After mediation and extensive public comment, council approves Willows Place townhomes PUD

The Idaho Falls City Council voted to approve the Willows Place planned unit development after the developer and city negotiators reached a written mediation agreement that reduced density and altered site layout.

Councilor Francis summarized the mediation, saying the developer agreed to reduce the project from 14 units (triplexes) to 12 units (six twin homes), relocate the playground to increase public accessibility, move a twin home across Zoe Lane to break up a line of homes, and modify driveway lengths and setbacks to improve streetscape and parking. He said the city group accepted the developer's offers and documented the changes in a written agreement the council accepted into the record.

Neighbors and other members of the public gave mixed testimony. Several residents asked that the developer install privacy fencing, expressed concern about a steep canal adjacent to the site and questioned whether the project relied on modifications to an adjacent church parking lot and drainage pond. One neighbor asked whether the PUD would remove existing conditional‑use protections tied to the church. Others—including families who said they had bought into the developer’s earlier projects—testified that the project would provide attainable homeownership and was carefully revised to address prior council concerns.

Developer representatives said they had negotiated with staff, made concessions in mediation, and agreed to work with the church and neighbors on parking and drainage improvements. Colin Hunter, the developer, said the project is intended to create attainable townhomes for first‑time buyers and that the team had worked with city staff to address technical and safety concerns, including stormwater and fire access.

After deliberation, the council moved to approve the PUD and the associated reason statement and findings. The motion carried on a roll call; the council also directed the mayor to execute the necessary documents. Councilors Francis and Lee recused themselves from final deliberation and voting per the mediation disclosure process; Councilor Dingman presided over the vote, and a quorum remained with Councilor Freeman participating remotely.

What happens next: the council approved the development and the accompanying documentation; city staff said they will follow up on specific conditions in the mediation agreement and ensure required signatures and platting steps are completed.