SAMUELS — Commercial prospects along U.S. Highway 95 could be on the upswing.

The Bonner County Planning & Zoning Commission is taking up a comprehensive land use map amendment and a zone change to expand commercial uses on both sides of the highway at Samuels and Upper Pack River roads today. A public hearing is set for 5:30 p.m. at the Bonner County Administration Building.

The intersection already serves as something of a commercial oasis for travelers and Northside residents. It’s already home to a very active two-canopy gas station with a restaurant.

Bonner County initiated the comp plan amendment and zone change.

“This is an opportunity to create a center for the Samuels area, identifying this location for commercial uses,” the Bonner County Planning Department said in a staff report.

The comp plan amendment and zone change involves six parcels spread across approximately 68 acres. The comp plan amendment would change those parcels from Agriculture/Forestry to Transition. The zoning designation, meanwhile, would shift from Rural Service Center and Ag/Forest with 10-acre minimums to Commercial.

There are currently existing uses on two of the parcels, including the Ceda-Pine & Veneer sawmill, which are consistent with the Commercial zone.

Planners say their impacts are known and established.

The amendment and zone change would also create opportunities for home-occupation businesses to expand with small shops for machining or repairs.

“Identifying this 60 acres as a Commercial zone accomplishes the goal of the comprehensive plan y locating the zone in a defined area which will discourage sprawl and establish a commercial center the area,” the staff report said.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.