Proposed Misty Valley subdivision

A plan is in the works to build a new development west of Rexburg in Hibbard. But it’s been getting mixed reaction from some people. Madison County Planning and Zoning says the new development could actually be good for the community. This is where the preserve at Henry’s Fork Division, or commonly known as Misty Valley subdivision, could be built.

It’s been in the works for a decade. The Misty Valley subdivisions is finally making some movement.

“The Planning and Zoning commission approved the first phase, the final plat for the first phase which is approximately 64 lots,” says Bradley Petersen, Madison County Planning and Zoning Administrator.

The development would allow 154 homes to be built along the warm slough.

“So this is definitely one of the larger developments ever to go in to be proposed in Madison County,” says Petersen.

But the proposed subdivision isn’t starting without some controversy.

Last week, an online petition, started by Sheila Sommer, circulated on Facebook to stop the development. It’s gotten almost 200 signatures. Some of the concerns are: possible ground and river water contamination disruption of wildlife and excessive traffic and destruction of county roads.

“I’ve heard most of these arguments, and I understand. I do. In fact, a lot of them I had the same questions,” says Petersen.

Petersen, who also lives in the county, says he understands the fears people have because of how big this change would be.

“Each one of those questions have been answered. But even if those questions have been answered in the right way, there’s still fear,” said Petersen.

Misty Valley hopes people will see the positives the new subdivision could bring.

“They see opportunity for growth, they see an opportunity to bless the lives of people who would like to move to the area, ” said Petersen.

Petersen says that building for phase one should be expected to start in a few weeks. Once that’s finished, Misty Valley will have to go back to county planning and zoning to apply for the next phase. They expect three phases total, and to take several years to finish.

There will be a work meeting March 8th with the planning and zoning commission, where they must approve the minutes and fact finding. They will then submit it to the county commissioners, who have the final say.