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Seal Rock garden club raises safety, process concerns after proposed Seal Rock farmers market; county clarifies road-closure process
Summary
Garden Club members in Seal Rock asked why a proposed farmers market would close Rand Street without neighborhood input; county planning and public works staff said an application process exists and Public Works declined to approve the closure after hearing opposition.
Members of the Seal Rock Garden Club and nearby residents addressed the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners during public comment on April 2 to protest a proposed farmers market that would have temporarily closed Rand Street in Seal Rock.
Sharon Robinson, president of the Seal Rock Garden Club, said members were told the market plan was a ‘‘done deal’’ and raised concerns about lack of neighborhood outreach, liability for the garden club’s property and insurance implications for events on or adjacent to the club’s parcel. Several other club members expressed safety concerns because parking and egress on Rand Street are adjacent to U.S. Highway 101.
County Planning Director Anupi Heusing (title as given in the meeting) said county staff investigated and found that the individual proposing the market had attempted to engage county departments but that early inquiries were routed between planning and public works. Heusing said the process to temporarily close a county road starts with Public Works, which has authority to approve temporary closures in certain circumstances, and that the planning and public works departments should be the applicant’s first contacts.
Heusing said he spoke with Public Works Director Michael Dewan, who reviewed the situation and — given substantial neighborhood opposition and logistical concerns raised by the fire district and others — indicated he would decline to approve a temporary closure in this instance. County counsel added that the county typically expects applicants to consult adjacent property owners and emergency services before submitting an application.
Speakers urged clearer guidance for residents and reiterated safety and insurance concerns. The board and staff advised event organizers to consult neighbors, obtain any required permits from Public Works, and allow sufficient lead time for staff review; the county will inform the applicant that the proposed closure will not be approved under the present circumstances.
