Smith Group submits plat; decision expected next week

The Porter Canal, covered so the land can be developed. The sign for Teton Toyota is in the background.

Here's a photo update from the ground on the south side of West Sunnyside Road, where the Smith Group plans to relocate. The canal has been capped with concrete, which will allow developers to pave the land in preparation for the Honda and Chevrolet dealerships.

On Wednesday morning, the Bonneville County Commission held a public hearing on platting the 19 acres. About six people testified, and a decision is expected next week, County Planner Steve Serr said.

Unlike Teton Toyota across the road, the ground is not in the city of Idaho Falls, nor is it contiguous to any ground within city limits, which would require it to be annexed and hooked up to city utilities. It will be hooked up to the regional wastewater system that terminates outside Shelley, and the water will come from Doug Andrus Trucking's development three miles to the south.

The ground is within the area of impact the city and county agreed on years ago, a document mandated by the state and intended to addres ground that might eventually be incorporated. That agreement did not come without a struggle -- I attended a lot of meetings and plenty of ink on the divergent views Idaho Falls and Bonneville County have with regard to the value of being incorporated into a municipality. Since this is a blog where I am at liberty to offer opinions now and then, I've noticed a fair amount of territorialism over the years.