Residents successfully lobby for lower project density

A united neighborhood group has successfully trimmed an upcoming residential development’s density nearly in half, in hopes of keeping their subdivision from becoming the next landing pad for Kalispell’s growing population. 

A group of South Kalispell residents got what they asked for at the Kalispell Planning Board’s Wednesday meeting on a new residential development, labeled the Lofts at Ashley, when the board unanimously voted 5-0 to drop the density from 82 units down to 55.

The Lofts at Ashley project sparked backlash in September, when the initial application and designs to the city called for 96 units on 3.79 acres near Airport Road, next to the Ashley Park neighborhood. At a preliminary review meeting in October, residents voiced concerns over the sudden development in a lot they believed to be a park, as well as concerns that a large, dense development would alter the neighborhood identity.

After the October meeting, project developer Dave Webber said he was considering dropping the unit count to 64, but later submitted the second designs, which included 82 units. Webber on Wednesday said reducing the unit count and redesigning the complex a third time means going back to the drawing board, but he hopes to maintain the project’s character. In order to maintain the design, Webber said the three-story buildings will have to be dropped to two stories.

“This will be the third design, but we would try to stick with that blueprint,” he said. “We’ll have to take the third level off, that would get us pretty close.”

After a more unified approach to the planning board Wednesday night, including a neighborhood-written list of recommendations to reach a compromise with the developer, the planning board agreed to limit the density.

“We are pleased we got what we were asking for tonight,” said Gary Schuschke, a spokesperson for the neighborhood group that brought the list of recommendations. “I think it’s probably a step in the right direction, but we’re not finished yet.”

IN THE list of requests, the Ashley Park neighborhood is asking the developers for 8-foot-high berms on the entire west side of the development for a buffer for the existing neighborhood; a chain link fence on the western property border, prohibiting access to the existing neighborhood; conifer trees added to the north border of the development to maintain privacy and to use stone for the primary exterior material instead of metal, in order to keep a “tasteful” appearance for the neighborhood.

Atop the list of recommendations was zoning the property not for RA-2, a mixed residential and business district that the developer requested, but RA-1, which prohibits commercial development and would reduce density to about 55 units on the nearly 4-acre lot.

Schuschke was first to speak during the public comment, bringing the list of recommendations outlined during a neighborhood meeting two weeks ago.

“The residents recognize the city of Kalispell is one of the most rapidly growing cities in the state,” he said. “The proposed building site would be an excellent site for low density.”

Schuschke then motioned to the crowd of about 40 neighborhood residents in attendance, which stood on their feet in unison on his signal.

“We would ask that you rezone the project for RA-1,” he said. The crowd then sat back down.

Several more residents took the podium to address their concerns to the board, mentioning the loss of green space and views across the valley. Eventually, Mike Morgan, the architect on the project, took his turn to speak to the planning board. He thanked both the city staff and the neighborhood for their input on the project, which he said is meant to fit and enhance the neighborhood identity. He noted that the project looked to align with the growth already set for South Kalispell, not complicate it.

“That’s what we’re trying to accomplish. It’s good, quality living for everyone,” Morgan said. “The school is coming and it’s going to be a good place for children and parents and staff to live and be able to safely get to that place.”

Morgan added that the exterior building materials included stained wood and only used metal to accent the building, not as the primary material.

AFTER HEARING the concerns and requests from the neighbors, the planning board on Wednesday wrestled with the decision to recommend the city council deny the application with its requested RA-2 zoning designation or amend the application to RA-1. Ultimately, the planning board amended the application to RA-1 and tabled discussion on the developer’s application for a conditional use permit, which would allow the project some room for more units than the 55 designated by zoning.

Barb Gallagher, a neighborhood resident who had been involved in the recommendations brought Wednesday night, said she still has concerns about the materials to be used on the structures. She’s happy though, she said, about the conditions passed Wednesday night.

“We’re just going to continue to watch what he does,” she said.

The next planning board meeting is set for Dec. 13 at City Hall, 201 First Ave. E., Kalispell.

Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at slarson@dailyinterlake.com.