Plans discussed for revitalization of Idaho Falls
Plans for a revamp of south downtown Idaho Falls were discussed with the public today. The city is in partnership with Idaho Smart Growth and The Greater Idaho Falls Association of Realtors on this project. The National Association of Realtors provided a grant to make this almost year long proposal possible.
The area being discussed covers the area south of Broadway, east of the Snake River, west of Yellowstone Highway, and north of Pancheri Drive.
The goal of this project is to help those living in Idaho Falls to understand how best to revitalize and expand in the future.
Some ideas include: more housing, a plaza, a parking structure, improved connectivity for biking and walking, especially east to west and the greenbelt, a recreation center, and more retail and eateries.
Project Coordinator, Deanna Smith explained, “Really, one of the biggest audiences you’re talking to is the development sector. Because if these ideas happen, they’ll primarily happen through private dollars,” she continued by saying, “There’s some different ideas, but in general, there is a desire to see the area rehabilitate and develop and some of these high level ideas seem to be supported by a lot of people.”
Compass Academy students are also assisting in the projects plans. Junior, Kaelus Harmon explained his reasoning for supporting the project. He stated, “I think adding some of these ideas will help turn it into a place that teens and adults alike will just go because they want to be there. Which I think will help revitalize Idaho Falls in general.”
