County project on SJI that residents should be aware of how county road funds are being spent. It has not been publicized. In 1917, a 40-foot easement was obtained from property owners for Bailer Hill Rd. In 1965, the easement was expanded to 60 feet and the road chip sealed. Part of the agreement with the property owners was the county move the existing fencing to the property line 30 feet from the center line where it has been for almost 60 years. In 2013, the county determined the road was not in the center of the 60-foot easement and that should be corrected. There was no communication with homeowners at that time. We were only notified last year of this county project.

In the spring, the road from the intersection of Little Rd. and Douglas Rd. to the base of Bailer Hill Rd. will be moved and widened. The curve at the Oaks will be rounded which requires purchasing land from OPALCO. You will see the loss of trees near the fencing along the north side of Bailer Hill Rd. The fencing will have to be moved in about 6 feet. There will not be a paved shoulder leading to the start at Little & Douglas, nor will there be a paved shoulder leading up Bailer Hill where there is a need for bicyclists. The road is currently in very good shape, unlike many other county roads. They hope to address the flooding at False Bay Rd., but drainage could be addressed without replacing a good road.

There is no compensation for land to homeowners even though properties have been bought and sold based on the site of the existing road since 1965. The construction will be from spring until fall 2025. Residents and tourists will have to take SJ Valley Rd. (which is already marked as a rough road) and then Boyce to get to Lime Kiln Lighthouse.

Beth Spaulding

San Juan island