The Pocatello City Council on Thursday voted to adopt the South Fifth area‑wide plan by resolution after a public hearing and public comment.

Assistant Planner Jennifer Flynn told the council the plan was funded in part by a 2023 Environmental Protection Agency award of $500,000 and “is the final draft of the South Fifth area wide plan” that aims to “provide a community vision focused around diversified housing, enhanced community appearance, streets that feel safe at all hours of the day, and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.”

The plan recommends mixed‑use zoning to encourage housing and retail, increased student and senior housing, townhomes or apartments, greater pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, ADA improvements and code enforcement for properties out of compliance. Flynn said the document leverages the city’s 2023 comprehensive plan, regional bicycle and pedestrian plans and federal grant frameworks.

Supporters and opponents spoke during the hearing. Dale Spencer, president of the Westside Players Theater, said his theater — at 1009 South Second Avenue and inside the plan area — “we have been there for 38 years in that building” and told council, “So I'm in favor of this plan.”

Several speakers asked for clearer maps and raised safety and traffic concerns for areas near, but outside, the plan boundary. Kevin Spencer asked whether the plan would protect the city’s aquifer and said a business outside the mapped area was “accumulating old vehicles, other debris” and noted possible liquid transfers, asking, “How is this protecting the aquifer?”

Longtime resident Nanette Smith asked the council to coordinate with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to address traffic at the South Fifth and Fourth intersection and requested either reduced speed limits or traffic signals at problem approaches, saying she feared a fatal collision. Paul Gregerson, who lives near Maverik, described frequent high‑speed traffic and “constant flow of u‑turns,” and said a traffic signal at the interchange should be considered as development increases.

Planning Director Grama McLean told the council the area wide plan focuses on the specific boundaries shown in the plan and that “the planning department doesn't really control that element of of the streets,” noting speed‑limit and signal changes on South Fifth would require coordination with the streets department and ITD. Flynn and McLean both said the plan did not extend to the interchange and areas south of Terry Street, and encouraged residents concerned about areas outside the plan to pursue separate study or future area‑wide planning.

Council members asked staff to provide printed or electronic maps for residents; Flynn said the full 83‑page plan and a presentation are attached to the meeting agenda, and that she had a QR code available and would meet residents in the lobby after the hearing to share plan materials.

Council Member Paulson moved to adopt the plan by resolution; Council Member Mangum seconded. The council voted in favor on a roll call and the resolution passed.

The adopted plan is advisory guidance to inform future private and public investments and to shape zoning and capital projects consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan and grant strategies. Flynn said the plan will serve as a framework for potential pedestrian, bike and redevelopment projects and for future coordination with ITD and other partners.

The council directed staff to provide the plan materials to residents who requested them and to consider follow‑up study for areas outside the plan’s current boundaries.