Residents of Meridian voiced strong concerns during a recent city council meeting regarding proposed high-density housing developments in their neighborhoods. Many expressed fears that the influx of multifamily dwellings would exacerbate existing traffic issues and strain local infrastructure, particularly schools.

One resident, who has lived in the area for five years, highlighted the rapid changes in Meridian over the past two decades, noting that the city is not the same as it was 17 years ago. She emphasized the need for careful planning, questioning the necessity of new large-scale projects when existing amenities, such as The Village, already serve the community.

Concerns about traffic were echoed by another resident, who pointed out that the current road infrastructure is inadequate, particularly during peak hours. She described the challenges of navigating local roads, especially with the increase in multifamily housing developments, which she believes will lead to further congestion.

Carla Ehlers, another speaker, raised alarms about the concentration of high-density housing in the area, stating that there are already 3,000 apartments built or approved within a two-mile radius. She argued that the proposed developments contradict the city’s comprehensive plan, which aims to maintain a diverse range of residential options and ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with growth. Ehlers also noted that local schools, particularly Chaparral Elementary, are nearing capacity and may struggle to accommodate additional students from new housing.

The council members engaged with residents, acknowledging the complexities of urban planning and the need to balance growth with community needs. They discussed the historical context of the 10 Mile specific area plan, which has long included provisions for high-density residential development. However, residents urged the council to reconsider the timing and scale of new projects, advocating for a pause to assess the impact of ongoing developments before proceeding with additional high-density housing.

As Meridian continues to grow, the discussions at the meeting reflect a community grappling with the challenges of urbanization, infrastructure demands, and the preservation of quality of life for its residents.