Valley Crest HOA president urges North Bend SD 13 to protect neighborhood in proposed Viking Lake sale

Shelley Reese, president of the Valley Crest Homeowners Association, told the North Bend SD 13 Board of Directors on March 5 that her 25-home community sits directly adjacent to a parcel the district is evaluating for sale to Bonavville Power Administration and urged the board to protect neighbors in any final agreement.

"Our community's goal tonight is not to oppose the district or any potential buyer," Reese said, asking the district to ensure provisions that address responsible traffic use, appropriate lighting, operational considerations near residential areas, and clear responsibility for long-term roadway maintenance and shared access.

Reese listed specific neighborhood concerns she said could arise if the parcel is used as a construction or maintenance facility: increased vehicle traffic along Viking Lane that could endanger children and adults walking to school, accelerated wear on the shared roadway covered by a homeowners' access easement, commercial lighting and noise that would change neighborhood character, and a higher risk of trespassing and theft similar to problems claimed at Bonavville Power's existing facility. She asked the district to clarify homeowners' legal possession position and rights as the sale progresses.

Board members thanked Reese for presenting those concerns and noted they were aware of the matter and are considering the issue as part of the district's asset-management responsibilities. The board did not take formal action on the sale during the March 5 meeting.

The public comment came during the board's public-participation period, when the board asked speakers to limit remarks to three minutes. The district has not yet disclosed specific sale terms or a finalized buyer agreement; Reese asked that protections be written into any sale document to reduce impacts on adjacent residents.

Next steps: district staff will continue evaluation of surplus-property options; any formal sale, required disclosures or draft agreements would be brought to the board for consideration at a future meeting.