Public hearing on Marsh Creek Road rezoning ends abruptly after error discovered
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POCATELLO — A highly anticipated public hearing on a proposed rezoning along North Marsh Creek Road came to an abrupt end Wednesday evening after a critical error was discovered.
Dozens of Bannock County residents filled a packed conference room, with additional attendees gathered in an overflow area waiting to participate remotely.
Many residents had signed up to testify before the Bannock County Planning and Development Board for or against a proposal to rezone about 2.5 acres near Inkom from rural residential to industrial use.
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Despite the turnout, only one person spoke before the hearing was canceled. That person was businessman Robert Matthews of Pocatello.
Matthews, who initially submitted the application with hopes to build an asphalt plant on the property, was just a few minutes into his remarks when the board noticed that the land parcel number listed was incorrect, meaning the process could not move forward as filed.
The error requires Matthews to restart the application process from the beginning.
Board Chairman Chad Selleneit then thanked attendees for coming and formally ended the hearing.
Matthews, visibly frustrated, apologized to the crowd for the mix-up and the inconvenience.
A new public hearing date has not yet been announced. EastIdahoNews.com will provide updates as more information becomes available.