Board backs rezoning for Bigfork subdivision

The Daily Inter Lake

A proposal to rezone five lots in Bigfork's North Shore Heights subdivision got a favorable nod from the Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday.

The board will recommend that the county commissioners approve an amendment to the Bigfork Land Use Plan that will change the zoning from commercial and urban residential to village resort commercial.

It also voted to recommend the zone change request by SNAF, LLC, which wants to develop the property into a mixed-use neighborhood. Arthur Lieberman owns the property.

The lots are located on the south side of Holt Drive and west of Montana 35 and include the former North Shore Lanes bowling alley.

The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee earlier recommended approval of the zone change.

Village resort commercial zoning won't allow franchise stores and other larger commercial uses that don't reflect Bigfork's village character.

Planning consultant Narda Wilson said the goal of the redevelopment is to preserve viewsheds and keep a high-quality level of landscaping in the area while creating an attractive mixed-use project.

Residential condominiums would occupy the upper level of buildings planning at the site, with retail shops at grade level and office space in the lower level.

The project is designed to enhance the village feel of that area, considered a gateway area of Bigfork.

Neighbor Gary Simmons, who lives south of the site on Beach Road, said he's "quite impressed with what this project would do for our neighborhood," adding that neighbors previously had to put up with noise from late-night patrons at the bowling alley.