HomeMy WebLinkAboutLID 55 Oppositon - Residents along W 7th S & Blue Willow CirFebruary 13, 2026
Dear Mayor Merrill and Members of the Rexburg City Council,
We are writing as homeowners along West 7th South between 12th West and Highway 20 to
formally express our opposition to the proposed Local Improvement District (LID) costs and
timeline for our neighborhood.
Our situation is unique and extraordinary. Six of the homes affected sit on one -acre lots that were
originally built in the county. Another home sits on a half -acre parcel, and there is horse property
at the end of the road. Because these properties originated as county residences, we do not have
existing city infrastructure. Our lots also have substantially more frontage than typical city lots,
which dramatically increases the financial burden placed on our single-family households under
the proposed assessment structure.
Prior to annexation, this road served approximately 12 homes. Following growth in the Meadows
Townhomes development, we were annexed into the City of Rexburg and our road became the
only entrance and exit for 160 households. We are now being asked to assume substantial debt to
improve a dead-end road that carries traffic far beyond what existed when our homes were built.
We have repeatedly been told that this issue is a problem the city inherited from the county.
However, we have been annexed residents for many years, and we believe the City bears
responsibility to assist in addressing these extraordinary circumstances rather than placing the
overwhelming burden on a handful of long-time homeowners.
Currently, each home faces an estimated assessment between $16,000 and $22,000, equating to
payments of approximately $220 to $300 per month for ten years. For many families, this is an
unreasonable —and in some cases impossible —financial obligation. We only became aware of
this proposal upon receiving mailers on January 31, 2026. This has not provided adequate time to
budget, plan, or save. Without delay and assistance, homeowners will be forced into long-term
debt, potentially with liens placed on our properties and additional interest costs. This constitutes
a substantial financial hardship.
If this project moves forward, we respectfully request that the City cover a significantly larger
share of the costs. Even meeting us halfway would still leave homeowners with considerable
financial strain. We also ask for a delay in the timeline so residents can properly plan and prepare
for this unexpected expense.
We also object to the blanket 12% fee for mailing, surveying, design, and administrative costs.
On a property assessed at $16,290, this represents approximately $1,800. When we requested a
property -specific accounting, we were informed that the fee is a general allocation calculated as
12% of the contractor's cost per property. We believe this method does not accurately reflect
actual costs attributable to our individual properties and should not be passed on to homeowners.
Additionally, two years ago a grant funded sidewalk installation along our properties. That
project was only partially completed in 2023, leaving our yards torn up until the summer of
2025. Steep drop-offs, missing sections of sidewalk, and unrepaired landscaping created safety
concerns and liability issues for an extended period. A long-time missing section of sidewalk at
680 Blue Willow Circle is visible on the aerial photographs that were presented at the city open
house on February 11, 2026. Communication regarding that project was minimal, and some
sidewalk sections still need work. Given this recent experience, it is difficult to reconcile the
urgency now being applied to this curb and gutter project —particularly when we are being asked
to shoulder a disproportionately large share of the cost.
We also have concerns regarding traffic flow and access during construction. Our road remains
the sole entrance and exit for more than 160 households. Any disruption will significantly impact
residents well beyond our small group of properties.
Finally, while we have been told that this project is not related to land for sale and proposed
development south of our street, many in the community, outside our immediate neighborhood,
question the timing. The perception of development -driven urgency further heightens concerns
among residents already facing extraordinary financial strain.
We are not requesting sewer or water services, as we maintain our own wells and septic systems.
We are asking the City to carefully consider the unique history and structure of our properties,
the circumstances of annexation, and the disproportionate burden being placed upon us.
This proposal represents a significant emotional and financial hardship for our families and
neighbors. We respectfully request that you delay the timeline and reconsider the cost allocation
by removing the 12% administrative fee and substantially increasing the City's financial
contribution to this project.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to our community. We would welcome the
opportunity to meet and discuss constructive solutions.
Sincerely,
Rob & Tove Baldwin 680 Blue Willow Circle
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