Hospital proposes additional parking

The Kalispell Planning Board will take up new construction proposals on Tuesday night and continue its ongoing discussion of casino policies.

Kalispell Regional Medical Center is moving forward with a plan to develop 9.5 acres into additional parking. The land lies to the north of the main hospital campus, with Grandview Drive on its eastern border.

A city staff report notes that parking has become a significant issue with the growth of the hospital.

According to city documents, most of the tract is undeveloped land. Part of it has been used as a temporary parking lot.

The city would need to change its growth policy for the area, which designates a potential residential use. A zoning change would also be made upon approval.

City staff has recommended those changes be made, as well as approval of the project.

Also to be considered is a commercial subdivision on the west end of U.S. 2. ACG-Kalispell Investors plans to build a two-lot commercial addition in the Gateway West Mall area. Currently, most of the area is grass space between Financial Drive and Glenwood Drive.

City staff has also recommended approval of this project, according to the staff report.

Immediately after the Planning Board regular meeting, a work session will be held for an ongoing discussion on casino zoning provisions. Public outcry emerged during the deliberation and ultimate passage of a Town Pump gas station and casino on the north side of Kalispell.

So far, Planning Board members have discussed limiting casinos to certain zone designations, increasing a setback from protected areas or creating a special zone for casinos.

The Planning Board will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 201 First Ave. E.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.