Neighbors urge denial of Avamore height waiver, citing drainage and hillside concerns

Several neighbors testified at length opposing the proposed Avamore build, saying size, excavation depth and sightlines would harm adjacent properties.

Nancy LaChapelle, who said she and her husband have lived in the Cove since 2021, showed photos and charts and told commissioners the proposed home would be "44.5 feet" tall and far larger than surrounding homes. "The proposed build is 44.5 feet, whereas the average home height in the cove is 27 feet," she said, adding that the house's 6,300 square feet of living area (about 9,200 sq ft including garages and other spaces) would dwarf nearby residences.

Jim Spears said prior slope slippage at his property required trenching and warned that deeper excavation on a steeper slope behind the Debbie lot could cause instability. Cindy Pagan told the commission she had spoken with Kilometers Engineers and the Ada County engineer and said those professionals signaled concern about excavating the lot to the extent proposed; she offered email correspondence for the record. "I personally had conversations with Kilometers Engineering... that came directly from Joe Packner that says dated January 6 that we had legitimate concerns on this bill," she said.

Residents also argued Avamore's DRC approval and CC&R expectations contributed to confusion; the applicant's representative and staff replied that CC&Rs are enforceable as civil matters between private parties and that any substantive grading changes would require the city engineer's review. Neighbors offered to provide written engineering notes for inclusion in the council packet.