Othello schools try to find solution for land problem

OTHELLO — As the Othello City Council is considering changes to the city’s zoning code and comprehensive plan, one proposed change would make it impossible for the Othello School District to develop some property on the north side of town.

Superintendent Chris Hurst told the council during a regular council meeting on Monday that a proposed rezoning to light industrial of 80 acres the school district bought for $2.5 million several years ago on the south side of Lee Road between Seventh and 14th avenues would prevent the district from building a new school there.

Hurst told council members the district is trying to find a solution to the problem, including a possible land swap.

The acreage sits next to what will be a major Avista substation on a road with heavy truck traffic to and from McCain Foods, SVZ, Simplot, and several other food processing firms.

The city has been holding a series of public hearings to discuss changes to the zoning code and comprehensive plan.

“I think it behooves us to work with the school district,” said Mayor Shawn Logan. “There is a significant public investment in that property.”

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached at cfeatherstone@columbiabasinherald.com.