Objects to subdivision

Objections to the Locations Acquisitions’ proposed subdivision east of the Flathead River: All Apartments. This is a mix of 3 plex units, 4 plex units, a 24-unit building and a 57-unit building. There are no single- family homes, it’s all apartments in 28 different buildings. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and sounds like a duck, it’s a duck.

Non-Compliance with Zoning and Growth Policy. The requested zoning requires “predominantly single-family residences.” The 2019 Growth Policy map also designates the subject area as “primary use is single-family residential with limited duplex and multi-family anticipated.” In contrast, this proposal is zero single-family residential and 100 percent multi-family residential. Even if you adopt the developer’s generous definition of single-family residential, it is still only 55 percent single-family residential. Barely a majority is NOT “predominant” or “primary.”

TIS Deficient. The TIS only studied the impact on Highway 2 and 206. There was absolutely no study on the impact of in-bound or out-bound traffic on River Road, nor the impact of increased traffic on River Road. At a minimum, a traffic signal should be installed on Highway 2 prior to the commencement of construction.

Under The Bridge. To minimize the potential adverse impacts of sewer in the Flathead River, the city should require that city water and sewer cross the river under the bridge, not under the river.

“One Phase” Misleading. The developer states that the entire project is “one phase,” yet also states it will take up to four years to fully develop, and even that may be extended as they are “prepared to phase increments of the total project in accordance with … market realities.” In other words, they will build the two large apartment buildings first and the rest will be delayed for years, if not permanently.

VRBO. There is no restriction on short-term rentals, which needs to be required if there is going to be any benefit to the local housing market.

Scot Schermerhorn Columbia Falls