Meridian plans new subdivision amid community concerns
October 15, 2024 | Meridian, Ada County, Idaho
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During a recent government meeting, the council discussed the proposed Pivot Point subdivision, which seeks to annex and develop 41 single-family homes on a 7.98-acre site located south of West Pine Avenue, between North Black Cat Road and North 10 Mile Road. The project, presented by KB Home, aims for a gross density of 5.51 units per acre and includes 10 common lots.
The current zoning of the area is Rural-Urban Transition (RUT), with a future land use designation of R8, or medium-density residential. The subdivision will neighbor three other R8 developments, creating a cohesive community managed under a single homeowners association (HOA). Access to the subdivision is proposed via North Biltmore Avenue and West Quarter Horse Lane, although the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) has indicated that the alignment of North Biltmore Avenue does not meet their policy and will require revision.
A significant point of contention during the meeting was the proposed removal of Lot 2, Block 1, which staff recommended to enhance the integration of open space within the development. The applicant has suggested relocating this lot to Lot 15, which staff supports. The development plan includes 1.24 acres of common open space, with 1.15 acres qualifying as usable open space, featuring a linear area along the Kennedy lateral and a central open space of approximately 45,930 square feet.
The council also addressed concerns raised by residents regarding density, traffic congestion, and the capacity of local schools. Written testimonies from community members highlighted worries about overcrowding in Fuller Park and schools being over capacity.
In response to these concerns, the applicant emphasized the importance of the project in providing affordable housing options for first-time homebuyers, with home prices estimated between $300,000 and $580,000. The subdivision will also include amenities such as a tot lot and an outdoor fire pit, contributing to the community's appeal.
The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the project, contingent upon a development agreement and the removal of Lot 2, Block 1, unless the alternative proposal is adopted. The council is expected to make a decision on the application in the coming weeks, weighing the benefits of the development against community concerns.
The current zoning of the area is Rural-Urban Transition (RUT), with a future land use designation of R8, or medium-density residential. The subdivision will neighbor three other R8 developments, creating a cohesive community managed under a single homeowners association (HOA). Access to the subdivision is proposed via North Biltmore Avenue and West Quarter Horse Lane, although the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) has indicated that the alignment of North Biltmore Avenue does not meet their policy and will require revision.
A significant point of contention during the meeting was the proposed removal of Lot 2, Block 1, which staff recommended to enhance the integration of open space within the development. The applicant has suggested relocating this lot to Lot 15, which staff supports. The development plan includes 1.24 acres of common open space, with 1.15 acres qualifying as usable open space, featuring a linear area along the Kennedy lateral and a central open space of approximately 45,930 square feet.
The council also addressed concerns raised by residents regarding density, traffic congestion, and the capacity of local schools. Written testimonies from community members highlighted worries about overcrowding in Fuller Park and schools being over capacity.
In response to these concerns, the applicant emphasized the importance of the project in providing affordable housing options for first-time homebuyers, with home prices estimated between $300,000 and $580,000. The subdivision will also include amenities such as a tot lot and an outdoor fire pit, contributing to the community's appeal.
The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the project, contingent upon a development agreement and the removal of Lot 2, Block 1, unless the alternative proposal is adopted. The council is expected to make a decision on the application in the coming weeks, weighing the benefits of the development against community concerns.
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