THE DALLES — During a public hearing at its Oct. 13 meeting, The Dalles City Council unanimously declared that a city-owned, undevelopable parcel demonstrates zero public need, thereby initiating next steps to sell the .12-acre parcel.
Located adjacent to Barbara Baker’s 115 W Scenic Drive home, the triangle-shaped property — now considered surplus — encompasses a vegetated, sloped bank and portions of Baker’s driveway and garage.
In 1996, the city conveyed the parcel to the adjacent then-homeowner, but disagreements over recording costs nullified the transaction, and it has remained public ever since.
Earlier this year, however, Baker purchased the home. As part of that transaction’s title review, involved companies contacted City Attorney Jonathan Kara to determine whether the parcel encroached onto the residence’s driveway.
Kara met with the Public Works Department to decide whether the parcel offered any utility or right-of-way needs beneficial to the public interest, and identified none, mirroring findings from thirty years ago. A 20-foot stretch of an existing six-inch water main does run through the parcel, though, which will require an easement.
Kara described council’s decision as the “first step in a contemplative process,” which will proceed with conversations surrounding establishing costs and approving a sale. Next steps include publishing notice of a sale; those interested would have to contact the city and express desire to negotiate over the following two-week period.
The hearing’s sole testifier, Paul Clint, spoke on behalf of Baker. Noting that portions of the parcel encroach upon Baker’s property, Clint shared confusion about the city’s decision to offer open bidding. He said that the parcel has been used and maintained by the various owners of 115 W Scenic Drive for sixty years, and asked the council to directly convey it to Baker.
Because of a 2016 resolution, however, which requires public notice and opportunity for interested persons to purchase vacant, undevelopable lots, Baker will have to express interest to City Manager Matthew Klebes like anyone else.
Commented