Controversial land use changes spark heated commission debate
August 16, 2024 | Meridian, Ada County, Idaho
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In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a significant request for a comprehensive plan amendment concerning a 108.77-acre site located at the northwest corner of Interstate 84 and South Ten Mile Road. The proposal includes a future land use map amendment, a modified development agreement, a rezone, and a preliminary plat for the area, which is currently zoned for mixed-use and high-density residential purposes.
The applicant seeks to amend the future land use designations, proposing an increase of 9.26 acres for medium high-density residential and 2.66 acres for high-density residential, while reducing mixed-use residential by 10.61 acres. Additionally, there are plans to increase mixed-use commercial by 0.32 acres and high-density employment by 1.4 acres. The proposed changes are largely seen as a reconfiguration of existing designations rather than significant alterations.
A preliminary plat is proposed, consisting of 38 building lots and one common lot, with a focus on multifamily residential development. However, concerns were raised regarding the lack of integration of commercial and employment uses, which are essential in mixed-use areas. The staff report indicated that the proposed development does not align with the intended mixed-use residential and commercial designations, as it primarily focuses on residential units without the necessary commercial or employment components.
The applicant also requested modifications to existing development agreements to consolidate them into a new agreement that would include a conceptual development plan for the area. Despite the proposed changes, staff expressed reservations, recommending against the map amendment and associated rezone due to insufficient alignment with the established development guidelines and the absence of a balanced mix of uses.
The meeting concluded with the applicant's representative, Jeff Wardle, indicating their intention to present further details on the proposal. The commission will consider the staff's recommendations and the applicant's presentation before making a decision on the future of the site.
The applicant seeks to amend the future land use designations, proposing an increase of 9.26 acres for medium high-density residential and 2.66 acres for high-density residential, while reducing mixed-use residential by 10.61 acres. Additionally, there are plans to increase mixed-use commercial by 0.32 acres and high-density employment by 1.4 acres. The proposed changes are largely seen as a reconfiguration of existing designations rather than significant alterations.
A preliminary plat is proposed, consisting of 38 building lots and one common lot, with a focus on multifamily residential development. However, concerns were raised regarding the lack of integration of commercial and employment uses, which are essential in mixed-use areas. The staff report indicated that the proposed development does not align with the intended mixed-use residential and commercial designations, as it primarily focuses on residential units without the necessary commercial or employment components.
The applicant also requested modifications to existing development agreements to consolidate them into a new agreement that would include a conceptual development plan for the area. Despite the proposed changes, staff expressed reservations, recommending against the map amendment and associated rezone due to insufficient alignment with the established development guidelines and the absence of a balanced mix of uses.
The meeting concluded with the applicant's representative, Jeff Wardle, indicating their intention to present further details on the proposal. The commission will consider the staff's recommendations and the applicant's presentation before making a decision on the future of the site.
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