HomeMy WebLinkAboutKrueger, Fred - Letter of Opposition_Springhouse Townes_01.28.25Proposed Townhouse Development at 16767 Midway Rd. Caldwell ID - 1/28/25
ATTN: Morgan Bessaw & Caldwell City Clerk
Subject: Concerns and Suggestions Regarding Proposed Development at 16767 Midway Rd.
My name is Fred Kruger, and I am a resident of 16890 Jerica Ct., Caldwell, ID. I appreciate the opportunity to share
my thoughts regarding the proposed development at 16767 Midway Rd., which borders my property.
The health and well-being of any community are intrinsically tied to the happiness and well-being of its residents!
Over the past nine years, our neighborhood has experienced steady growth while maintaining its charm, character,
and appeal. This has been largely due to:
• Thoughtful design of detached single-family homes.
• Well-maintained landscaping that complements the area.
• Community-friendly features such as London Park’s outdoor walking track, which foster a strong sense of
connection among residents.
While I understand and support the inevitability of growth, I am deeply concerned about the proposed
development’s potential impact on our neighborhood. Specifically, the plan for 77 townhouse units, consisting of
11 buildings, 28 feet tall, on 6 common lots. This raises the following concerns:
• Obstruction of Scenic Views: The proposed 28-foot tall buildings would block scenic views of farmland
and the Owyhee Mountains that my neighbors and I currently enjoy. These views significantly contribute to
the neighborhood’s appeal and quality of life.
• Incompatibility with the Neighborhood: The design and scale of the proposed townhouses are
inconsistent with the detached single-family homes that define our community. This disrupts the harmony
and aesthetics valued by residents.
• Proximity to Property Lines: One of these structures would sit just 15 feet from my property line,
extending along two-thirds of my property and continuing 53 feet along side my neighbor’s property line.
This proximity raises serious privacy concerns, creates a sense of overcrowding, and includes a new safety
risk of fire. I understand that there will be fire protection inside these townhouses but no protection to stop
the homes from catching fire from the outside and spreading to my structure should that structure become
ablaze.
While I recognize the importance of medium to high density zoning and the need for higher-density housing in
some areas, I strongly believe this property should be zoned low density. The reasons for this recommendation
include:
• Alignment with the Neighborhood: Low density zoning would maintain the character of the community by
promoting lower-density, detached, single-family homes.
• Better Use of Medium to high density zoning: Higher-density developments would be better suited to
areas that can accommodate such growth without disrupting established neighborhoods like ours.
• Enhanced Community Satisfaction: Lower-density zoning would help preserve privacy, scenic views, and
the overall appeal of our neighborhood.
Rezoning this property to low density would address these concerns while still allowing for moderate, thoughtful
growth.
Thank you for your time and consideration of these concerns and suggestions. I look forward to working together to
find a solution that benefits both the community and the proposed development. Please feel free to reach out to
me if additional clarification or input is needed.
Sincerely,
Fred Kruger
16890 Jerica Ct.
Caldwell, ID