Whitefish council to vote on controversial apartments

The Whitefish City Council will decide the fate of a plan to build two apartment buildings across from the new Muldown Elementary School at its meeting tonight.

Last month the Whitefish Planning Board did not make a recommendation for or against the project – which includes two 18-unit apartment buildings, 50 parking spaces and further development of Eighth Street – sending it to the council to take final action.

The council will hold a public hearing before making a decision on whether to award a conditional-use permit to the developer, Central Ave WF.

Nearby residents are concerned about the nature of the project and its proximity to local schools. Nearly 50 letters were sent to the Planning Board and about 10 people spoke at the board’s public hearing, addressing issues including traffic, quality of life and the proposed buildings not fitting the neighborhood’s character.

The Planning Department recommends approval of the project.

The council will also view a communication from Public Works Director Craig Workman that recommends WGM Group be awarded the contract for the Baker Avenue underpass project.

The long-proposed project would create a pedestrian underpass below Baker Avenue and connect Depot Park and downtown area with the residential area on the west side of Baker Avenue.

One other firm – Robert, Peccia and Associates – submitted a proposal.

“We were extremely impressed with the level of effort WGM put into their proposal, the thought-provoking conversation that was had at the interview, and the inspirational ideas they came up with,” Workman wrote in a Dec. 23 letter to the council.

The project was estimated to cost $1.1 million in 2017, but “is likely closer to $1.3 million today,” Workman wrote.

A work session from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. will focus on a review of rules and regulations for water, sewer and garbage service. At 6:30 p.m. the county will review the tax increment funding project list.

The council will begin the meeting by presenting plaques to departing council members, and Mayor John Muhlfeld will take a ceremonial oath of office following his recent, unopposed re-election, along with council member Frank Sweeney, who was re-elected, and incoming council members Steve Qunell and Rebecca Norton.

The meeting begins at 7:10 p.m. at Whitefish City Hall.