Whitefish Council returns to decision on south entrance property

Whitefish City Council on Monday will revisit a proposal to annex property at the city’s south gateway. The plan could result in the construction of a large mixed-use development.

Council at its Oct. 2 meeting postponed a decision on whether to annex and zone the 11.63 acres of land following questions about what would be allowed on the property given changes in state law affecting zoning regulations. 

Following a work session, Council is now expected to vote on the request after holding a second public hearing. Council meets at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall, 418 E. Second St.

Though Council will only consider annexation and zoning for the property at the southeast corner of the U.S. 93 and Montana 40 intersection, the developer of what’s being called Alpine 93/40 is planning for a project that would include 210 housing units along with about 15,000 square feet of retail space filled with neighborhood-type businesses. Plans call for 21 deed-restricted affordable units under the city’s Legacy Homes Program.

Supporters of the project at the prominent spot told Council that it would add much-needed housing to Whitefish. While those opposed, many of whom live in the nearby Emerald Heights neighborhood, expressed concern about increased traffic, a lack of barriers between the development and homes, and impacts to groundwater. 

COUNCIL WILL also consider a request to develop 42 multi-family units in two buildings at 808 and 830 Edgewood Place. The property is 1.66 acres. Eight of the units would be deed-restricted as permanently affordable housing. 

The request comes from Holbrook McCartney and Ben Davis for a rezone of the property to two-family residential and planned unit development overlay that would allow for the project. The property contains a single-family home and outbuildings that will be removed as part of the development. 

Access to the site would be via two private driveways off Edgewood Place that loop through the property. As part of providing affordable housing, the developer is planning to use additional building height and reduce the amount of parking from spaces to 66 spaces. 

ALSO ON the agenda, Council will take up a resolution to annex and zone about 2.33 acres of land at 270 Lake Park Lane. The property would be zoned two-family residential. 

Council will consider an ordinance consolidating the Board of Adjustment, Planning Board and Zoning Commission into a single community development board. The change comes as a result of Senate Bill 130. 

Council will consider an ordinance amending its regulations around food vendors. The changes largely look to streamline the permit process for such vendors, but also eliminate a restriction on the number of food vendors that can operate in an area. 

Previously food vendor permits were limited to 10 total and no more than five in any one zoning district. Now vendor operations will be limited to one per lot unless approved as a food vendor court. 

Approving of a conceptual design for the reconstruction of Karrow Avenue also comes before Council. The street is next on the city’s resort tax funding priority list and work is estimated at $3.7 million. 

The street is planned to be 28 feet wide and work includes a pedestrian path on the east side of the road. Lighting is planned to be upgraded to the city’s decorative street lights. 

Features Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 758-4421 or hdesch@dailyinterlake.com.