New townhomes may be coming to Idaho Falls
The City of Idaho Falls is planning on holding two public hearings in July to discuss two proposed building projects.
The Saturn Park Townhomes project is proposing to build 54, two-story townhomes, and the other project is to develop 43, 4-plex townhomes.
The Saturn Park Townhomes’ plot of land will be north of Pancheri Dr. and east of S. Skyline Drive.
The Linden Trails Division is north of Pancheri Dr. and east of south Old Butte Rd.
The Linden Trails Division will be built on approximately 38 acres of land, and the Saturn Park townhomes will be built on 2.86 acres of land.
On June 7., the Idaho Falls Planning Commission recommended to the Mayor and City Council approval of the final plat and planned unit development for Saturn Park Townhomes.
Idaho Falls Assistant Planning Director, Kerry Beutler, said they first have to view those proposals and make sure they meet both city requirements and the city’s goals long term.
“We’re seeing national housing trends, and local trends, as well having not that traditional single family home, but something that is a smaller square footage, and has a smaller foot print. Some people don’t want large yards to take care of,” Beutler said.
Beutler said they are seeing an increase in townhome development.
He said the development community is responding to a need that they see in the community.
Beutler said they expect to have the public’s input on both projects. And moving forward, they will address the concerns heard at both hearings and either make recommendation for the projects, or deny them.
“More living units coming into a smaller area, we do hear concerns from adjacent property owners about the number of units,” Beutler said.”That translates into additional traffic, there’s concerns regarding buffering, which is landscaping between larger units,” Beutler said.
All Star Homes Incorporated owner, Jason Yorgesen, will be developing the Saturn Park Townhomes and said it would be a good economic structure for the housing market.
“We need good quality and affordable housing, and we are seeing a lot of new people coming in,” Yorgesen said.
He also said the projects will bring in more jobs.
“We do have an opportunity to hire hourly employees. I know there are a lot of individuals looking for full-time and part-time work,” Yorgesen said.
The Linden Trails Division will have their hearing on July 19 at 7 p.m. and the Saturn Park Townhomes will have their’s on July 28 at 7:30 p.m.
