SANDPOINT - The backers of a proposal to permanently establish an asphalt plant in Sagle are suing to overturn Bonner County's denial of a rezone.

Counsel for Frank Linscott and Interstate Concrete & Asphalt filed the suit in 1st District Court on March 18. The suit seeks mediation because Idaho's open meeting laws are hampering discussions about the project.

"An order for mediation allows the parties to engage in substantive discussions regarding possible resolutions," Sandpoint attorney Stephen Snedden said in court documents.

The rezone and comprehensive land use plan amendment were proposed to make temporary asphalt plant operations permanent. The Bonner County Planning Department and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the rezone and comp plan amendment.

Neighboring landowners, however, urged against a permanent plant because it would drive down property values and disrupt the rural neighborhood on the west side of U.S. Highway 95.

County commissioners voted 2-1 last month to deny the rezone and amendment.

Commissioners Cary Kelly and Todd Sudick voted to deny the project because it fell short of the comp plan's goals and objectives. Commissioner Glen Bailey voted against the denial and noted that there was no evidence presented that neighboring landowners' property values would decline.