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Letter to City Council Public Comment from Debbie StreetAimee Brunckhorst From: Debbie Street <debbie@wranglerrealestate.com> Sent: Friday, January 27, 2023 9:10 PM To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment Subject: EXTERNAL Letter to City Council Attachments: Conditional Use Permit Application.pdf, Conditional Use Permit.pdf; The Value of Walkability.pdf [NOTICE: This message includes an attachment -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe.] To the Kalispell City Council, The purpose of this letter is to request that the City Council REVIEW and REVOKE the current Conditional Use Permit for the Flathead Warming Center. The Flathead Warming Center, under the present permit, is not serving our community, and has in fact, become a detriment and a liability. It is presently a "low barrier" shelter, allowing sex offenders, criminals, and substance abusers. This must change in order to restore and protect the safety of residents, schoolchildren, and businesses. Change it from a "low barrier" shelter to a shelter that requires drug testing, identification, no intoxication and DOES NOT allow sex offenders. I understand it would be difficult reviewing and reapplying for said Conditional Use Permit, but so is the fact that Kalispell residents are having to deal with the fallout of addiction and mental health issues. There are problems with human waste, litter, and drug paraphernalia in our parks, near downtown businesses, and on our walking trails. Citizens are being threatened, harassed, and endangered. For the first time, the Post Office has even been forced to close the lobby every evening. The center is positioned among businesses and high -density housing, is less than half a mile from Hawthorne Park, and most concerning of all, is less than one mile from Kalispell Middle School. While the goals of helping those less fortunate are admirable, why has this burden been placed so close to high density housing with a vulnerable population just trying to make ends meet? The founders of the warming center were quoted in the following articles defining "low barrier" as allowing sex offenders and those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, without requiring identification or criminal background checks: 1 -ce • ttp..C.!.gc�.rlc..g.1..:...r�..s/..C...p.....r..!..r!.g...r�.t.r-.c�.r�t.i.r�_a.s- push for low.-. .......................W:...................W:... . • https://ktvh.com/news/2019/03/08/proposed-flathead-warming-center- aims-to-be-all-inclusive/ I certainly do not object to providing shelter to the elderly, veterans, or families down on their luck. The members of the surrounding community, however, have a right to a safe and clean neighborhood that is free from trash, feces, discarded needles, and criminal threats. It is appalling that a neighborhood contains a facility which by design is a magnet for substance abusers, criminals, and sex offenders, particularly this close to a school and a park. The attached Conditional Use Permit application states (highlighted in yellow): Page 1 "...the provision of low barrier overnight emergency shelter during the cold of winter." Page 2 3. (a) "The flow of individuals in and out of the neighborhood is very important. So much so that we have policies and procedures to prevent loitering on the property as well as in the neighborhood. Individuals forfeit their opportunity for services if they come early or leave late from the property and from the neighborhood. We are not a homeless camp/hangout and the neighbors need to have confidence in this. We believe this is so important that we do all we can to support the success of our policies against loitering." (b) "Outside the shelter will not be a hangout or be perceived as a 'homeless camp."' Page 4 Safety "The Flathead Warming Center will not introduce homelessness into the neighborhood. Just by observation from the parking lot on 889 N. Meridian, unsheltered individuals can be seen walking down the street. Most people would not even know that these individuals are homeless." Being a Good Neighbor "It is a priority of the Flathead Warming Center to always be a good neighbor. Allowing individuals to loiter, stand or sit on the curb to smoke, or socialize is not being a good neighbor and we will not allow nor tolerate that. The Flathead Warming Center will never be a homeless hangout, day or night. Our policies and procedures also support the same for the neighborhood. It is our policy that if a customer "burns their bridge" with any neighbor, that customer "burns their bridge" with the Flathead Warming Center." N Contrary to its stated policies and procedures, the warming center is failing to be a good neighbor. Rather, it is causing the very problems it claims to prevent, bringing