Developers meet with community residents

A packed house greeted James Darling last week at a town hall meeting, arranged by Darling and partner, Brian Main. The meeting was for the purpose of acquainting the community with the current development plans for a hotel-condominium project slated for what was the Bayview Trailer Park. It was observed that while Darling is obviously not accustomed to public speaking, his caring about the community and his integrity showed through.

Unlike some of his predecessors in Bayview development, the tone was of conciliation, cooperation and a great attitude. Some changes from the first town meeting were addressed, as well as previous objections. One such remark was when Darling said “We have tried to re-engineer our plans to fit the Bayview Overlay, even though that document may not become law.” Building heights were the top complaint. Current plans are to scale down buildings from four stories to three, with the bottom floor being the motel, and partially buried, limiting heights to about 30 feet. With the changes made in the plan reflecting a responsible attitude toward the community, the people assembled showed a relaxed, even humorous, acceptance of what could have been entirely different.

•Across the street, work has commenced on an eight-unit condominium at the Harborview Marina, previously Bayview Marina. This project is a Bob Holland venture that explores new and imaginative ways to enhance revenue.

•Shifting to Cape Horn road, Dick and Shirley Hansen’s development is on track to be marketed this spring. Twenty-two large lots, with most having a spectacular view of Lake Pend Oreille, will be on the market in the next month. Priced from $120,000 to $395,000, these offers are expected to be extremely popular. Somewhere between none and very little, accessible view property is available on Lake Pend Oreille, as the lake is mostly either national forest, or steep cliffs not accessible by road. It is expected that this unique project will sell out quickly, notwithstanding the poor real estate market.

Chris Hansen, son of Bayview pioneers, Dick and Shirley Hansen, will be marketing these parcels directly. He can be reached at 683-2995.

•The Buttonhook Restaurant will open later than usual this year. May 1 will usher in a new management team at the venerated establishment.

Ivano’s Ristoranti, long a landmark for Italian food, is taking over at that time.