Redevelopment agency approves McNeil MOU, narrows study area to three hotel parcels

The Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency on March 20 approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with McNeil Development LLC and directed staff to replace the MOU map with a refined study area that focuses on three northern parcels where a hotel project is planned.

The action, approved by roll call as Resolution 2025-03, follows a presentation from Lauren Walker of McNeil Development and about an hour of board discussion about phasing, eligibility and infrastructure needs. Walker told the board, “We have received a draft from Megan on the MOU . . . and we find the terms and conditions acceptable to us.”

The board discussed whether to study the entire area McNeil initially proposed or to limit the revenue-allocation study to the parcels the developer said are ready to move forward. Several commissioners raised concerns about timing, the 20-year statutory limit for urban renewal districts and whether peripheral infrastructure (roundabout, turn lanes) would be…