Two Rivers amendment review gets under way

The Flathead County Planning Board's efforts to tackle the massive Two Rivers growth policy amendment begin today with an organized tour of the area in question.

If approved, the amendment would change the land-use designation on 1,836 acres north of Kalispell and Evergreen from mostly agricultural to a mix of commercial, residential, industrial and open space.

In broad terms, the property is located between U.S. 93 and U.S. 2, from Reserve Drive north almost to Birch Grove Road. It's split into more than two dozen separate parcels owned by about 14 individuals and families.

In an unusual move earlier this month, the county commissioners tabled their consideration of the Two Rivers proposal, despite the fact it received a narrow 4-3 favorable recommendation from the planning board. Instead, commissioners opted to bump it back to the planning board for further review and refinement.

The commissioners apparently felt that the initial recommendation was rushed. They wanted to give the board another opportunity to address some of the impacts that an amendment of this magnitude could have on the area.

"I think the board had some real concerns about this," Commissioner Gary Hall said after reviewing the video of the Dec. 15 meeting in which the favorable vote was taken. "We need a more confident decision from them. I want to approve this amendment, but we need more input."

The commissioners gave the board two months to work on the proposal. A number of new conditions will likely be recommended, although at this point it's difficult to tell exactly which issues will receive greater scrutiny.

After discussing the amendment for more than an hour at its regular meeting on Wednesday, the board scheduled a tour of the Two Rivers area this afternoon. The purpose is to get a better idea of exactly what land uses are being proposed at what locations, how they fit with the surrounding land uses, and what impact this change might have on the public infrastructure.

Some Flathead County planning staff members also will be on the tour as well as some of the applicants or their representatives.

There was some discomfort about allowing applicants to join the tour. Kim Fleming, whose planning-board term began on Wednesday, said she would not attend if they were present.

"I just don't think it's right," she said.

Other board members, though, said the tour would be a waste of time if someone didn't come along who was completely familiar with the property and with what's being proposed for each of the parcels.

Planning board president Don Hines agreed to let the applicants join the tour. However, he emphasized that this wasn't an opportunity for someone to lobby the board and said he wanted as little commentary from the applicants as possible.

A video recording of the tour will be available afterwards for interested members of the public.

A work session also was scheduled for Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. The board will decide at that time how to proceed with its review. The initial indication is that separate teams will be formed to address such issues as transportation impacts, public services (including sewer and water), commercial uses and zoning.

Interim Planning Director Johna Morrison said a second public hearing will be held on the Two Rivers proposal before the board makes any recommendations. Applicants and the public will be able to submit new information once a hearing date has been set.

Reporter Bill Spence may be reached at 758-4459 or by e-mail at bspence@dailyinterlake.com