violence, vagrancy, and unsafe conditions to the area. With respect to property values, I direct your attention to the attached Conditional Use Permit issued by the City of Kalispell which states on: Page 7, Item 6 (highlighted in yellow) that "no significant impacts on property values are anticipated as a result of the requested conditional use of property." Obviously, based on community complaints and recent events, it is no longer possible to walk our trails, visit our downtown parks, or patronize local businesses without being harassed, exposed to vulgarity, and seeing people sleeping, urinating, or defecating in public. This is not good for tourism, nor for the people of Kalispell. The tax -paying citizens of this town have a right to be free from danger while shopping downtown, enjoying our trails, and playing in the parks. People want a safe, "walkable" community. According to the National Association of Realtors (see attached article highlighted in purple), the more walkable a community is, the greater the price per square foot. Rental properties in walkable areas average $300 per month more than rentals in other areas. Home values average $82 more per square foot in walkable areas when compared to homes in less walkable areas. I call upon you, the members of the City Council, to take immediate and decisive action to restore Kalispell to the safe and welcoming town we proudly call home. Best regards, Debbie Street Supervising Broker Wrangler Real Estate 1400 Rose Crossing Kalispell, MT 59901 Cell:: 406-253-8639 Email: debbie@wronglerrealestate.com Website: www.wronglerrealestate.com 3 Nttachment: Application for Conditional Use Permi'-'- Flathead Warming Center- 889 North Meridian Road The Flathead Warming Center is a 501 (c)3 organization whose mission is to save lives and encourage dignity through low barrier access to a warm safe place to sleep for anyone in, need throughout the coldest months of the year. Safe and healthy communities depend upon a continuum of services and resources for homeless and unsheltered individuals at different levels of need. The Flathead Warming Center fills an essential role in this framework- the provision of low barrier overnight, emergency shelter during the cold of winter. Without the Warming Center, the police department lobby, detention center, hospital emergency room, and mental health centers often become costly and inappropriate alternatives. Sleeping outside on Montana winter nights is a health and safety emergency. According to the national Point In Time data for ,January 31, 2020, 79 individuals in our community slept outside or in a place not meant for human habitation. Last winter season, the Flathead Warming Center provided safe shelter to 105 unique individuals in our community. Nightly, individuals were turned away because more people needed shelter than the facility could accommodate at 20 individuals a night. 2, We intend the prop" located at 889 North Meridian Road to be the home of the Flathead Warming Center, providing homeless services in our community to include overnight emergency shelter services, After almost two years of searching for an appropriate home for the Warming Center, the Flathead Warming Center Trustees find this location to be a responsible location for our community, (a.) Currently this property is in a neighborhood with surrounding commercial land uses. (b.) The dimensions of the property can be found on the attached Certificate of Survey. This property consists of 3 tracts. For the purpose of this Conditional Use Permit, the Flathead Warming Center will be located on Tract 2. (c.) Topographically the location is flat/ level. (d.) There, is a 4,000 square foot building located in the SE corner of Tract 2. Please refer to the attached Certificate of Survey. Wall height is 12 feet, perimeter 280. Please see the attached proposed floor plan. The floor plan is ideal for our purpose. A wide open flooirpan is important in the execution of our policies and procedures as we provide a safe environment for all. (e.) We are not proposing to build. (f) The most recent use of the structure was industrial/ a mechanic shop. Presently, this structure is vacant, (g.) As stated, the proposed use of the structure is to provide homeless services in our community, to include overnight emergency shelter services. The lot to the north of the property is fenced and gated. We propose a smaller privacy fence to create a courtyard just out the back north facing door. This is the door that will serve as the entrance to the Warming Center, There is purpose for this courtyard. Perception is very important in the management of a homeless shelter, During hours of operation, this private courtyard will be used for monitored outdoor breaks for our guests. Our guests will line up and exit exclusively from the private courtyard