2nd Street development will benefit Whitefish

I am writing in support of the proposed 2nd Street community development. My research and understanding of this development project tells me that it will fill a big need within the Whitefish community — newly constructed quality rentals and affordable single-family homes for working professionals and their families.

In addition, it is my understanding is that the proposal includes gifting 15 units to the Whitefish Housing Authority. These developers should be applauded and supported for their efforts to address a serious need in this community: affordable housing.

I relocated my business, Proof Research, to the Flathead Valley two years ago from Missoula. Proof Research is a high-tech manufacturing business that employs over 40 employees in the Flathead Valley. As we continue to grow as a company, we bring good-paying jobs to this community.

However, has proven impossible for my new employees to find homes to rent as they relocate their families to the Whitefish area. The housing needs for our workforce span all spectrums, from executive managers to production employees.

If Whitefish and the Flathead Valley want to continue to attract good paying jobs for families, the housing situation needs to be addressed immediately.

I am further disappointed to hear that some of the neighbors of the community are not in support of this project. Infill is what Whitefish needs as a community and this property is located close to schools and downtown. These 25 acres border the train tracks, a perfect place for this type of community. What these developers are trying to provide is a community-oriented development that complies with the Whitefish growth policy.

Lastly, I feel that people in opposition to this project do not understand the tax benefits that Whitefish will receive from this development — hundreds of thousands of dollars will be put back into this community. As a business owner in the Flathead Valley, I support the local and state taxes that Proof Research pays because the proceeds are put back into this state that I love and know to be home.

The Whitefish community needs to recognize that it has growth policies in place for a reason and that change is inevitable — difficult at times — but imperative if we want to grow in the right direction. The 2nd Street community development is exactly what Whitefish needs.

— KK Jense, Proof Research