Solving housing crisis doesn't have to ruin our quality of life
Seldom have I read an opinion piece that represents my own thoughts so well as that of Travis Taylor as published in the Inter Lake on Nov. 4. His letter reflects on the changes occurring at an accelerating pace in the Flathead Valley, with the Tronstad Road development as the latest example.
He laments, as I do, how we are transforming much of our beautiful and unique valley into a hodgepodge of sprawl as could be found anywhere else in the country. Sadly, much change has already occurred, and portions of our valley are past the point of no return, and especially those transportation corridors radiating out from Kalispell. The highway landscapes in every direction from town are nothing less than embarrassing eyesores. It is painful to witness this relentless transformation occurring to our countryside.
What especially rings true of Mr. Taylor’s opinion piece is the carrot and stick developers continue to dangle — our so-called housing crisis — serving as their motive for developing ever more land. Certainly, there is a shortage of affordable housing for the working class of men and women who hold our communities together. That’s been exhaustively discussed while market forces preclude an obvious solution.
However, I suspect the actual market for the array of new developments is something else; not affordable by any means but likely catering to out-of-state hopefuls wishing to escape the sprawl of what they assume to leave behind, effectively creating the very same here. I’m amazed how successful developer’s “carrot” tactic has been, with both city and county planners climbing aboard the housing crisis mantra.
Is there really a crisis? Are we beholden to any and all who long to live in the mountains, at the expense of us who already do? Or more importantly, must we engulf that which we love the most — open space, farmland, wildlife habitat — for an illusory housing crisis? Not to mention, diminishing further our already strained and inadequate infrastructure. The fact is, like any habitat, human or wild, there is a carrying capacity beyond which quality of life deteriorates. We are looking that fact square in the face here in our Flathead home.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We can do better — we have to, or we will look back on the place that once was with deep regrets for what can’t be undone; as will future generations. Doing it better will require thoughtful planning, much restraint, time and energy by planners, developers, builders and most importantly, the will of the people.
Thank you, Travis Taylor, for articulating what can’t be ignored and being one more voice for care as we rush to exploit this beautiful valley.
Leo Keane lives in Whitefish.