County designates road right of way

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners quickly and without discussion unanimously moved Tuesday to dedicate land at the southern fringe of the sheriff’s office for a future city street.

The decision means the route won’t be developed through the Bonner County Fairgrounds, which could have displaced a crucial overflow parking area or part of the facility’s camping grounds.

The board’s action comes nearly a week after the Sandpoint City Council held its ground on a 20-year-old design standard that limits block lengths and fosters street connectivity.

The right of way will ultimately connect North Boyer and Samuelson avenues, but the street won’t be developed for years.

The county had to designate the location of the right of way in order to obtain an occupancy permit for the new juvenile detention center.

Commissioners sought a waiver from the requirement to avoid impacting the fairgrounds.

There was also concern about designating a public route right next to the jail and juvenile lockup.

However, commissioners are working with a neighboring landowner to locate one half of the 60-foot right of way on private land and the other on county land, which pulls the road away from the sheriff’s complex slightly.

The board’s decision has fairgrounds officials breathing a little easier. They were concerned the loss of overflow parking would drive off larger events, such as the North Idaho draft horse show and the annual ski swap.

“This will keep the fairgrounds open for everybody,” fair board vice chair Gail Curless said of the board’s decision.

Although the dilemma brought heartache fair supporters could have done without, Curless said it brought attention to a cherished asset of the community.

“I think, in a way, this was good. It made people realize what they stood to lose,” she said.