HomeMy WebLinkAboutGatchell - Letter of Opposition_ElementRidge_02.06.25Subject: Fwd: Public Hearing Testimony2/18/2024
I would like to request receipt of this email and its entrance into public testimony for the
city council meeting on 2/18/2024.
Thank you,
Marianne Gatchell
**Public Testimony for Case Number ANN24-000013, SPP24-000002**
February 18, 2025
City Council, City of Caldwell, Idaho.
Mayor and Council,
My name is Marianne Gatchell, and I reside at 15448 Rosewood St., Caldwell, ID 83607. I
would like this statement to be entered as public testimony regarding the annexation and
subdivision preliminary plat application for Ardurra Inc. and Element Ridge LLC.
I am strongly opposed to this application for annexation and subdivision. I urge the City
Council to consider the unfavorable recommendation made by the Planning and Zoning
Commission and to heed the voices of our community.
As a property owner adjacent to the proposed development, I would be directly and
adversely affected. My primary concerns include:
1.**Increased Traffic Hazards**: The proposed subdivision would significantly increase
traffic through our neighborhoods and the middle school across the street. With added
congestion on 10th and creating unsafe conditions for residents.
2. **Water Source Safety**: The proximity of this development to our water source raises
serious concerns about contamination and the overall health of our water supply. When
we chose to invest in our home outside city limits, we did so to maintain our own water and
septic systems, ensuring our independence from city services.
3. **Emergency Ingress and Egress**: I request to see the plans for this development to
confirm the adequacy of emergency ingress and egress for emergency vehicles. It is crucial
that any new development allows for safe and efficient response in the event of an
emergency. From what I have been told the plan for that emergency ingress and egress is
directly onto David. If this is the case and there are no emergency barriers in place,
residents would use this as well. Which would create much more traffic through our
neighborhood as they exit to Karcher. Which they will do.
Approving this annexation and subdivision would be irresponsible. It risks compromising
our water source and exacerbating traffic congestion in our area. We must prioritize
responsible growth that considers the long-term implications for our community. The
added homes create a strain on an already strained school district. We are rapidly
approaching the need for a new high school, elementary school, and middle school. Who
will pay for these exuberant costs? If it isn't the developer(s) through a development
agreement and or impact fee's then that cost is directly absorbed by the taxpayer. Again,
responsible growth.
I strongly request that you DENY this application. Let us learn from the mistakes of other
cities and ensure that Caldwell's growth is both thoughtful and sustainable.
Tha//ou for the opportun·
/;fj�
Marianne Gatchell
15448 Rosewood St.
Caldwell, ID 83607