Plan board splits on Kila project

The Daily Inter Lake

A controversial subdivision near Kila earned a split vote from the Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday.

Following a 3 1/2-hour hearing, a motion to recommend approval of the Greywolf subdivision failed on a 4-4 vote.

The 17-lot project is proposed on 90 acres in the hills east of Smith Lake between Spring Hill Road and Torto Loop.

Lots in the Greywolf subdivision would range from 5 to 6.75 acres.

More than two dozen letters were submitted on the project. Almost all of them mention water availability as a major concern.

Water availability and the poor condition of Spring Hill Road were cited by many of the speakers on Wednesday. People living near the subdivision said they have to truck in water.

The issue now goes to the county commissioners for final action, unless the developer withdraws the application.

Also on Wednesday, the board:

. Unanimously recommended denial of 4 Bar O, a 22-lot project on 62 acres on the west side of Smith Lake Road south of the intersection with Haywire Gulch, about a half-mile north of the Smith Lake Waterfowl Production Area.

Water availability also was a concern with this project, which is located in the same general area as the Greywolf subdivision.

. Unanimously recommended approval of Pheasant Run Park, a 12-lot mobile home park on six acres on Spring Creek Road, northeast of Kalispell.

. Unanimously recommended approval of the amended plat for Lot 1, Subdivision 196, which will create four lots on 2.3 acres at 145 River Road in Evergreen.