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Council approves Creekside Cove PUD after public concerns about traffic and wildlife
Summary
The council approved a planned unit development for Creekside Cove, a proposed 42-unit townhome subdivision with preserved creekside open space; neighbors raised traffic, safety, density, and wildlife corridor concerns during the hearing.
The Pocatello City Council voted to approve a planned unit development (PUD) for Creekside Cove, a proposal to build townhomes at the southwest end of Freeman Lane that would create individual townhome lots and preserve creekside open space.
Gardner Francis, representing Westland Development and the applicant, told the council the project at 1151 Freeman Lane would include 42 townhome units in a cluster layout with approximately 70 on-site parking spaces and an on-site stormwater system. "We are meeting the city's engineering requirement with no additional off-site impacts," Francis said, adding the design preserves roughly 1.6 acres of natural open space along Pocatello Creek and includes walking trails and picnic tables.
Becky Babb, the city's planning manager, said the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval with conditions and described the two waivers required for the PUD: allowing buildings to sit on lot lines and permitting two-foot roof overhangs beyond lot lines. Babb said staff had verified the city owns the required public right-of-way for a hammerhead turnaround and had confirmed fire and street-department review of access and turnaround requirements.
Several neighbors objected. Nikki Taysom said she opposed the project because of density and potential safety impacts near a nearby school, arguing the development "feels jammed" and would increase traffic on Freeman Lane. Dakota Neifert criticized the proposed layout for not promoting walkability and said the new trails would not connect to existing bike or pedestrian infrastructure.
Francis and staff responded that the development meets Pocatello City code and that the proposed density is below the maximum allowed in the zone. Francis said the project did not trigger a traffic study after staff review. Babb explained that a PUD is the first step in a multi-step review; final landscaping, construction drawings and other details will be reviewed at the preliminary and final plat stages.
Councilwoman Swanson moved to approve the Creekside Cove PUD with the conditions recommended by staff; Councilman Bates seconded. The motion carried and the council approved the application. The final plat and construction drawings will return for later review and approval, where details such as final landscaping and trail construction will be required.
The council—s action allows the applicant to proceed with subsequent platting steps; staff said final plats and construction documents would address trail connectivity and landscaping as part of the required final application.