enclosed by a 6' privacy fence. We have intentionally designed the Flathead Warming Center to shield our guests outdoor activities from the view of the public. Wrong perceptions often lead to serious misconceptions regarding the homeless community. The Flathead Warming Center will own the three adjacent lots, however for the purpose of this conditional use permit, we will only utilize the lot on which the building currently sits, Tract 2. (h.) We intend to take measures to improve the current condition of all three lots, including the two neighboring lots that will not be used for sheiter services. We will repair or replace the existing fence that borders the neighboring lot. We will control the weeds, plant grass and irrigate as necessary. Please see a drawing of a proposed decorative awning for the street side of the shelter. During spring and summer imonths, we will provide potted flowers outside the building. There will be landscaping and weed control that exceeds the current standard in the community. We will install security cameras to cover all sides of the shelter, these cameras will be attached to the building. 3. (a.) Most of our "customers" travel around town by foot. Experience tells us that we typically have two or three, customer vehicles. Customer vehicles will not allowed to be left on the property during, hours when the shelter is not open. The flow of individuals in and out of the neighborhood is very important. So much so that we have policies and procedures to prevent loitering on the property as well as in the neighborhood. Individuals forfeit their opportunity for services if they come early or leave late from the property and from the neighborhood. We are not a homeless camp/ hangout and the neighbors need to have confidence in this. We believe this to be so important that we do all we can to support the success of our policies against loitering. Last season we partnered with Eagle Transit to provide our customers morning transportation out of the neighborhood to the Salvation Army for breakfast. It is our intent to do the same and to add the use of Church ministries to bring guests to the shelter from Feeding the Flathead dinners. (b.) Guests are not permitted to arrive early or stay late. Activities inside the enclosed courtyard are only allowed during hours of operation and are monitored by trained staff and volunteers. Outside the shelter will not be a hangout or be perceived as a "homeless, camp," All areas around the building will be covered by security cameras. It is important to note that we are, not a "come and go" facility. Once an individual or family arrives for the night they can not leave and return. All activity in and around the shelter is monitored. We have a 1 O00 p.m. curfew, unless a customer is referred to us by emergency first responders who work with us to determine how to safely get the individual or family to the shelter. As stated above, we intend to use the back north side door as the entrance for guests through the gated courtyard area. All exits will be accessible at all times to exit the building when occupied, in case of emergency. Please refer to the attached copy of our proposed building layout for the three exits. The City will determine our occupancy limit, as well as all other safety measures that need to be taken inside and outside the building. (c.) Customers will park using the paved parking tot that is located at the north side of building. Parking spaces will be marked on the pavement to identify appropriate parking spots, Eagle Transit/church vans will need to pull into the drive closet to the building. After customers have safely entered or exited the vehicle, Eagle Transit/ church vans can circle the graveled area to exit. No one will need to back into Meridian Road to exit the property. Eagle Transit and church vans will provide services that assist in the traffic control of customers in and out of the neighborhood. During daytime hours, a customer vehicle is only to be present when the customer is engaged with staff in case management activity inside the building. (d.) The shelter will pay for trash services. The shelter has a full-time director who will regularly walk the property and, pick up any trash or items that may have been left.It is important to note that our policies and procedures cover the cleanliness of the shelter both inside and outside. (e) The building currently has the capacity for city sewer, gas, electric, internet, and telephone, (Q As previously stated, we intend to screen and buffer by providing a privacy fence/ courtyard out the north back side door. When customers need to be outside the building during hours of operation, they are monitored by a trained staff member or trained volunteer. A limited number of individuals will be allowed, with supervision in the privacy gated