HomeMy WebLinkAboutHarris - Letter of Opposition_ElementRidge_12.02.25Dec. 1, 2025
Dear Commissioners,
I live in the area that will be impacted by both Element Ridge and also Verbena Ranch subdivisions. Our homes
consist of well-established custom homes that have their own character and architecture on lot sizes averaging ½
acre per home +/-. We have enjoyed the panoramic views, Squaw Butte to the north, a nearby middle school, the
ability to walk our animals & ride bicycles safely in the quiet and peaceful surroundings, with a nearby park and
easy access to both Highway 55 and 10th Ave. So many amenities that have drawn us to our homes.
The following are concerns with regards to Element Ridge include:
· 214 single-family homes (basically 3 homes per acre) being built along with plans for several multi-family units,
(which should NOT be allowed) and which is absolutely NOT low density as they want you to believe. In addition,
they have minimal road widths to handle the additional volume of cars, school buses, emergency vehicles,
etc. The number of homes proposed, is highly excessive for this area, and needs to be reduced to stay in line with
already existing homes. The following are compelling reasons for this:
· The number of additional cars at this time, will create a “crippling” affect impacting not only our community of
homes, but more importantly, that of the safety of school children attending Vallivue Middle School. Where is the
concern regarding the lack of infrastructure to handle the huge volume of additional cars combined with school
buses and existing traffic?? This should be the first concern when considering the massive amounts of houses
planned for this area. The so-called “in house traffic study” that was done is simply laughable. We are already
experiencing more congestion and lines during school hours, as well as large increase in traffic due to cars being
detoured from other road construction around us. Actual thoughtful “planning” of this area is so imperative for the
future of our community.
· A huge water tower and large well house (water which by the way is not for us but for the other new
neighborhoods) is planned to be built on the corner of David and Airport, which very well will potentially have a
grave impact on our existing wells that supply our community presently – something that is very concerning to our
residents and is something that is highly probable. As well, many homes will decrease in value, as a result of this
huge tower. We ask for consideration in moving this tank away from our existing homes and wells.
Growth is inevitable, however to allow unchecked growth is demoralizing and unfortunate. Those of us who are
impacted by this change, ask you, as keepers of the future families of our community, to carefully consider what is
in the best interest of not only these new builds, but as well, our established families. A very daunting task.
Please, do not annex more than south 10th can handle. These developers need to be kept in check to protect our
community from their own greed. Thank you for taking these concerns into consideration.
Sincerely,
Julie A Harris
15074 Daniel St.
Caldwell, ID 83607