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Sandpoint considers purchasing railroad right‑of‑way to extend Dover Community Trail north
Summary
City staff briefed the Urban Renewal Agency on a possible acquisition of a 50‑foot railroad right‑of‑way and adjacent parcel to extend the Dover Community Trail and create a linear park; appraisal and negotiation details remain in development.
City staff on Feb. 4 updated the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency on a potential land acquisition of railroad right‑of‑way and an adjacent parcel to extend the Sandpoint Dover Community Trail to the north.
Staff said the city engaged the railroad about purchasing the corridor and completed an appraisal that staff characterized in the meeting as “almost $740,000,” though numbers discussed were approximate. Mayor Graham said the city made an initial offer in the mid‑$500,000s and the railroad countered in the mid‑$600,000s; staff did not announce a final offer at the Feb. 4 briefing.
What staff described: The right‑of‑way runs roughly 50 feet wide from the area behind Napa and the hotel up toward Hart and Larch streets. Mary (staff) told the board the acquisition would create a linear park and nonmotorized connection from North Boyer to downtown and could include a playground area adjacent to nearby multifamily development. The map staff displayed shows part of the corridor falling inside the Revenue Allocation Area (RAA) used by urban renewal funds.
Funding constraints and legal steps: Staff said park‑impact fees — funds restricted to parkland expansion — are a likely funding source for the purchase of parkland. Staff also noted legal verification is required: the city will need to confirm the precise legal description and may require a survey to determine which portions fall inside the RAA and which do not. Board members raised that portions of the corridor might be developable and that a private party has expressed interest in part of the railroad property; staff said the city intends to clarify the areas proposed for acquisition and appraisal allocation before making a formal offer.
Next steps: Staff told the board they expect to present an offer to the railroad in the next month and will return to the board with details, including a potential proposed contribution amount and a verified legal description. No purchase agreement or board vote occurred at the Feb. 4 meeting.