courtyard and a respectful level of noise will be maintained. Much of screening and buffering is covered through our control as to when customers may be present; and the respective policies and procedures established by the Flathead Warming Center. (g) We intend to have a sign on the building (please refer to the drawing) and a "sandwich board" in the front parking area to direct the flow Of customers to the entrance of the building. (h) We do not intend build on the property. We intend to use the current structure. We: plan to remodel the inside of the building and make modest esthetic improvements to the exterior of the building. (i) The proposed uses of the open space on the subject lot are described above. The outside open space of the subject tract is proposed for paved parking and the private fenced courtyard as described above. (k.) Noise, tight, dust, odors, fumes, and vibrations will be controlled. The private gated courtyard provides screening/buffering to maintain the neighborhood as a pleasant place to live and work. All outside gathering will be limited to the monitored private gated courtyard. 0.) Our hours of operation are to Ibe determined,. Typically we operate our services from 7pm - 7am throughout the coldest months of the year (October - April). The exact times of operation will be determined by the times that we are able to partner with supportive services, such as transportation into and out of the neighborhood. We intend at some point to offer daytime services inside the building which would include set, limited hours/limited days per week where we can work with clients to gain, the to6s needed to move beyond homelessness. We do not intend to ever be a 24 hour operation; however limited daytime hours allow opportunity for onsite, professional case management services. Day services will operate within the same policies and procedures that are established for night services and will always be directed and monitored by trained staff. The manner of our operation is based on policies and procedures that have been proven to safeguard our customers, staff, and volunteers. These same policies and procedures also safeguard the community/neighborhood. Safety The Flathead Warming Center will not introduce homelessness into the neighborhood. Just by observation from the parking lot of 889 N. Meridian, unsheltered individuals can be seen walking down the street. Most people would not even know that these individuals are homeless. South of the property sits the Fairgrounds. From time to time, individuals have sought shelter from the cold in the horse stalls on the Fairgrounds property. Sheltering individuals and families, provides safety not only to the homeless, but also makes our community safer by brining these people off the streets into a safe, controlled environment, We have the knowledge, skill, and experience necessary to continue to provide safe shelter services in our community. Our behavior expectations are clearly explained in detail to each guest. Nightly, every customer signs our Occupancy Agreement. To maintain a safe and clean shelter, there are clear expectations as well as clear consequences for breaking our policies and procedures. To maintain a safe shelter, we are fair, firm, and consistent with all of our policies and procedures. We maintain direct line of sight supervision of allactivities inside and outside of the shelter, All staff and voliunteers, receive extensive training on active and engaging supervision of activity, both inside and outside the shelter. We have found our community to be very involved in, our mission. Last season we had 50+ on -site trained volunteers, who built relationships with guests. Knowing our customers adds to providing safe services. Paid staff members are never on -duty alone. We typically have three trained volunteers assisting a paid staff member during our operating hours. Throughout the overnight hours, we have two staff members engaged all night in active supervision.. Regarding safety, equally important to our policies and procedures is how we treat every individual with clignity, as well as the sense of community that we build inside the shelter. We know that when an individual feels wanted, is given the opportunity to hold their own dignity, and an opportunity to participate and give back to community, behaviors change, As we move beyond welfare to community, that's when walls come down and lives change. Being a Good Neighbor It is a priority of the Flathead Warming Center to always be a good neighbor. Allowing individuals to lo,iter, stand, or sit on the curb to smoke, or socialize is not being being a good neighbor and we will snot allow nor tolerate that. The Flathead Warming Center will never be a homeless hangout, day or night, Our policies and procedures also support the same for the