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Land sales happen all the time, especially in areas growing as rapidly as Clark County in Southwest Washington. Residential building there is falling right in line with the rest of the Portland metro area, as new home construction continues at a steady pace and home prices keep on rising.
Clark County itself is one of the fastest-growing counties in Washington. According to the Clark County Department of Assessment, the population stands at more than 383,300 and continues to grow. By 2025, it is expected that between 474,000 and 621,700 people may live in the area.
So, it's not surprising that Primelan Properties Land Development Co. bought 48 acres of land just east of the Lacamas Summit neighborhood in Camas.
What sets this land sale apart from others, however, is that the company bought it from Camas School District.
Primelan has plans to build a residential community called Millshore Downs on the land it purchased for $14 million from the Camas School District, the entire stock of the district's surplus land.
But why would a school district sell property that could potentially be used for expansion, in a county slated for such rapid growth?
Mike Nerland, superintendent of Camas School District, said it has to do with allocating funds to best serve its current needs.
The school district is obligated to its patrons to be good stewards of their money, he said....