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Council approves Curlew Bend agreement after debate over landscaping and potential library space
Summary
The council approved the Curlew Bend development agreement while discussing concerns about landscaping timing, the number of units sold vs. units completed, and whether a prospective public library could lease or purchase roughly 30,000 square feet (the building is currently designed for about 20,000). City Attorney raised tax-exemption concerns; the developer said the initial plan is to lease with an option to purchase.
The Ammon City Council approved the Curlew Bend Development Agreement at its Feb. 19 meeting after a discussion about landscaping, unit completion counts, and potential use of a commercial building by the public library.
Ryan Webster of the development team addressed questions about landscaping around a shell building. "Yes they want to do the landscaping however they don't want to put it in then have to tear it out if it doesn't meet what the commercial tenant needs," Webster said. City Administrator Micah Austin relayed Council President Scott Wessel's concern about landscaping not being completed. Webster told the council that 20 units have been sold and that they are "bumping up against having the max of the fifteen units done," language he used to explain why the amendment is needed.
City Attorney Scott Hall asked whether the building would be owned by the developer or sold to the tenant and noted a potential financial issue if a public library were tax-exempt in a commercial area. Webster replied the developer is looking to lease initially with an option to purchase. Mayor Brian Powell asked whether the public library planned to lease the whole building; Webster said they would like 30,000 square feet but that the building is currently designed for 20,000 square feet (about 10,000 square feet per floor) and the team is exploring options including possibly adding a basement.
On a motion by Council Member Heidi Boyle, seconded by Council Member Sid Hamberlin, the council approved the Curlew Bend Development Agreement. Roll-call votes were recorded as: Wheeler yes; Oswald yes; Wessel absent; Boyle yes; Fullmer yes; Hamberlin yes.
