Council clears way for ‘The Crossings’ townhome development

The Pocatello City Council unanimously approved a planned-unit development (PUD) for a multi-unit townhome community called The Crossings, allowing the developer to build roughly 64 owner-occupied units with shared open space and onsite parking.

Kevin Cartner, the applicant, described the project as a 64-unit townhome development with most units providing two-car driveways in addition to a two-car garage and approximately 25 visitor parking stalls. “We’re including a common area with a park and swing set,” Cartner said, adding the development will be managed by a homeowners association.

Becky Bab, the city’s planning manager, explained the PUD process and said the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with conditions. She noted applicants use the PUD process to achieve reduced lot sizes and lot-size averaging where permitted; the PUD in this case enabled a density bonus of about 11 additional units in exchange for a 20% shared-open-space commitment.

Council members asked if owner-occupancy would be strictly enforced; Cartner replied units may later be sold to non-owner occupants after initial sale. Councilman Nichols and others questioned how the 20% open-space requirement would be measured; staff said the preliminary and final plat processes will verify compliance. Councilman Mangum moved to approve the PUD and Council Member Swanson seconded; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting yes.

Staff noted the PUD will return to the city as a preliminary plat and then a final plat for approval, at which point specific engineering and utility conditions will be resolved.