Group makes pitch for permit

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POCATELLO - A large crowd of proponents for Poky Free Bikes filled City Hall on Thursday in support of the organization's acquisition of a permit that would allow them to continue operating in a residential area.

By applying for a mixed use permit, the organization hopes to continue operating Poky Free Bikes, a non-profit bicycle recycling depot that provides bicycles to community members at no charge. The historic powerhouse building in which they operate also serves as a private residence and a storage unit for the Idaho State University geology department.

Poky Free Bikes also hopes to create a community garden at the site.

After receiving the application for a mixed use permit for the building at 750 W. Wyeth St., the city planning staff told the non-profit organization they would not recommend that the permit be granted. Associate City Planner Melanie Gygli said the staff was concerned about parking, traffic and complaints associated with Poky Free Bikes.

At the hearing, Shelly Nelson, Levi Keller and Jessica McAleese spoke on behalf of the group to present their case to hearing examiner Chuck Prince about why they should be granted the permit.

Nearly 40 people were in attendance to support the organization, 14 of whom spoke in favor of the permit acquisition. Two in attendance spoke against the group obtaining a permit.

Addressing the hearing examiner first, Nelson said that since opening three years ago, Poky Free Bikes has handed out more than 4,000 bikes and helped to repair countless more. She said the group has the community's best interest in mind with its operation, which should factor into the city's decision.

''We are interested in building a strong community,'' Nelson said. ''Everyone should have the opportunity to be involved in something like this.''

In Keller's presentation, he provided statistics to show how the city's concerns had been addressed. He provided petitions signed by hundreds of community members supporting the organization and petitions signed by neighborhood residents that appreciated the group's presence.

Keller said, according to county surveys performed in the area, traffic numbers went from an average of 2,376 cars a day at W. Wyeth in 2002 to 1,665 in 2006. He said that was due to the fact that most of the people visiting Poky Free Bikes came on bicycles.

Keller addressed the city's concern of parking - that there needed to be at least 32 parking spaces to serve the building's proposed usage - and said he had counted 42 parking spots on the street surrounding the building.

McAleese spoke in favor of the organization's plans to create a community garden, which would provide a small plot of land for families living in urban areas to cultivate. She said she had worked extensively with community gardens in the past and found they provided a sense of camaraderie and encouraged support from community members.

''They're designed for community participation,'' she said. ''In fact, they don't survive without it.''

Keller said that all of Poky Free Bikes' plans included building a better community and increasing the aesthetic value of the historic building.

''Our future plans will only increase the overall appearance of buildings in the surrounding area,'' he said.

The City Council will decide whether to grant the mixed use permit at the Nov. 1 council meeting.

By Adam Chambers

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