Community Development News
Small Business Grant Program
Downtown Construction Update:
Tune in Thursday, June 25 at 2:00 pm
Old Town Lofts Construction Update Video
While COVID is requiring us to continue to social distance, we will be coming to you LIVE on Zoom this Thursday afternoon from 2-3pm so you can get an update on the Old Town Lofts and Main2Meridian project.
Link: www.zoom.us
Meeting ID: 848 8809 6787
Password: 155312
One tap mobile +16699009128, 84888096787#,,,,0#,,155312# US (San Jose)
Can't attend but have questions? Please forward these to Ashley Squyres at meridiandevelopmentcorp@gmail.com and we will get these answered for you!
City Waives Three Permit Fees through End of Year to Support Businesses - May 13, 2020
News Release: Meridian Waives Three Permit Fees to Help Businesses Re-Open and Prosper
Still Connected - March 24, 2020
The Community Development Department is fully operational, continuing to move projects forward. Most services are available online. We’re still answering calls, accepting plan submittals, conducting building inspections, keeping commerce moving.
Planning 208-884-5533
Building Services 208-887-2211
Land Development 208-489-0311
Economic Development 208-489-0537
Treasure Valley Children's Theater - April 10, 2020
On March 16, in response to the CDC recommendations, Treasure Valley Children's Theater (TVCT) was forced to postpone planned performance programs and pause all active education programs to assess alternative delivery systems. The order impacted nearly 300 theater students, many eagerly preparing for TVCT’s upcoming production of Mary Poppins, Jr.
On April 1, the TVCT teaching team launched 22 online classes for 210 students already enrolled in TVTC’s training programs. The online programs keep students engaged and connected with their peers and provide an important outlet. Parent reviews have been enthusiastic, attesting to the value of TVCT programs:
"We did a lot of activities today, but the dinner conversation was filled with every detail of drama club!"
"We would definitely sign up for something else. We are scrambling to help her feel active and less lonely right now."
"Thank you so much for keeping things as normal as possible. I would love to continue classes online until they can meet in person again. Again, thank you for all that you are doing. It is a much needed part of my son’s week."
"If theater teaches us nothing else, it teaches us to adapt to change, to embrace a challenge, and to create, even under the most undesirable situations,” said TVCT Founder and Executive Director Autumn Kersey.
"While we have had to make some difficult adjustments, TVCT is facing this challenge with the courage, commitment, enthusiasm, and excellence our little company has built a reputation around."
TVCT is planning to continue, providing new online learning programs, and is looking forward to staging its live production of Mary Poppins, Jr. in the near future.
Waffle Love - April 24, 2020
Imagine being handed the keys to your new restaurant business venture on February 28. That was the case for Meridian residents Stephanie and Jacob Bennett following their purchase of Waffle Love.
Even while grappling with the impacts of COVID-19 on their new business, the couple changed focus after seeing unmet community needs. Initially, they provided last-minute, much-needed lunches for students, filling a void during the first week schools closed.
Hearing of homebound seniors and immunocompromised residents, the Bennetts reached out, offering to deliver waffles. The requests came flowing in. Waffle Love began their first "Service Sunday" on March 22 and haven’t stopped since. Last weekend, they delivered 200 waffles to Tramore Senior Apartments.
"We are so excited to hopefully give them a little brightness in their day," said Stephanie Bennett. "This opportunity to serve others has given us a gratitude and energy that we definitely wouldn't have had otherwise."
To-date, Waffle Love has delivered more than 700 waffles, and they plan to continue while the need is there. Waffle Love employees even come in on their days off to help with deliveries. They’re not just busy cooking up and delivering waffle breakfasts; the Bennetts are also providing lunches for those staffing COVID-19 testing facilities at St. Luke’s Meridian and Boise locations.
