HomeMy WebLinkAboutSkyview Villas - Appeal letter_09.22.23
Andrew Wheeler
The Land Architect
2923 N. Arthur Cir
Boise, ID 83703
09/22/23
City Council of the City of Caldwell
110 S. 5th Avenue
Caldwell, Idaho 83605
Re: Appeal for Rezone Request from R2 to R3 Zoning - Skyview Villas, Case No. ANN23-000006 / CPM23-
000002 / SUP23-000009
Dear Honorable Members of the City Council,
I hope this le8er finds you well. I am wri:ng to appeal the recent denial of the rezone request from R2
to R3 zoning for the property known as Skyview Villas, Case No. ANN23-000006 / CPM23-000002 /
SUP23-000009. The Appellant in this ma8er is The Land Architect, represen:ng the developer, and the
purpose of this appeal is to address a cri:cal oversight in the previous decision and present compelling
reasons for the reconsidera:on of the zoning reclassifica:on.
The central conten:on of this appeal is that the decision rendered on August 9th, 2023, was based on
incorrect informa:on regarding the density informa:on presented in the Staff report. The Staff's report
suggested a density of 8 units per acre, while the planning applica:on originally submi8ed indicated a
density of 11.79 units per acre. This disparity significantly impacts the understanding of the project's
appropriateness within the proposed zoning classifica:on.
The proposed density of 11.79 units per acre aligns with what would be allowable under a Planned Unit
Development (PUD) applica:on with a density under 12 units per acre. This density is reasonable and
appropriate for the development, considering it is less than half the allowable density in an R3 zone,
which permits up to 25 units per acre. The current R2 medium density zoning, with only 4 units per
acre, does not effec:vely support this objec:ve.
The proposed rezone to R3 allows for a more efficient use of land and resources while maintaining a
density that is compa:ble with the surrounding area. The nature of the surrounding proper:es, with
over 50% being primarily commercial, necessitates a higher density to provide a suitable transi:on to
the lower R2 medium density to the West and Northwest. It is the intent of the applicant that the
approved project at 11.79 units per acre density would be agreed to in a future development
agreement in which the density shall remain at a maximum of 12 units per acre.
Furthermore, the objec:ve of reducing urban sprawl, as highlighted by the City Council, is best served by
allowing for a higher density. There is strong local support for this development, with the neighboring
Western single-family property and the Church to the East, who sold the land to the Developer,
expressing their approval for the project. Increasing the density would lead to lower overall
infrastructure costs for the City and provide nearby business owners with a sustainable customer base,
suppor:ng their local business opera:ons. The strategic loca:on of Us:ck Rd., a major arterial road,
makes it highly suitable for a higher density development, enhancing the accessibility and func:onality
of the area.
In conclusion, the Appellant respecGully urges the City Council to reconsider the rezone request for
Skyview Villas based on the accurate representa:on of the proposed density at 11.79 units per acre,
which is consistent with the surrounding development and aligns with the City's objec:ves for
responsible growth. The Appellant appreciates the Council's considera:on and looks forward to further
engagement on this crucial ma8er.
Sincerely,
Andrew Wheeler, Architect
The Land Architect
2923 N. Arthur Cir, Boise, ID 83703
Phone: 208-890-8669