City vacates right of way

SANDPOINT — Following a request by Alpine Boat and Ski Shop owners, the city will vacate some public right of way to promote business expansion.

Earlier this year, Brent and Nicole Eacret requested the city vacate a 60-foot by 190-foot right of way in northern Sandpoint, a request council members ultimately approved this month. Located north of Baldy Road in the Baldy Park subdivision, the vacant roadway bisects the Eacrets’ two adjoining industrial lots, harming the full potential for that property.

As the owners of Alpine Boat and Ski Shop, the Eacrets want the space vacated in order to expand their operations. They believe they could develop the area into an industrial and warehouse center, thereby increasing property tax revenues for the Northern Urban Renewal District. In addition, the business expansion could potentially allow them to hire more employees.  

The request was originally considered for vacation in 2008, but at the time, it was denied by the City Council. Councilwoman Carrie Logan speculated this was likely because city policy generally resists giving up right-of-way. However, Public Works Director Kody Van Dyk recommended an exception in this case because he couldn’t see that specific piece of right-of-way providing any public use. In addition, Avista, Verizon, Northland Cable, the Independent Highway District and property owners within 300 feet were all notified of the request and either expressed neutrality or did not respond.

Van Dyk didn’t favor vacating right-of-way in 2008 due to plans for a potential expansion of Division Avenue northward. However, that project fell through, leaving the parcel without much public use, he said.

There were a few conditions the city required before granting the request. According to Van Dyk, water and sewer mains ran through the area, and he would need an easement for public utilities in the area. In addition, Sandpoint Fire Chief Robert Tyler asked that city vehicles be allowed to use the area for emergency turnarounds. Finally, to ensure future access to the property, the owners must extend Baldy Park Drive as a 50-foot right-of-way north of the intersection with the railroad.