DOVER — A Washington state company's plan to redevelop the former Thorne Research facility is causing unease among residents who fear it will be a large-scale novel coronavirus testing facility.

Although Aark Labs does operate a COVID-19 testing facility in Spokane, Bonner County commissioners, however, say the former Thorne site will not be used for coronavirus testing. The board is considering a letter of support for state tax relief on capital improvements Aark makes to the former Thorne facility.

"It will take the bite out of startup expenses," Commissioner Steven Bradshaw said on Tuesday.

A number of Dover residents intended to speak about Aark's reported plans, but commissioners pulled the item from the agenda.

"We don’t want to bog down our business meeting with a bunch of discussion about what they are planning on doing there. Hopefully, we’ll be able to address any of the questions that arise from their operations," Commissioner Jeff Connolly said.

Aark officials could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

The Bonner County Economic Development Corp. also declined to discuss the matter.

Dover Mayor Michael Davis said he is also in the dark about Aark's plans.

"I honestly don't know," Davis said.

Davis said the city hasn't received any land use applications related to Aark, but said there will be a public hearing if and when one is filed.

"As soon as I know something, I'll call a special meeting," Davis said on Wednesday.

Commission Chairman Dan McDonald said on Wednesday that Aark intends to use the former Thorne site for cryogenic storage of stem cells.

"They do also own a lab facility in Spokane that is involved with COVID testing but that will not be the function of this facility," McDonald said in an email.

Residents, meanwhile, are worried about what the company's plans are at the Thorne campus.

"It’s the belief of many people here this could have a very adverse impact on our lives so at some point we need to have a chance to have some input," Donald Marston told commissioners.

Former Dover Councilman Jim Janish said Aark's proposal should be thoroughly vetted.

"I hope that you have asked the economic development corporation for a cost-benefit analysis, a risk-benefit analysis, in allowing a laboratory such as this into our county," Janish told commissioners. "There’s a lot of heartburn with this as you can well imagine."