neighborhood. It is our policy that if a customer "burns their bridge" with any neighbor, that customer "burns their bridge" with the Flathead Warming Center. We communicate this policy to both to our customers and to our neighbors. We also consistently teach our customers how to be a good neighbor. Our constant message to our customers is, "Our neighbors are taking care of us by allowing our shelter iin the neighborhood: We are going to take care, of our neighbors," As we teach how to be a good neighbor, our customers become protective of the neighborhood and the neighborhood maintains it standing as a great place to live and work. The neighbors will be provided with the director's cell number and while no one can control all behaviors in any neighborhood, the Flathead Warming Center ensures that we are prompt and responsive to neighbor concerns, if they so arise. The full-time director will periodically check in with neighbors to maintain open communication. We invite all neighbors to participate in the Flathead Warming Center community. Participation in, the services we provide often clear up many misconceptions. We understand that we must work to maintain a positive neighbor relationship. The neighbors deserve to be heard and we do too. We will open this communication with the neighbors prior to notices being received. It is our hope that neighbors will discuss any concern with us prior to a public hearing. We have answers to the Flathead Warming Center being a very good neighbor, Executive Dlirecto,r's Note The Flathead Warming Center is safe, 6ean, and a good neighbor. As the Executive Director, I can state this with complete confidence. It is my responsibility to, ensure that the shelter is a good neighbor. My professional experience here and in Bozeman, shows that I can operate a safe and clean shelter in our community. The Flathead Warming Center and its Trustees have done the work to establish a positive reputation in our community. As a result, there are many in our community who support our services and understand that as a community we have much to gain by bringing homeless individuals inside to be safe and warm. Although there will always be some ,not in my backyard' pushback in any location, the cost of homelessness to our community is too great for the city to not seriously consider this application for conditional use permit. The Kalispell community needs our services. I humbly request that you please make your decision based upon facts rather than fear. I also ask that you please make a decision that benefits the community as a whole. In short, 889 North Meridian is a safe, responsible location for the Flathead Warming Center, Lei yaw ,� u g a VNVINOVq 3�NVONI 33' m 1300WI8 NOSNII.s NV(3 W Y . t V IIC , i Vi'I p�' U. X 7 ... Inl� e- 0 �a o V r 5 ., 6 6:, � � rn ^tin ara'wi d w 2 Prel i nilriary Case Prospectus 161, P, Of . . . ...... ImagiFne being, homeless and alone, sleeping outside in the freezing temperatures of a long Montana winter because you have nowhere to turn. The Mission of the Flathead Warming Center is to save I ives and encourage dignity through low -barrier access to a warm safe place to, sleep for anyone in need throughout the coldest months of the year, this end, the Warrining Center provides low - barrier access to emergency shelter and services regardless of one's personal obrtacles to housing security, We accept people as they are. The Need is ReaL Sleeping outsido on Montana minter nights is a health and safety emergency. According to national Point in, Time data for Jan. 31, 2020, 79 Individuals in, our community slept Cnitside or in a place not meant for human habitation Shelter Benefits the Community. Safe and healthy communities depend Upon a COntioLlUrn Of services and resources for homeless and unsheltered individuals at chfierent levels of need. The Flathead Warmnq Center fills an essential role iin this frarnework - the Provision of low- barrer, overnight erneigency shelter during tbra cold Wjrlte.Wit]IOLAthe Warming Center, police department lobbie,s, jails, hospital emergency roorns, and mental hca4h centers Often beconne costly and inappropriate atternatives. 