Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Planning And Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning report: Preston ranks high on renter cost burden; several housing developments in the pipeline
Summary
City planning staff reported that Preston ranks 38th among evaluated Idaho communities for affordability and third for renter cost burden; multiple residential and commercial developments (Silver Sage, North State townhomes, Enclave) are advancing and code updates on street cross-sections are under review.
Sean Alverson, director of planning and land use, presented the monthly planning report, which included housing-affordability data and several pending development proposals.
The report matters because staff said Preston is toward the less-affordable half among 140 Idaho communities reviewed; planners highlighted that renters in the area are especially cost-burdened and that housing supply and affordability will make it harder for households to save toward homeownership.
Alverson said the city ranked 38th in the statewide study and that Preston ranked third for renters who are cost-burdened — households spending 30% or more of income on rent and utilities. “We’re number 38, so we're up towards... the more unaffordable half for housing,” he said, adding that renter cost-burdened ranking was especially notable.
On developments, staff described plans for multiple projects: Silver Sage (commercial subdivision with flats and a planned PUD townhome area), a 66-unit townhome development on North State (referred to as “66 unit townhome development”), and the Enclave subdivision (about 50 units). Alverson said developers are in preliminary review and that staff will return with more details as they finalize filings.
The planning team is reviewing street cross-sections and considering where swales (ditch drainage) are more appropriate than curb-and-gutter; Alverson said engineering cross-sections are in draft and the planning commission and staff will evaluate where a swale solution is acceptable. He also reported coordination with the county road department to clarify responsibilities for certain roads.
Ending: Councilmembers praised the report and noted the rent and utility impacts on local renters; staff will bring code-change drafts, major street plan updates and development applications back to future meetings for formal action.
