In a story by Jessie Stensland, the City of Oak Harbor is facing a tough decision concerning the funding of an access road for a U-Haul facility currently under construction on the north end of town.
The proposed small section of a road off Fakkema Road, which would provide access to the business fronting Highway 20, sparked controversy last week when questions were raised about why the city would pay for the road. Normally, developers pay for such infrastructure.
What they said:
Councilmember Bryan Stucky: “I would really like to see us negotiate to have a cost-sharing process.”
Councilmember Jim Woessner suggested that the developer pay any costs above the $481,500 estimate in the city’s capital facilities plan…. [Woessner] also cautioned officials against creating a reputation that the city doesn’t follow through on its obligations.
“[If the project is canceled, U-Haul] could very likely file a lawsuit against the city,” [Interim City Attorney Hillary J. Evans] said. Yet both Councilmember Erica Wasinger and Mayor Pro Tem Beth Munns pointed out that the council hasn’t taken a final vote on building the road. “Just because it’s on the [Capital Improvement Plan] doesn’t mean it always gets done,” Munns said.
