HomeMy WebLinkAboutWRITTEN RESPONSE - 22-00420 - The Preserve (south of Star View Drive) - Rezone from LDR1 to LDR2July 19, 2022
Dear Rexburg Planning & Zoning Commissioners:
I am writing you today to persuade the committee to not the rezoning of the parcel south
of Hidden Valley from Starview road (RPRXBCA0291271), '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 o HHidden 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. The
following are our concerns:
• 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.
• 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 was very densely
built. Thus, nearly all the homes parked cars on the street as they had more than
2 drivers and vehicles and not enough space to have built a three car garage.
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 (OCRs) 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: With
more homes being built may increase the likelihood of rental properties rather
than owner occupied dwellings. Currently residing here in Hidden Valley are
long-term, owner -occupied residents. Rental communities tend to bring problems
of decreased pride of ownership from renters which drives home values,
aesthetics, and desirability. One of the main reasons we chose to live in Hidden
Valley was because of the long-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 LDR1 standard. Adding in an area, especially a large area like
this parcel, 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 and feel 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 owners don't have our community in mind: This zoning change is
requested by non local individuals, who don't have the community in mind. This
change would be inconsistent with our city and its development and appear to
only seek a high profit margin while not maintaining the current community feel of
the area, it's values and desirability over a longer period of time.
Thank you for your time in hearing our concerns with the proposed zoning change for
these three parcels of land. I will be in attendance at the meeting on July 21 St, 2022 but you can
contact us at 801-573-1199 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jessica and Tyler Dustin
636 Centennial Loop
Rexburg, Idaho 83440