Hearing today on Trestle Creek

SANDPOINT - A proposal to establish an upscale condominium development on Lake Pend Oreille at Trestle Creek goes before county commissioners today.

Public hearings on the 109-unit development are set to start at 1:45 p.m. at the former Federal Building at the corner of U.S. Highway 2 and Division. The proposal was recommended for approval by the county Planning & Zoning Commission in January.

County commissioners planned to conduct a site visit in advance of Thursday's hearing, although a clerical error is keeping that from happening. Notice of the site visit was published in the newspaper, although it was inadvertently left off of a notice posted at the site and in mailings to adjacent landowners, according to Planning Director Clare Marley.

County Commission Todd Crossett said the board's options were scrutinized closely last week.

“The conclusion was that if we went forward, we would be taking a risk,” said Crossett, referring to the prospect of a legal challenge.

Commissioners still intend on touring the site, although it was not entirely clear Tuesday when that would happen. A possible scenario involves conducting the hearing, then touring the site and reconvening for deliberation.

“It's not an ideal situation,” said Crossett.

Members of the public are allowed to observe site visits, but the board is not allowed to accept testimony during the tour.

The Idaho Department of Lands plans to conduct a hearing this spring on a marina being proposed in conjunction with the development.