Camp Bay Road hearing Wednesday afternoon
A photo shows the disputed Camp Bay area with some saying the public has historical access to the lake while other contend the area is private property.
(Courtesy photo)
Another development in the highly-contentious Camp Bay Road argument is taking shape today in the form of a hearing for oral arguments from the two sides.
At 3 p.m., a Kootenai County judge is set to hear from both parties and will decide if Camp Bay Road will be changed to development land or be returned to a public route for locals to access Lake Pend Oreille.
Camp Bay Road has been used by many members of the public for decades to gain access to the lake. However, in 2021, the last half mile of the road was sold to a developer, privatizing that portion of land and blocking public access without the risk of trespassing. Locals have argued against the development for the past two years, prompting the developers to offer constructing a pathway at the edge of the property for pedestrians to continue enjoying that portion of the lake.
That proposition didn’t satisfy many residents, who continued to argue against the development of the property.
The hearing is the latest in a series of hearings, meetings, and court rulings over the last 2,550 feet of Camp Bay Road.
Supporters of the road vacation said it is a matter of private property rights and that the proposed footpath is a generous offer by the developer. However, critics say the proposed path — located a half-mile away west of the bay — covers steep terrain and would hamper public access to the lake. Access, they contend, that has been historically granted to the public.
This fourth court hearing will not allow public testimony, but the public may attend via Zoom. To attend the meeting, type in the Zoom login meeting ID: 95259161154 and the passcode: 309197.