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North Bend council approves vacation of right-of-way near Northwest Eighth Street, accepts $88,000 appraisal
Summary
The North Bend City Council voted 5-2 to vacate about 22,000 square feet of public right-of-way near Northwest Eighth Street, clearing the way for a pending purchase and future development while directing city staff to collect $88,000 in compensation.
The North Bend City Council on Oct. 21 approved an ordinance vacating a portion of public right-of-way that intersects Northwest Eighth Street, east of parcel 0823089001 and west of parcel 0923089027, as a first and final reading.
City planner/staff presented the request and said the strip is a long, narrow piece of right-of-way—about 22,000 square feet—containing no utilities and a narrow gravel driveway. The request came to the city by letter dated Jan. 28, 2025, and city staff told the council that, following approval of the vacation and payment of the full appraised value, a private developer intends to purchase the site. Staff recommended approval and noted that the $88,000 in compensation would be used for nearby utility work.
Ward Bettis, who said he represents the tenant family and the property owners adjacent to the right-of-way, spoke in favor of the vacation during the public hearing and asked the council to approve it.
Council member Collin moved to approve the ordinance and described the parcel as “land that we are not using, land that we will not use, and it just makes sense to sell it and get $88,000.” Council member Torgerson seconded the motion. After a brief discussion that included concerns about potential truck traffic and the future end user for planned warehouse buildings, the council voted 5-2 to approve AB 25-111.
Opponents cited concerns about truck traffic and the loss of potential alternative uses, including affordable housing. Supporters and staff emphasized that the city would collect full appraised value and that utility funding for nearby infrastructure could follow the sale.
The ordinance’s approval authorizes the city to vacate the described portion of right-of-way and collect the stated compensation; the city will then proceed with the conveyance process and any associated title/closing requirements.
Votes at a glance: The motion to approve AB 25-111 (ordinance vacating a portion of public right-of-way along Northwest Eighth Street, first and final reading) passed 5 to 2. The council recorded no named roll-call votes in the transcript; staff and the agenda packet identify the ordinance, parcel numbers, and the $88,000 appraisal amount.
Background: Council previously set the public hearing by Resolution 2164 on Sept. 16, 2025. Staff noted an error in the agenda bill date in the packet (listed as 01/28/2005) that will be corrected. The city told council the vacation proceeds will be used to help fund utility work in the area.
Looking ahead: The ordinance adoption clears the way for the private purchase described by staff; further development review and any required frontage or traffic improvements will proceed through the normal permitting and development-review processes.
