Planning commission backs presenting sale of 200 West right-of-way to town council

The Fielding Town Planning Commission voted to recommend that town council consider selling a portion of city-owned right-of-way along 200 West so a homeowner can bring an existing building into setback compliance.

The motion, made and seconded during a public hearing, directs staff to present a proposal that would allow the property owner (identified in the hearing as Wade) to purchase the strip of right-of-way on the east side of the right-of-way between 100 North and Main Street. Commissioners described the preferred starting point as the portion in front of the applicant's shop, with the option to expand the request if necessary.

Why it matters: Commission members said selling limited strips of excess right-of-way could reduce maintenance burdens for the town while generating funds for municipal projects. The commission also stressed that any sale must satisfy town standards and provide a public benefit sufficient for council approval.

Key details and conditions: Commissioners told the applicant he must obtain a professional survey and engineering work from Hansen’s (the town-identified engineering resource) and bring the north side of the building into compliance before council consideration. During discussion commissioners referenced an informal price discussed in the meeting of $5 per square foot as a negotiating baseline; they also said final terms and any required town findings would be determined by the town council.

Applicant Wade framed the purchase as a way to avoid ongoing maintenance costs for the town and to direct funds toward local projects: “I’d rather see money go towards that than my taxes going up, to be honest with you.” Commissioners said the proposal is to be drafted for town council consideration and that the applicant should be placed on the next council agenda after completing survey and engineering work.

Outcome: The commission motioned and seconded a recommendation to present the proposed sale to town council; the motion was approved by voice vote during the meeting. The public hearing was then closed.

Next steps: The applicant will obtain a survey and Hansen engineering, clarify the exact parcel to be sold (the commission recommended starting with the portion adjacent to the shop), and appear before town council for final approval.