Planning board takes up parking-permit plan

The long-running debate over parking around west-side Kalispell schools comes before the Kalispell Planning Board again Tuesday night.

The board will hold a public hearing on a proposed parking permit program aimed to alleviate parking problems around Elrod Elementary School and Flathead High School.

A key element of the Westside Neighborhood Parking Management Plan involves resident-only parking restrictions along four blocks of Third Avenue West (between Fifth and Ninth streets) and one block of Fourth Avenue West (between Eighth and Ninth streets).

Parking would be limited to permit-holders from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays when school is in session. Streets in the same district would still be open for public parking. 

Only property owners or residents on these avenues could purchase parking permits. The price of permits have not been decided but would need to cover sign installation and maintenance costs. 

The program is anticipated to run for one year, after which new blocks can petition to be added or removed from the parking permit district. 

The parking plan represents compromises and suggestions from a neighborhood committee, Kalispell Public Schools and the city Planning Department.

For the schools’ part, Elrod would add 35 to 38 parking spaces and Flathead would add 20 to 25, according to the Planning Office report on the parking plan.

During special occasions, such as high school sports tournaments, the school district could apply to suspend the parking district for a limited time. 

 The Planning Office recommends that the Planning Board approve the parking plan.

Also on the board’s agenda Tuesday night are:

— A request from Cascade Professional Park to construct 12 residential apartment units. 

The property is located at 91 and 95 Financial Drive northwest of Gateway West Mall. Chris Sund has submitted a plan that indicates the site would consist of three four-plex buildings on two lots. 

— A request by Serengeti Properties for preliminary approval of Stillwood Farms, a two-lot subdivision, with each half acre lot intended to accommodate a two-unit townhouse. 

The subdivision is located at 56 Vista Loop, bounded by Three Mile Drive on the south, North Riding Lane on the west and Vista Loop on the northeast. 

The Planning Board meeting will be at Kalispell City Hall starting at 7 p.m. To view the full agenda, visit www.kalispell.com/planning.