HomeMy WebLinkAboutWRITTEN RESPONSE #5 - Gale & Joan Francis - 22-00489 - Hibbard Flats - Approx. 1175 N 12th W - Annexation & Rezone to LDR1Gale and Joan Francis
4727 Columbus Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98229
August 23, 2022
Rexburg City Council
Attn: Tawnya Grover, Admin Asst.
35 N 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
Tawnya.grover@rexburg.org
Dear Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council:
We are currently residents of Bellingham, Washington. However, for many
reasons, we are making plans to move to the Rexburg area, toward the northwest
quarter of the city.
After a number of trips to decide on the location in which to build a home,
we have chosen the area which is currently under consideration for a variance
request. For the following reasons, we support the concept of allowing a
development of smaller lot size, and annexation into the City of Rexburg:
• As a retired couple, and having discussed this with a number of like-minded
couples, we cannot maintain and keep up with a lot larger than ⅓ to ¼ acre.
We will be building a custom home and estimate the market value/cost to be
in excess of $600,000.00. The residential developments in that area are very
appealing, but lots over ½ acre are simply not fit for our needs.
• Because of the apparent expansion of commercial enterprise in this quadrant
of the city, as well as the announcement of a second temple built by the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we anticipate that friends and
acquaintances who also are empty-nesters, also desire to locate in this area.
Although we do not desire to encourage high-density housing in our ideal
neighborhood, and loving the merging of a rural and suburban area near the
Teton River (and a golf course), we hope that an accommodation for smaller
lots for single-family dwellings of a similar value would be available.
• Many senior couples that we have talked to, agree with our desires. Having
heard of the plans of an expanded airport, commercial and cultural
opportunities within Madison County, and the access to beautiful rivers,
reservoirs, mountains like the ranges close to Rexburg, commercial
enterprises which appear to be interested in coming to the Rexburg area also
(Building supply companies, grocers, restaurants, medical facilities, etc.),
added to the attractiveness of this area for many senior but independent
couples. Certainly, it has piqued our interest in locating there.
Therefore, we would like to encourage and support a development of single-
family residences near the Teton River, the Teton River golf course, and the
area west of the planned temple.
We appreciate the opportunity of adding our voice to what we hope will be our
final residence in the Rexburg, Idaho area. We plan to build and move in 2023.
Sincerely
/s/ Gale K. Francis
/s/ Joan Francis
Gale and Joan Francis
gfrancis@xmission.com