Fog on Highway 95 is Main Issue with Midvale Commercial Development
At a public hearing before Washington County Commissioners April 1, the lawyer for the Steel National/Fairchild rezone application presented a many-paged development agreement that answered concerns brought before the earlier P&Z commission. The proposed development includes fuel/convenience store, tire store/truck wash, storage units and RV parking south of Midvale on Hwy 95. Of overriding concern with commissioners Lyndon Haines and Russell Wilkerson was the impact upon traffic so near Midvale Hill when dense fog is present.
Testifying on behalf of ITD, was Nikki who is the Development Services Dist. III representative. When asked if the county commissioners could request turning lanes on HWY 95 for the proposed commercial development without incurring the $15,000 cost of a Traffic Impact Study, she replied yes. They can also require that the developer bear the cost of any Impact Study if the commissioners require one as part of the development agreement. A study will not be considered until after the county decides on the rezone application.
Nikki gave some details of possible highway changes. The entrance to the commercial development would have to be 1,000 feet south of the Sage Creek Road intersection to give room for probable turning lane. Any widening for additional lanes would have to be done at the expense of the developer and would still require the standard 14 foot setback from the highway right-of-way.
Both Haines and Wilkerson shared personal experiences of the danger of fog on the highway, including fatalities. Both expressed this as a life and safety issue. There was some discussion of ways to bring light to the area with flashing warning lights and “purple” lights that are being tried in eastern states. Haines said that citizens’ safety was the most important issue in regards to this development and did not want the county to create a dangerous situation for families who travel that road.
There was some disagreement between the lawyer for the claimant and the counsel for the P&Z regarding the availability of well water. The first maintained there would be plenty and said the owner had agreed to drill a 185’ deep well, far deeper than the neighbors’ wells. The second said the development would use nearly 40,000 gallons per day which could impact nearby wells. The concern was how that would effect the aquifer over time.
The standing room only meeting was opened to public comment with those in favor speaking first. Mentioned were the years of work already done on this proposal, opportunity for the community, fuel availability closer to home, field no longer profitable for farming, private property rights, option for neighbors to buy the field or move away, constitutional property rights being denied, applicant covered all the requirements of the county code and lack of confidence in the P&Z commissioners actions.
Those speaking against the rezone mentioned highway safety, impact on current wells along Sage Creek Road, water pollution, increase in crime, light, and noise from a 24/7 business, effect on family life and property values of neighbors.
No action was taken by the commission. The request will be addressed at a future Washington County Commissioner meeting. Their agenda can be found at co.washington.id.us.
