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Pocatello council approves annexation, zoning for 81.78-acre Ridges at High Terrace development
Summary
After a public hearing, the Pocatello City Council voted to annex roughly 81.78 acres north of East Center Street and zone it for low-density residential development; the planning staff and commission found the application met applicable city code standards.
The Pocatello City Council voted to approve an annexation and low-density residential zoning for an approximately 81.78-acre parcel known as Ridges at High Terrace.
Developer Bill Eisley told the council he owns the property and is pursuing annexation to allow the final phase of work tying Center Street to Monte Vista and to develop “really, really nice lots” on the hill. “This is only about the annexation of that county property into the city,” Eisley said during the public hearing.
City planner Jim Anglesey told the council the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval following its April 9 public hearing. “The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the annexation, finding that the application meets the standards of approval under section 17‑02‑110, 17‑02‑120, and 17‑02‑170 of Pocatello City Code,” Anglesey said.
A resident who identified herself as Nikki Taysom spoke in opposition, not to the developer personally, but to what she described as inconsistent city development processes and differential costs for city versus county services. “The costs of being in the city versus the county are hugely different,” Taysom said, and added she worries that “residents pay the price” for rushed or poorly managed development.
Council President Lyric made the motion to approve and Council Member Cheatham seconded. The motion carried and the annexation and zoning application was approved during the meeting.
Background: Anglesey said the annexation covers the two quarter‑section parcels that will complete a planned road connection first designed by the city in 1976. Eisley said the overall development has already added substantial taxable value to the city and that completing the connection to Monte Vista is a long‑standing goal.
The council’s action authorizes the annexation and zoning as presented; the council did not detail additional conditions beyond those already in the staff packet and the Planning and Zoning recommendation.
Next steps: With annexation and zoning approved, the developer and city will proceed with final engineering and any required subdivision approvals before building begins.
