Real estate projects top Kalispell council's agenda
The first Kalispell City Council meeting of the year will consider resolutions for two new real estate developments on the city’s north side.
Owl Corporation is seeking preliminary plat approval for a three-lot major subdivision covering more than four acres within West View Estates north of Glacier High School. The land use of the lots has not been determined yet, but Owl Corporation’s development will have to comply with RA-2 zoning that allows residential apartments and office space.
In February 2014 the council rejected a zone change request by Owl Corporation to rezone the space for heavy office space development. Neighbors in the area objected, citing impacts on property values, public safety, traffic and aesthetics. Owl Corporation argued that office development at the entrance of the subdivision would make the property more marketable.
The council unanimously voted to rezone the area for residential apartments and limited office space.
Owl Corporation’s proposal includes plans for a townhouse on one of the three lots, while the other two remain undetermined. The area would be accessed through Taelor Road.
The council also will consider preliminary plat approval for phase 2 of Silverbrook Estates that reaches into the remaining northern 167 acres of the 325-acre subdivision. The plans call for 197 single-family lots, 90 townhouse lots and 18 commercial lots.
The subdivision was created in 2007, with the first homes built in 2008. The area was annexed by the city and given access to city services including water and sewer. Westcraft Homes took over ownership of the subdivision in October 2015. Silvermont Properties Limited Partnership is the petitioner requesting plat approval.
In other business, council will accept a $15,000 urban and community forestry award for additional funding for the city’s urban forestry program. The money will be used to prune and remove hazardous trees around prioritized elementary schools in Kalispell and hire a consultant to write an urban forest management plan for the city.
On Tuesday, a group of council members will continue to review the 141-page Kalispell growth policy.
Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at slarson@dailyinterlake.com.