By Mike Weland
After trying since 2021 to find a way to make use of his 10-acre property on the banks of the Moyie River off Earl Lane Road, comic Owen “Big Bear” Benjamin, Sandpoint, may have at last stumbled on a way to use the property legally and again give audiences a chance to laugh and love him, though neighbors who’ve opposed his wild and varied plans since he bought the property, including the man who sold it to him, will likely not be much impressed.
In recent podcasts Benjamin, working alone at Ursa Rio, shows off his progress on a 150-seat amphitheater, a concrete slab stage at the base of a small meadow, arced rows of bench seating going in up the side of a naturally clear small bowl affording great views of the stage.
He speaks of no shows booked or confirmed as yet, but talks of comedy shows, live music and more, with several available dry cabins and plenty of primitive camping .
And as long as no event attracts more than 500 guests at one time or last more than seven consecutive days, the use is unregulated in Boundary County for guests staying over.
It requires no permit, no notification of neighbors, law enforcement, road and bridge or any other agency that might be affected. And as each event is singular, he can run a new event every day of the year provided the guest list to each numbers 500 people or fewer.
“Events such as yard sales, reunions, flea markets, festivals or other such gatherings that do not exceed seven consecutive days in duration and at which fewer than 500 people will attend at any one time,” Boundary County Planning & Zoning Land Use Ordinance 9B18LOv2 reads at section 15.2., unrestricted use item 16.
Unrestricted uses are defined as “uses not regulated by Boundary County in any zone district. The intent of this class is to characterize property rights from Boundary County’s point of view. Article 1, Section 1 of the Idaho State Constitution defines the inalienable rights of man, stating, ‘All men are by nature free and equal, and have certain inalienable rights, among which are enjoying and defending life and liberty; acquiring, possessing and protecting property; pursuing happiness and securing safety.’ While these uses are not regulated by Boundary County, these uses may be subject to state and federal regulation.”
Congratulations, Big Bear.
Owen Benjamin recently called 911 to report a truck bomb threat in the area. Has anyone confirmed if the threat was specific to his Sandpoint or to his Boundary County property with the 150-seat amphitheater?
Here is the link to the recordings with 911, and other police detectives, released after a FOIA request: https://youtu.be/Hs3lpM6Ix_0?si=vSrD7wgMBf0MNshz
Has anyone seen any suspicious vehicles around?
Probably Sandpoint.
The bears are in. For a treat they can finally hibernate in the woods with their big bear!!! Watch out Idaho these people are freaks
Congrats Buddy. We haven’t done any shows since Covid at the Tower. Now I love my privacy too much and the threat of Lawsuits from anyone is just too much to gamble. I’m a Hermit. Ha! Like to meet up with you someday. Come check out our retired Theater. Seats 60 with five balconies. Now it’s my workshop. Look me up on Facecrap. Love to do your Stage.
Well, there are still nuisance laws, right? As long as he and his attendees are quiet and well-behaved, as befits a place nearly a mile off the county road, adjacent to the National Forest, and passing a handful of residences, his proposed uses “might” be OK. Might not. We’ll see. No electricity. No internet. No water. No septic.
However, Mike, as a former P&Z guy, what do you think of the risk of such a user “overburdening” an easment, i.e., a one lane dirt road of uncertain origin never meant to handle crowds, that nobody maintains?
I fear you are on your own.
Thanks, I figured as much. Appreciate the article.
So, am I the only one concerned that Owen Benjamin spent at least 28 minutes, that we know of, reporting to police what he believes is a “credible truck bomb threat” against his life and property?
There is no bigger target than his property in Boundary County with a 150-seat amphitheater.
Especially now, with trucks delivering gravel, sand, and other construction materials multiple times a week.
Should the sheriff’s department be asked to give these trucks a quick inspection before they proceed down the shared dirt road?