Commission approves preliminary plat for Westbrook Estates; neighbors press traffic concerns on 17 North

The Idaho Falls Planning Commission approved the preliminary plat for Westbrook Estates, a proposed subdivision of just over 52 acres northwest of the airport that would create about 80 buildable lots and supporting stormwater ponds.

Gilmore Jenkins of Up 11 Engineering, the applicant’s representative, said the site was annexed and zoned R‑1 in mid‑2024 and that the preliminary plat shows mostly local streets, with one collector road to connect the development to West 17 North. Jenkins said the applicant submitted a traffic study (prepared before annexation when the requested zoning was higher density) and that projected daily trips for 80 single‑family dwellings are about 1,315 weekday trips — roughly 35% fewer than the older study’s assumed trip generation.

City staff noted the parcel was annexed and zoned R‑1 and said the preliminary plat is consistent with the comprehensive plan’s suburban designation and the subdivision ordinance. Staff emphasized that homes facing West 17 North will be required to use the rear road for access so they will not have direct driveway access to the collector, and that the traffic study is under review by the city engineer. Staff also pointed out stub roads on the plat to meet block length and connectivity requirements.

Neighbors who live along West 17 North spoke at the public hearing and told the commission they are worried about traffic, road condition and heavy equipment using the narrow road. A resident, Sherry Clark, said the developer will widen only the frontage adjacent to the subdivision and that county roads feeding to 17 North may become bottlenecks. Matt Dixon, who operates heavy equipment in the area, said 17 North is already in poor condition and feared additional traffic and safety impacts. The applicant and staff responded that off‑site improvements beyond the developer’s frontage are typically coordinated with Bonneville County and that traffic‑warranted turn lanes or other improvements would be addressed during final plat review and in coordination with the county when appropriate.

Commissioners asked whether the annexation boundary created the map anomaly along 17 North and were told the dashed city boundary lines and historic platting explain the gap. Staff said the city regularly coordinates with Bonneville County on off‑site improvements and that development agreements and final plat requirements would include any warranted off‑site work.

After discussion, the commission approved the preliminary plat and the reasons/criteria statement by roll call. Recorded votes were Commissioner Scott (Aye); Commissioner Cantu (Aye); Commissioner Eiler (Aye); Commissioner Meehan (Aye). The motion passed.