For a long time we have been working to get Linscott gravel pit from being changed to mixed use through the comprehensive plan update. 
This is frustrating because if this change is allowed then no one can take this argument to an upper court as it’s a legislative decision.
This document is to representing the public and what we as a whole want for our own community and neighborhood, not an individual family property’s change. 

This decision should be influenced by the many letters asking for the County Commissioners to remove the mixed use land use designation from the Linscotts gravel pit(approx 200 acres of property in Sagle) 
if you didn’t write do it before Thursday and simply say you request Linscotts pit not be changed to mixed use through this comp plan update.

subject: Am007-24 Remove Linscotts pit from being designated Mixed Use 

to: 
Asia.williams@bonnercountyid.gov

Brian.Domke@bonnercountyid.gov

Ron.korn@bonnercountyid.gov

Thursday at 1pm they will be discussing the Sagle area in this workshop. 
It is not a hearing so this means you can raise your hand or when asked if anyone has a comment you can raise hand on zoom or in the meeting. 

Please come or zoom in to support this cause. 
3rd floor of County Building : County Commissioner Meeting room  

1500 HW 2 in Sandpoint 

Zoom link here https://bonnercounty.zoom.us/j/88313492428

Our new attorney,Norm Semanco, will also be zooming in.

If you would like to know more please see below what was written to county regarding this issue  

Dear County Commissioners,

I’m writing on behalf of our group, Citizens Against Linscott Interstate Asphalt Plant, who previously sued the County and prevailed regarding the improper expansion of the Linscott gravel pit. As you are aware, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled in our favor, and forced the County to pay our legal fees stating:

“…the County acted in a manner that was arbitrary and capricious in refusing to address the gravel pit’s compliance with the nonconforming use provisions of the BCRC.”
We appreciate the time and effort being put into the Comprehensive Plan update. However, we remain deeply concerned about the proposed land use designation change affecting the 200+ acres of Linscott property, — the very property at the center of the lawsuit.

 
⚠️ Impact of Mixed Use Designation
Changing this land to Mixed Use will:

Immediately increase the property’s value and development potential.(Planning Commissioner -Matt Linscott has opening discussed and advocated for his own property which is unlawful)
Immediately reduce the property value of surrounding neighbors, who are directly and negatively affected.(adjacent property owners have stood up to say, their property being adjacent to rural 5 nonconforming land will be adjacent to Mixed use that allows much more uses, devaluing their rural property value.
Bypass public safeguards by converting a nonconforming use into a broader entitlement, without requiring public input or transparency.
This would undermine the intent of the Supreme Court ruling, which clearly addressed the limitations of the gravel pit’s existing nonconforming use and the improper process previously taken by the County.

 
🛑 Our Request
We respectfully ask that the Linscott property be removed from any proposed change in land use designation under the current Comprehensive Plan update. If the Linscotts wish to pursue a change in land use:

They must do so through a formal, public application process — like every other property owner — so that the community can be heard and proper legal standing can be established.
 
⚖️ Conflict of Interest Reminder
We understand concerns have been raised regarding planning commissioners advocating for land use changes that would benefit their own or their family’s property.

Please be reminded:

 
Conflict of Interest – Idaho Code § 67-6506
“No member of a planning or zoning commission shall participate in any proceeding or action when the member or his… family member has an economic interest in the procedure or action.”
This applies not only to final votes, but any participation — including workshops, discussion, or influencing maps and policy language.
Recusal at the final vote is not enough. Involvement in the drafting or planning stages where a personal or family benefit exists is a violation of Idaho law.
Such actions undermine public trust and may constitute a misdemeanor.
 
✅ In Summary
Remove the Linscott property from the proposed Mixed Use designation.
Ensure any changes to nonconforming properties go through the standard public process.
Enforce Idaho’s conflict of interest laws throughout all stages of the Comprehensive Plan.
Thank you for your time and your continued service to Bonner County.

 
Jonna Plante for 
Citizens Against Linscott Interstate Asphalt Plant
(Approx 1000 people in Bonner County)