Comment letter on the Grover annexation and rezone

December 10, 2018

Driggs City Council

PO Box 48

Driggs, ID 83422

Re: Grover Rezone

Dear Members of the Council:

We have reservations with the Grover rezone, as it appears Driggs has an overabundance of vacant commercially-zoned land. We support the recommendation of the planning staff and Planning & Zoning Commission to place a 15% limit on commercial floor area. It is a measure to ensure consistency with the Comprehensive Plan.

However, we note that the Comprehensive Plan being updated, is still in its “community engagement” stage, and is behind schedule. This is unfortunate because current applications like the Grover rezone may alter the city’s character forever.

We recommend a rezone & annexation policy that requires a development agreement with each rezone or annexation – including this one. A development agreement can ensure that the particulars of a rezoned/annexed development are consistent with city goals. It is also one of the few tools available to provide workforce housing, which should be considered with each application.

Respectfully,

Shawn W. Hill

Executive Director