County revives Helena Flats plan amendment

In a surprise move on Wednesday, the Flathead County commissioners approved a growth policy amendment they had unanimously denied just two weeks ago.

The Cottonwood amendment would change the land-use designation from agricultural to high-density residential for 38 acres on the east side of Helena Flats Road, directly across from Solberg Drive.

The amendment was submitted by a group that wanted to build a 103-lot subdivision on the property.

In initially denying the request, Commissioners Bob Watne and Joe Brenneman said the proposed density was inappropriate for that area.

However, the developers offered to pursue a different zoning designation, which would slightly reduce the number of lots plus eliminate the possibility of duplex units.

They also proposed setting aside a bike path easement to help get pedestrian traffic off Helena Flats Road.

"We're trying to address the issues you brought up [two weeks ago]," said Eric Mulcahy with Sands Surveying, which is providing technical support on the project.

"We're working with the neighboring property owners on a bike path easement that would get pedestrian traffic off the road and get it to East Evergreen safely," he said. "We're also hopeful that you'll allow us to go back to the planning board to consider R-3 zoning" versus the R-4 zoning that was initially requested.

The commissioners unanimously approved the growth policy amendment on Wednesday and agreed to send the zone change back to the planning board.

However, Commissioner Joe Brenneman indicated that the developers still have some hurdles to cross.

"I applaud them for trying to address the issues we raised," he said on Wednesday. "But that doesn't mean this is going to work. The other big issue I have is, do you really think this is the place to put 120 homes?"

Given the potential for flooding in the Evergreen area, as well as its location over a critical aquifer, Brenneman suggested that there might be better places to put high-density residential development.

"I'm willing to send this back to the planning board, but that doesn't mean it's going to work," he said.

Wednesday's action kicks off a 30-day comment period on the growth policy amendment. It isn't clear when the related zone change will go before the planning board.

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