Developer, neighbors reach accord on subdivision

The developer of a proposed 41-unit subdivision on U.S. 93 in Whitefish has reached a deal with a neighborhood group concerned over the project’s proposed blended commercial and residential density.

 MKay Enterprises plans to build the Riverview Meadows housing development on 9.5 acres between the highway and the Rivers Edge neighborhood.

The Rivers Edge Homeowners Association and the developers have reached an agreement allowing the project to move forward while minimizing its impact on the adjoining Rivers Edge neighborhood. The four rent-restricted affordable apartments remain part of the revised project.

MKay Enterprises dropped its attempt to transfer commercial densities into the area zoned for single families next to the Rivers Edge neighborhood, according to Whitefish attorney Tom Tornow, who represented the Rivers Edge neighbors.

“This was a major point of opposition from the neighborhood and contributed to a proposed low-income housing development not receiving an award from the state,” Tornow said, referring to an earlier attempt by The Commonwealth Companies to develop the property with 36 affordable housing units along with commercial use.

 Earlier this year the Whitefish City Council approved a temporary moratorium on blended density zoning for planned-unit development overlays. The city is amending its zoning code to address whether density transfers will be permitted in the future.

In addition to abandoning the density transfer, MKay Enterprises redesigned the project by reducing the overall density and including a buffer between the development and Rivers Edge.

In return, the homeowners association is withdrawing its opposition to the development.

Tornow said in a press release the dispute was resolved “the Whitefish way” by the neighbors and the developer sitting down and talking.

“The revised project is better for Whitefish,” he said.

“The Rivers Edge neighborhood gets the protection deserved; the Whitefish Housing Authority gets more rent restricted housing units; and the city is fixing its zoning code. This resolution was reached as it should have been in our small, friendly community — by open communication and consideration for others.”