HomeMy WebLinkAboutColin & Jean Erickson - RE 301 S 5th W Rezone July 6, 2021
Dear Rexburg City Mayor Merrill and Council Members Busby,Wolfe,Walker, Flora, Mann, and Johnson:
We are writing this letter in response to the zoning change that was recommended by the Rexburg
Planning&Zoning Commission in their last meeting regarding the horse pasture on 12`h West. It is
currently zoned as RR2. It is currently being recommended to change to 3 levels of LDR after being
rejected when the developer tried to change it to MDR and LDR levels a couple of months ago.We want
to bring out several points in reference to this matter, that we feel have not been adequately addressed.
1—Since when do we allow the developers to make the decisions for what is best for the city? You
know that the developer is out for one thing only,which is to make the most money possible. I
understand that, but you have to look at what is smart for the growth of the city of Rexburg as a whole.
The city needs to keep what little areas they have established as RR1 and RR2 and not give in to the
developers. I find it interesting that 3 different members of the planning&zoning are in the realty
business. I feel like they are looking at this situation very much through the eyes of the developer and
see the financial gain/business sense of the situation for the developer. We,as citizens, are invested in
the community.The developer is not someone who is invested in the community and in our city. There
is one person pushing this decision—the developer. All of us who currently live in that area,whether on
the north side,south side,or west side,are pushing for it to just stay zoned the same as it was originally
specified in 2003 when it was annexed into the city.
2—The LDR levels,with smaller lots, provide a great place for starter homes and twin homes or condos.
The planning& zoning says that LDR is fulfilling a need. However, as people become more established,
they want to upgrade to be able to get a little bigger house and yard with more room for their children.
Taking away the RR levels, is taking away that opportunity. I have talked with multiple people who have
been in that situation,and they are all moving out to the county to have that opportunity. They all
wanted to stay in the city, but did not have that as an option at the time.We currently have many
options for LDR housing throughout the city of Rexburg. However,we have very little to almost none
available for RR 1 or 2 because it keeps getting changed to LDR and/or MDR zones. As a city, by not
offering lots that provide a little bit of space to allow families to have a place to move up to after their
starter home,we are pushing a lot of people out to the county instead of staying in the city limits. The
fact of the matter is that we were all offered the opportunity when we built our homes out in that area
along 12`h west,and we desire to have that same experience for others within the city limits.
3—In the planning and zoning meetings, Mr.Anderson keeps saying that nobody wants to buy a lot right
by the freeway. He says that is the reason that it needs to be higher density along the freeway. That
statement is false. If you really take the time to look along the freeway from Rexburg,clear down to
Utah,there are numerous examples that homes are being built by the freeway. My own home is 3 lots
from the freeway. You see new homes right by the freeway in Rexburg, Rigby, Idaho Falls, Blackfoot,
Pocatello,etc.etc.etc. Look at how quickly the lots in Pine Brook Estates have been sold and houses
went up fast—even by the freeway. Keeping it RR is still fulfilling a big need.
4—This proposal on this same piece of land has come up to planning&zoning on four separate
occasions. Everyone knows there is going to be growth and we embrace the growth. But, can't we
move forward with smart growth that was established for that area and quit trying to increase the
density?
Sincerely,
Colin &Jean Erickson
1038 Widdison Lane
208-201-7357