fact that due
to the limited size of the lots, proper excavating was not performed and as a result, standing water
under our homes was an issue. In order to sell that home, I had to pay thousands of dollars out of
pocket to have my home re-excavated in order for it to pass inspection. My fear is that if the proposed
plat is reworked to accommodate more than 16 buildings, water under those houses will be a potential
problem and that water draining from these houses onto my land may become an issue.
In regards to the preliminary plat, I respectfully request that Summer Woods LLC's request be denied in
its current form. While I appreciate the City's request for, "a conceptual lot layout for the western
property", I am concerned that Summertree's finalized plans for roads include my backyard. This is my
dream property and I plan to retire to my large backyard-not to a few lots and a road where I planted
my fruit trees 3 years ago. Additionally, the "large lot along the western boundary" ceases to exist-it
was combined into one parcel with the land my house sits on and is currently known as parcel #
S1210212720. In its current form, the road through Summertree cuts off my ability to access my
southern gate; available access is currently off N. Jones Creek Ln. which would no longer exist after
development of Summertree under its current plat. Lack of completion of a road through Summertree
concerns me on a professional level. As an Emergency Department Provider, I understand how critical
pre-hospital care can be in emergencies. With minimal access available via a turn around on proposed
Lot #11, precious time will be lost due to lack of quick egress from Summertree. Again, I do not plan on
subdividing my own property and it concerns me that my subdividing is the only plan proposed to
provide this egress. Finally, the preliminary plans for Summertree include stubbing water but not sewer
to the southern end of my property. I do appreciate the cost involved for Mr. Sargent to provide the
service of city water to my property. But, over the years when I have talked with the City of Meridian
about hooking up to City Sewer, I have been told multiple times that the only access point forme in on
N. SummerTree Way at the southern end of 4275 W. Cherry Ln.'s property. If Sewer is not brought to
my property during the development phase of the land at 4275 W. Cherry Ln., I will be effectively cut off
from ever being able to be annexed into the City of Meridian.
I am not sure if this is the time and place to address two additional concerns, but I will submit them
here.
• First, I would like to inform Meridian Planning and Zoning as well as Mr. Sargent that there are a
few changes planned that might affect the Pre-plat Landscape Plan for Summertree Subdivision.
On this plan there are a few trees along the common fence that would be shared with my
property. While I am happy to be able to provide some shade for residents of Summertree, I am
not sure this will be a viable option. I have had a tree service come out who recommended 2
Elm trees as well as a Poplar tree in my backyard be cut down as they are starting to split. I have
arranged for these trees to be removed in the spring as I am concerned they would be a hazard
to future homeowners in Summertree.
• Second, while the Development Project in its current form does not address irrigation from
Nampa Meridian Irrigation and Settler's Irrigation more than to just to install a new pump house
for Summertree Subdivision, I feel this is a significant concern. I am the most junior water user
on the current line that would encompass Summertree Subdivision. Currently, I do not get
enough water to irrigate due to broken above ground lines. These broken lines were a result of
the former owner at 4225 W. Cherry Lane (George Davis) refusing to allow the irrigation to be
placed underground in front of his property. As a result, I have had less and less water each
year as the above ground pipes have worsened in condition. When I discussed this issue with DL
Evans Bank, the current owner of 4275 W. Cherry Lane, they have been less than helpful in
coming to a solution. My request is that as Summertree Subdivision's development progresses,
Mr. Sargent and his crew install covered irrigation piping from the corner of Summer Tree down
to meet up with the covered irrigation already available at the west end of 4225 W. Cherry
Lane's property line. Additionally, I would like to be able to work with the residents and
subdivisions who will be sharing this irrigation line to come to a consensus on a watering
schedule so that all water users on this line will be able to access the water for which they are
paying.
Thank you for your time and attention. I am pleased that the empty house at 4225 W. Cherry Ln. as
well as the empty land at 4275 W. Cherry Ln. have a proposed good use which I feel will not only
increase the value of those homes around this area, but will be beneficial in beautifying my
neighborhood.
Sarah Curtright
4365 W. Cherry Ln.
Meridian, ID 83642