HomeMy WebLinkAboutNorth Central Urban Renwal Plan Correspondence - Christie RobertsonNovember 2020
Submitted by Christie Robertson (208) 351-5181
North Central Urban Renewal Project — Moran View Road
I am writing with concerns about the above project. There are many unknowns that have not been explained and
outlined on this project. Following are some of my concerns:
Timing of the hearing - Is it appropriate to be holding a hearing on such an important issue during the Covid-19
Pandemic? We are currently under a mask and limited meeting access order. Yes, we can provide written
testimony and the meeting is accessible virtually. But not everyone who would like to participate are
able/comfortable with these options. It is much better to all be able to articulate opinions and questions in
person and in one room. And the only specific notice concerning this hearing was published a couple of times in
the newspaper. The property owners who it affects were not notified any other way. Most people are
distracted by the Pandemic, and how to keep their family safe and secure. Adding the stress of possible
considerable monetary expense and loss of property value should not be necessary at this time.
Loss of property size - When the road is expanded and curbs and gutters put in, how much of the lot will be lost
to the City for this? It will decrease the size of the front yard. Landscaping will need to be removed and redone.
When the lot size is reduced, property value is also reduced.
Cost to property owner - The proposed cost for curb and gutter and other costs (hooking up to City water and
sewer) have not been disclosed. The property owner will be charged for this even though they are not
requesting to be annexed into the City of Rexburg. Also, what about the cost of the buried utility lines from
Rocky Mountain Power and other utility companies? Who pays for this? Where will the transformers, etc. be
placed? Also, what are the monthly costs for City utilities?
City of Rexburg property requirements - There are numerous questions that need to be addressed on the
property requirements. These are just a few. Some property owners have outbuildings on their lots. Will these
have to be removed to meet with City requirements? There is some pasture land that has horses on it
periodically. Will this be possible anymore? What about fencing requirements?
Length of time for construction - What is the proposed length of time for road construction and curb and
gutters? What is the plan for these? Property owners would have limited access to property during the
construction period. This adds a hardship to families with children trying to get on/off school buses.
Other concerns — As Madison County residents, our road has been plowed in the Winter by the County.
Because this is an East/West road, blowing snow causes periodic drifting across the road. The County
snowplows are usually out early to plow. There are residents who leave early in the morning for work. And
school buses run early in this area also. How often and early would this road be plowed by the City? Also, we
receive mosquito abatement each Summer from the County. Would this continue with the City?
These are just a few of the important concerns on the North Central Urban Renewal Project — Moran View Road that
need to be addressed before any further actions are taken.
Respectfully Submitted,
Christie Robertson