Council to discuss planned RV park

The Kalispell City Council will hold a public hearing Monday evening on a proposed amendment to the growth policy that would allow a proposal for a 50-acre, 330-space recreational vehicle park to be constructed in south Kalispell.

The Kalispell Planning Board recently voted to recommend council approve the proposal.

If this proceeds, the council would likely face votes on issuing the required permits for the project at meetings over the next month.

The developers of the project are Florida-based Montana Basecamp Inc. and Basecamp Outpost LLC.

In a letter to city officials, the developers hope to capture high-end, physically fit clientele with a quality offering of amenities.

“We envision a large 50-acre lush paradise of camping positioned neatly toward the city core of Kalispell. Our location was decided on solely due to its proximity to downtown Kalispell and the Great Northern Bike Trail that connects Montana Basecamp to all that Kalispell has to offer,” the letter reads. “Biking and jogging is a key activity being used to promote Montana Basecamp. We hope to connect with all of the biking and jogging that happens in and around Kalispell.”

The developers also state it will be a family friendly facility.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy anything outside of healthy family vacationing,” the letter reads.

The proposed lot is currently undeveloped, with the Great Northern Historical bike trail running along the western and southern boundary, and a Montana Department of Transportation bike trail running along the northern boundary, which separates it from the U.S. 93 bypass. A line extending south from the southernmost roundabout would approximate the park’s eastern border, and it would extend south all the way to Ashley Meadows Road.

The developers have offered to add fencing and trees along the border to mask the development.

The tract of land has been planned for urban residential use, and to make this happen the developers need the city to change it to urban mixed-use zoning.

The meeting will be at 7 p.m. in the council chambers in Kalispell City Hall.

Also on Monday:

- The council will consider a series of amendments approving the 2019 fiscal budget and work plan for the Tourism Business Improvement District and Downtown Business Improvement District.

- They will also consider approving the annual appropriations for the city of Kalispell fiscal year 2019.

- The 2019 fiscal year budgets for the Storm Sewer Maintenance District Assessment, Urban Forestry Maintenance District Assessment, Solid Waste Maintenance District Assessment, Street Maintenance District Assessment, Light Maintenance District Assessment, Downtown Business Improvement District and City-County Health Department will also be considered.

- The council will also vote on whether or not to appoint Martin Rippen to the Street Tree Commission.

- The council will hold a public hearing on the 2018 Kalispell Water Facility Plan

Reporter Peregrine Frissell can be reached at (406) 758-4438 or pfrissell@dailyinterlake.com.