The 2000s: Looking back to look forward II

Special to the Bigfork Eagle

Last month, The Bigfork Eagle asked local residents to reflect on two questions about the past and future of the area as the decade finished out. Here's what some locals had to say.

Craig Wagner, chair of the Bigfork Steering Committee

(1) What have been the two or three most significant changes or events in the Bigfork area in the past 10 years?

The Bigfork Steering Committee was reactivated and spent hundreds of hours and with many, many volunteers working on the revision of the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan. It was adopted June 2, 2009. It is hoped the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan will help Bigfork in continuing its nostalgic charm with managed growth.

After a complaint from Sally Janover, at a Bigfork Steering Committee Community Forum meeting, with regard to the flooding in her yard after a rainstorm due to construction at the school, a stormwater committee was formed. Commissioner Joe Brenneman took this complaint to the county and the first statewide stormwater advisory board was formed. The county has now gotten grants and has made great inroads in protecting Flathead Lake from pollution.

Kim Jones, creator of Adopt a Soldier

(1) What have been the two or three most significant changes or events in the Bigfork area in the past 10 years?

[I recall] improvements to downtown, sidewalks, architectural updates, children's theatre addition.

There were also condos hiding the bay and the remodel at the K-8 school.

(2) Ten years from now, what will the Bigfork area look like? What are your hopes for the next 10 years?

[I hope] that it will still be the quaint little Village that it is. No more condos hiding the bay and hopefully a park on the bay by the dock so that all can enjoy the water. A new high school.

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Want to give your two cents on these questions? E-mail editor@bigforkeagle.com.