Commission recommends approving comprehensive plan amendments but urges removal of one-way couplet from maps pending ITD PEL study

The Middleton Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 10 voted to approve findings of fact, conclusions of law and a recommendation to the City Council on the city's proposed comprehensive plan text and map amendments, but the commission included a specific direction: remove the alternate one‑way couplet (Alternate 4) from the transportation maps and text until the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) completes its Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study.

Planner Roberta summarized hearing facts the commission wanted included in the FCRs, including that ITD has not completed its PEL study determining which of four Highway 44 alternatives should proceed to NEPA and that the PEL study was anticipated to conclude in late spring 2025. The staff recommendation incorporated the commission’s direction that the comprehensive plan amendments be approved except for adding the Alternate 4 one‑way couplet to the city's transportation maps.

Commissioners expressed frustration with ITD’s timetable and emphasized the need to press ITD to provide clearer dates. Commissioner Turnbull and others said waiting for the PEL study would avoid having to amend the comprehensive plan maps again if ITD selects a different alternative. Commissioner Gibson noted that existing comp‑plan maps were produced before the couplet discussion and are not contingent on any single alternative.

Commissioner Gregory moved to approve the FCRs and the commission's recommendation as drafted; Commissioner Walter May seconded. The motion passed by voice vote with aye from commissioners present. The signed FCRs will be forwarded to the Middleton City Council for consideration; the commission’s recommendation requests the council approve the comp plan amendments but delete the Alternate 4 couplet from plan maps and text until ITD completes its PEL study.