New high density development pitched for Columbia Falls
Developers are proposing another high-density housing project just east of the Flathead River, this time on 22 acres north of U.S. 2 in Columbia Falls.
Location Acquisitions is pitching an 180-unit subdivision, consisting of 99 single-family units attached in four- and three-unit buildings, 81 apartment units, a private clubhouse, a public park, green space and on-street parking for the property.
“Our goal is to provide market priced rental housing units that architecturally complement the surrounding natural environment and mimic the historical development of the city,” the developers wrote in their planned unit development application.
The land targeted for development is currently a 10-acre parcel and a 12-acre parcel, both of which have long served as horse pastures. Developers have considered building homes on the lot to the west in the past, but the ground has proven too wet.
Location Acquisitions is asking for a zone change and a planned unit development to accommodate the subdivision. The zone change would be from suburban-agricultural five acres and suburban agricultural 10 acres to urban residential-4, which allows up to eight units per acre.
Under this plan, the development would have just under eight units an acre, but it would also have about 55% “green space,” though about 22% of that is wetlands, including an existing pond.
They indicated interest in creating “wildlife corridors” through the property, which is just to the south of the Bad Rock Wildlife Management Area.
“Location Ventures is currently working with local partners, including Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, Flathead Land Trust, and Gateway 2 Glacier [Trails] to explore the best ways to incorporate wildlife health and movement into current site designs, including a potential wildlife corridor and ecosystem-oriented landscaping,” the application reads.
The development would extend city water and sewer services across the river. Interior roads would be private, but open to public access.
The developers also are proposing the possibility of a park along the Flathead River near the U.S. 2 bridge.
The plan calls for two exits onto U.S. 2, though developers said they are willing to work with the Montana Department of Transportation on a traffic light.
The development mirrors in many ways the River Highlands development, which was proposed on about 50 acres on what is currently a fallow field just to the south.
That development also had a blend of homes and apartments, all told about 343 units.
The Columbia Falls City-County Planning Board in late January rejected the proposal for the second time in less than six months, saying it was simply too dense.
The developers, in turn, pulled their application just three days before the City Council was to consider it on Monday.
A group of investors are behind the latest development — Twin Peaks Farms LLC, High Country Land and Cattle LLC, and 500 River Partners LLC.
Twin Peaks, with an Idaho address, is listed as the owner of the west section of the property according to tax records. High Country Cattle owns the east section and is based in Phoenix, Arizona. And 500 River Partners is a company out of Coral Gables, Florida.
If approved, work would start in 2024, developers said.
The planning board is expected to take up the application at its meeting at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 14 at the Columbia Falls Junior High. There will be a public hearing at that time.