Residents rally against proposed Marsh Creek Road rezoning; meeting scheduled
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INKOM — An urgent planning and zoning meeting is scheduled this week as county residents voice concerns over a proposed rezoning along North Marsh Creek Road near Inkom.
The meeting, while one of the county’s regularly scheduled planning and zoning meetings, will take place on Wednesday, April 15, at 5:15 p.m., at the Bannock County Planning and Zoning office, 5500 South Fifth Avenue, Pocatello, in Conference Room 1, with the Marsh Creek rezoning issue on the agenda.
The issue centers on a proposal to redesignate approximately 2.5 acres of land from rural residential to industrial use. The property sits along North Marsh Creek Road, an area residents say has long been valued for its beauty and country living.
According to some residents, the rezoning request is tied to plans by a Nevada-based company to build a hot asphalt plant in the area. Wendy Wanner, who lives across the road from the proposed site, said neighbors are concerned about how the project could impact the surrounding community.
The official rezoning application lists the applicant as Robert Matthews of Pocatello and the property owner as Christopher Longhurst of Sheboygan, WI.
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Wanner said the proposed site would affect not only residents along North Marsh Creek Road but would also be visible from Pebble Creek Ski Area and Interstate 15, raising concerns about its visual impact and potential environmental effects.
“We don’t want an asphalt plant in our beautiful valley,” Wanner said. “This area is rural residential, and it should not be changed to industrial.”
Petitions opposing the rezoning have been circulating, with signature sheets available at local businesses in Inkom. Wanner said any Bannock County resident can sign, not just those living in the affected area.
Organizers say Wednesday’s meeting will give residents another opportunity to voice their concerns directly to county officials and encourage the Planning and Zoning Commission and Bannock County commissioners to deny the request.
“We need to let decision-makers know that this area should remain rural residential,” Wanner said. “We’re asking for the community’s support, so this doesn’t move forward.”
EastIdahoNews.com attempted to reach Matthews and Longhurst for comment and to confirm the name of the Nevada-based business. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
For more information, contact Wanner at (208) 221-9975 or visit http://bannockcounty.us/planning/.