Pocatello City Council discusses redevelopment options for historic fire station property

The Pocatello Planning and Zoning Commission convened on July 11, 2025, to discuss the future of a property previously occupied by Big Mama's house, which has suffered extensive damage due to a broken water pipe and subsequent flooding. The meeting focused on the potential redevelopment of the site, which has been found to contain significant amounts of asbestos, lead-based paint, and mold, necessitating considerable mitigation efforts.

During the discussions, it was revealed that there is a possibility of securing federal funding to develop low-income housing on the site. The proposed plan includes constructing three single-family homes with garages and apartments above, totaling six units. However, no final decisions have been made regarding this redevelopment, and any future actions will be presented in a public City Council meeting.

The primary agenda item was the application for the division of land, which would allow the city to sell, auction, or trade the property. It was emphasized that this application does not pertain to the demolition of the existing fire station on the property, a concern raised by community members who value the building's historic significance. The city is currently engaging an architectural historian to assess the property's historical value, ensuring that the City Council is well-informed before making any decisions.

Commission members addressed public concerns regarding the proposed lot sizes for the new development. The lots are planned to be smaller than the historical average, with sizes ranging from 3,000 to 4,800 square feet. The rationale for these sizes is based on city infill and redevelopment standards aimed at increasing housing density while maintaining neighborhood character. The commission noted that the proposed sizes are not the smallest in the area and are intended to accommodate the city's housing needs.

As the meeting concluded, the commission reiterated that the current application is solely for land division and does not include any decisions about the future of the fire station or the potential redevelopment plans. Further public discussions will be held as the city moves forward with its planning process.