Residents of Meridian voiced significant concerns during a recent city council meeting regarding the rapid urbanization and high-density housing developments in their community. Many expressed fears that the influx of new apartments is eroding the small-town feel and family-oriented values that initially attracted them to the area.

One resident highlighted personal experiences with traffic safety, recounting a near-miss incident and a serious accident involving family members. They emphasized that the current infrastructure is inadequate to support the increasing population, particularly along 10 Mile Road, which is already congested. Concerns were raised about the impact of new developments on local schools, with reports indicating that Chaparral Elementary is nearing capacity due to a surge in student enrollment.

Another resident, Carla Ehlers, pointed out that the area already has one of the highest concentrations of high-density housing in Meridian, with over 3,000 apartments either built or approved within a mile of the proposed new complex. She argued that adding more high-density housing contradicts the city’s comprehensive plan, which aims to maintain a diverse range of residential options and protect the needs of existing residents.

Natalie Purcell echoed these sentiments, noting that the city's focus on growth has overshadowed the needs of current residents, particularly in terms of education and recreational facilities. She criticized the lack of adequate planning for schools and parks, stating that the current pace of development is unsustainable and detrimental to the quality of life for long-term residents.

In response to these concerns, the developer assured attendees that the project would be phased over several years, with commercial components prioritized before residential units. They argued that the development aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan and would not significantly impact local schools, citing projections of only a small number of additional students.

Despite the developer's reassurances, many residents remain skeptical, urging the council to reconsider the pace of development and prioritize infrastructure improvements before approving further high-density housing projects. The council is expected to make a recommendation to the city council regarding the conditional use permit and preliminary plat for the proposed development, with many residents advocating for a pause on new projects until existing issues are addressed.