WF housing project stalled

A proposed 173-unit housing project in Whitefish has been stalled to allow the developers time to revamp the project and address concerns about neighborhood impact.

The Whitefish Planning Board on Thursday tabled decisions on a zone change and planned unit development overlay for 2nd Street Apartments and will revisit the project on May 16.

Developers William MacDonald and Sean Averill of Community Infill Partners want to build 164 apartments in 17 buildings and nine condominiums spread over three buildings at what are now open fields north of the intersection of East Second Street and Armory Road.

Thursday’s public hearing brought out a full house, and while several people testified about the need for affordable housing in Whitefish, many neighbors said the density was too much for the residential neighborhood that historically has had an agricultural feel.

The traffic generated by that many apartments was among the key concerns from neighbors, Whitefish Planning Director Dave Taylor said.

“The developers will come back with a tweaked project,” he said. “They may put in more buffering and push the units farther back on the lots. They may reduce the density.”

Taylor said the developers also pledged to “do better outreach” with residents of the East Second Street neighborhood.

That area is within walking distance of Whitefish High School and Muldown Elementary School.

Community Infill Partners planned to take advantage of density bonuses by providing 10 percent of the project  — 17 units — as deed-restricted rental units for moderate-income families.