Sandpoint commission backs preliminary plat for Great Northern Commerce with conditions

SANDPOINT, Idaho — The Sandpoint Planning and Zoning Commission on July 15 recommended approval of the preliminary plat for the Great Northern Commerce subdivision, an approximately 15.6-acre industrial development east of Great Northern Road that would create 21 lots and new public roads to serve future industrial uses.

The vote sends the advisory recommendation to Sandpoint City Council with the conditions listed in the staff report and an added condition asking staff and the developer to amplify a proposed stormwater easement to allow for potential pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. "This is really the first step — we'll have the hearing with you, and then it goes before city council for approval," City Planner Bill Dean said during the presentation.

The project, presented by Drew Dittman of Lake City Engineering on behalf of Big Creek Land Company, would divide the parcel on Woodland Drive into 21 industrial lots with primary access from a new Commerce Drive and a stub called Innovation Drive intended to provide future connection to Great Northern. Dittman said the developer is willing to work with staff "on whatever easement is necessary to get that pedestrian access" and that the project team is "more…