HomeMy WebLinkAboutWRITTEN RESPONSE 4 - Jessica & Tyler Dustin - 22-00100 - (S of Hidden Valley PH7 & PH8) - Rezone 3 parcels from LDR1 to LDR2March 14, 2022
Dear Rexburg Planning & Zoning Commissioners:
I am writing you today to persuade the committee to not allow Edge Holdings' proposal
to rezone three parcels south of Hidden Valley, from Low -Density Residential 1 (LDR1) to Low -
Density Residential 2 (LDR2).
I understand that may appear that the change is consistent with what is already zoned
for the current development of Hidden Valley, as it is an LDR2 zone, but it was not developed
that way and the deep concern is that if the measure is passed for the rest of the Hidden Valley
development an LDR2 zone south of the current neighborhood would be developed in way that
is inconsistent with the current residential standards and cause numerous problems.
• Increased Traffic: By allowing a higher density of development it would put a
much greater strain on the streets as presently constructed. It would funnel all
the traffic onto one main roadway, Hidden Valley Road. Residents rarely follow
the speed limit on Millhollow and the same would occur on Hidden Valley as a
main thoroughfare. A proposed extension of 2nd south into the Hidden Valley
would only increase traffic funneled down Hidden Valley Road, not alleviate the
problem.
• Safety concerns due to high occurrence of street parking: A higher density
of development is likely to increase the number of residents in a smaller area
with smaller driveway and garage space. The result is that more vehicles are
parked on the street which becomes a visibility safety hazard. From personal
experience, in a previous state I lived in a neighborhood that uas very densely
built. Thus, nearly all the homes parked cars on the street as they had more than
2 drivers and vehicles. This caused a dangerous situation for the children and
anyone trying to cross the street to the neighboring homes. They weren't visible
to oncoming traffic as they could emerge from behind the parked cars. This also
creates a problem as it decreases the desirability and aesthetic value of the
neighborhood.
• Smaller lots lead to smaller, closely built homes: The great majority of homes
in the Hidden Valley area are built to LDR1 standards, the few exceptions occur
as a result of the steep embankment to the east and cul-de-sac geometry for lot
size, but they are closer in lot size to the required 1200sf minimum of an LDR1
than the minimum 8000sf of an LDR2. Allowing all the homes to be built to an
LDR2 minimum would be incongruent with the current neighborhood
development, aesthetic. The current Hidden Valley HOA covenants, conditions,
and restrictions (CCRs) require homes to be a minimum of 1,600 square feet and
states the other homes built must enhance the value of the other homes in the
subdivision. Additionally, smaller lots cause homes to be built closer together
taking away the pleasing spacing between the current homes as built to an LDR1
standard.
• Rental property is inconstant with long-term stability of neighborhood: It
has been made known that Edge Land Holdings intends to develop the parcels
into long term rentals. Currently residing here are long-term, owner -occupied
residents. By allowing the company to develop a rental community there
becomes problem of decreased pride of ownership from renters which drives
home values, aesthetics, and desirability down. One of the main reasons we
chose to Wein Hidden Valley was because of the lonn-term stability of the
neighborhood.
• Already zoned LDR2 land currently undeveloped: There are other areas of
Rexburg that are already designated LDR2 that have yet to be developed and
are situated in a more logical area for higher density, smaller home type
subdivisions. The great majority of the area in this southeast region of Rexburg is
developed in a I DR1 standard. Adding in an area, especially a large area like
these three parcels include, would be inconsistent with the look, feel, design,
desirability and home values of the area. We understand that there is a housing
shortage in Rexburg but the proposed plan would be taking advantage of a short
term goal to meet a need while creating a multitude of issues. It doesn't consider
the long-term vision for Rexburg and specifically the southeast section of our city.
• Water runoff and pressure issues: There is a significant problem with water
retention and pressure in this area as it is. Adding a higher density of homes in
the area would increase the impermeable surface area causing water to run off
into the homes below. In 2014 there was substantial flooding in the area due to
run off even as it is with the land agriculturally developed. The water pressure is
also already maxed out.
• LDR2 development inconsistent with current design and expectation: We
as neighbors purchased our homes on the expectation that the land above
Hidden valley was platted out for similar design to our neighborhood, Hidden
Valley Trails. It has been expected that when development occurs nice homes
equal to or better than those already constructed would be built. The zoning
change proposed would alter that plan already plotted out.
• Non-local company doesn't have our community in mind: This zoning
change is requested by an out of state company, Edge Land Holdings, who
doesn't have the community in mind would be inconsistent with our city and its
development and appear to only seek a high profit margin not maintaining a
community, it's values and desirability over a longer period of time.
Thank you for your time in hearing nrn r concerns with the propnsed zoning change for
these three parcels of land. I will be in attendance at the meeting on March 17'^ but you can
contact us at 801-573-1199 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jessica and Tyler Dustin