State looks to build new transportation facility in North Kalispell
The Kalispell Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposal on Tuesday, April 8 at 6 p.m. in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E.
The state agency is requesting annexation of the 9-acre plot of land into the city, initial zoning of P-1 (public) and a conditional use permit to allow for the facility located at 2905 U.S. 93 North, which is currently being used as a maintenance yard.
The new building would be used to store equipment storage and be fitted with mechanics and welding shops under one roof, according to the project proposal. The state Department of Transportation has a welding and mechanics shop on Fifth Avenue East North but will be relocated to the new building.
"The property is located in a generally commercial area which transitions into multi-family to the east and single-family to the north, along with undeveloped lots slated for multi-family and office use," read the proposal.
The Kalispell Ford dealership and the firearms manufacturing company, Falkor Defense sit across the street from the property along with the new Stillwater Bend subdivision nearby.
The proposed project is in compliance with the municipal growth policy, according to the development proposal.
The conditional use permit would also require the construction of a road connection from Rose Crossing north to Quail Lane. "Without annexation, the road connection is unlikely to be available," read the proposal.
THE PLANNING commission will also hold its sixth meeting regarding the city's new land use plan.
The commission must craft a new and improved land use plan after Gov. Greg Gianforte signed Senate Bill 382, also known as the Montana Land Use Planning Act, into law in May 2023 in hopes of easing the statewide housing crunch.
Tuesday's meeting will entail discussion on portions of the preliminary draft, according to the meeting agenda.
A provision of the act that has drawn criticism from city officials is how it limits public input on site-specific developments. By frontloading public input to creating the land use plan, the act would ditch public hearings in from of City Council on site — specific construction.
However, the provision was ruled unconstitutional by a district court judge in Bozeman in March, leaving city planners with unanswered questions on how site-specific developments will be approached.
The community may provide their thoughts on the city's public engagement website at engagekalispell.com/#tab-59610. Users can post their thoughts on challenges facing Kalispell, tag areas on a map whether the city needs revamping, sign up for project updates and learn more about the legislation.
The new plan must be adopted by May 2026.
Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and junderhill@dailyinterlake.com.
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