Courthouse East decision delayed

The public had much to say about a proposal for the old Courthouse East property, but the Kalispell City Council said little before tabling the issue Monday night.

DEV Properties will have to wait a few more weeks before the council again discusses the group's plan to renovate the building into apartments, office areas, artists' workspaces/apartments and a possible small coffee shop. The exterior of the old hospital/office building would remain the same.

Two people spoke in favor of the project Monday. Three spoke adamantly against it and two others voiced concern about the proposal.

Several council members expressed interest in keeping the building, even though it has a history of use that doesn't comply with neighborhood zoning.

The building opened as a hospital in 1912 and later housed Flathead County government offices. The neighborhood was zoned as residential in the 1940s, at which time the building had long been used for nonresidential purposes. The property was allowed to continue operating in ways that didn't comply with zoning.

"It's an unusual situation," council member Jayson Peters said. "It's not a raw piece of land we're dealing with. It's kind of a special circumstance."

DEV Properties, a trio of developers from Washington and Columbia Falls, wants a zone change from urban single-family residential to residential/professional office for the 65,000-square-foot building. The developers also want a planned unit development for the property, which sits on about two acres on the east side of Fifth Avenue East between Seventh and Eighth streets.

Peters, who lives in that neighborhood, favors keeping the building even though it contrasts with nearby businesses and single-family homes. However, the proposed uses for the building might not be the best idea, he said.

Councilman Bob Hafferman had almost the opposite opinion. He said he likes the proposal but the plan still is out of synch with surrounding zoning.

"It appears to me this whole thing is an attempt to cobble up a zone that fits this project," he said.

Other council members said they want to keep the building but they want to consider further the proposed uses and want the developers to try reaching a compromise with neighbors who oppose the project.

Those who spoke against the proposal said they worry about traffic, parking, decreased property values, density, neighborhood character and other issues.

Those who spoke in favor of DEV Properties' plan praised the trio for wanting to save an old building and for thinking of creative uses.

The council discussed the matter fairly quickly before deciding to table the issue until a June 6 council meeting.

The council also directed city staffers to facilitate possible meetings between the developers and neighbors.

Reporter Camden Easterling may be reached at 758-4429 or by e-mail at ceasterling@dailyinterlake.com