6A5 p.m. every siogio night. People wait in lino, hoping for a place to, sleep in the Warrnang Contan Every single night, someone at the front of dic- ljrjeforfeits their be,d to help a neighbor with greater needs OUR HOMELESS NEIGHBORS describe the experience of surviving on the street with one word: "invisible." People and families clo not become homeless as a matter of outright choice. Each unique story carries a similar formula of illness, tragedy, traurna and pain. Inside the, Flathead Warming Center no one is invisible. There are people to greet you, hear Your stories, and listen LD your plans and drearns. A hot drink and a clean, dry pair of socks. No "us" and "fhern." We are all in this together. "M Y wife and I have been honicicss in the Flathead for 3 Ycars. We camne to the Warming Ccntcron the 2.3rd of December when th(ir opencd. %x"C' were the first two People here, We had i-to-here 6,0 to sleep but in Our car, Had it not b(.,cn I -or the fine foiks here, we would have probably frozen 1:4) don-11 this yean Ifyou Could just open Your hc4rt to die^ joy, of the peofilr: here, it would he a wonderful world, We thank you for everythingand God bles" You." We have. The Flathead Warming Center opened its doors on December 23, 2019 - for many it was a Christmas miracle. Downstairs at Christ Church Episcopal were 20 warm beds, restroorn racilities, and a small army of welcoming, trained staffand volunteers. On that cold December night and every night throughout the winter, the Flathead Warming Center was filled to capacity. Almost nightly, some guests had to be turned away because there was no more room, 2019-20 SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS OVER 87 NIGHTS of service, the center operated at nightly capacity of 20 guests. Many individuals were turned away each night as more people needed shelter than the facility could 8CCOMmodate. Those turned away spent the night in the police station lobby, in a vehicle, under a bridge or another make -shift shelter. Of the 105 unique individuals served, self - reporting revealed the following circumstances:, Domestic Violence �® Military Service 19 if Addictions Significant Disability 22 41 "I lost all hope. Gaining hope again is one of the hardest things to do." —Cody, ptext "With the Warming Center, I have a place to feet safe. It's hard to feel safe when You're hoaleleim" — Gabriel, guRst 1,17ithPitr bell), tew will soon be able tosay, 'Come in,, there ii, roomft"r everyone tonig1m, A LONG-TERM SOLUTION IN OUR COMMUNITY The Flathead Warming Center envisions a permanent location to expand OUr services and to be a long-teTrn solution to low - barrier emergency shelter needs in our Community. For the past year, MeMbers of the Flathead Warming Center's Board of Directors have looked for a larger, permanent location to provide low -barrier emergency shelter services. A site has been identified that wiVl allow us to provide, near - term services and long-term expansion. We have entered into a contract to purchase with very favorable terms and at rninrnaD risk. Should this option fail, we have several others to explore. STAFF AND BOARD, Warming Center Services are delivered by a full- tirne Executive [34ector, 5 part-tirne direct care staff members, and over 50 trained volunteers (57 onsite volunteers, 500 shifts, 1,653 Volunteer hours). The Center's Board of Directors provides strategic direction and finandall oversight, OFFICERS Luke Heffernan, Chairman Tonya Horn, Executive Director Jane Emmert, Vice Chair Shirley Willis, Treasurer Jerie Betschart, Secretary DIRECTORS Monte Christensen Holly Christensen Dusty Dziza Bethany3ohnson Debbie Mulcahy Roger Nasset .Jeffrey S cog i n Steve Sr6pstead P110JEcr COMPONENTS ANTIQPxrFD COSTS Direct Project Costs $627,400 Property acquisition& renovation 495,000 Fixtures, furnishings, equipment 20,000 Infrastructure improvements 30,000 Contingencies 51,500 Escalation 30,900 lridirect Project Costs $122,600 Annual support subsidy 10,000 Start-up and moving costs 5,000 Campaign costs 75,600 Pledge construction financing 14,400 Nedge shrinkage 17,600 Preliminary Campaign Goal S750,0(Z TONYA HORN C()-fnUnder, Executrve Director LUKF HEI'TERNAN Co-founder, Board Chair 'Me know that when an indsridual ftels,wa,nted is given the opport4nfity to, hold their own dignity erred ter participair Bird give hock to the convnuniy behaviorx chiinge. As we move beyoridunelfiire to comjnuw'fy, ibat's wbenzvalls come do-wnrind lives change.` " IGare the type of conlnnfni�y that lakff alre ofeach other The biggeo pinbfipr me is God's gn7ce, tMarhou., I've experienced it. We want to treat peoplewitij the wycondin'onal hwe of God. " warmaaidsafe@fiatheaclvvMMLncLc&�nter.grg Box 7142 Ka4spell, MT 59904 (406) 250-8652 FLATHEAD WARMING CENTER REQUEST FOR A C:C)NDITIONAL USE PERMIT KALISP'ELL PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT' #KCI1-20-05 OC:TOBER 7, 2020 This is a report to the Kalispell City Planning Berard and. Kalispell City Council regarding a request for a conditional use perunit for a homeless shelter within an existing B-I (Neighborhood Business) zone. A public hearing our this matter has been scheduled before the Planning Board for October 13, 2020, beginning; at 6:00 PM, in the Kalispell City Council Chambers. The planning Board wig➢ forward a recommendation to the Kalispell City Council for frna➢ action. BAC:KGROUaD INFORMATION MAT1(IN This application is a request from the Flathead Warming Center for a conditional use permit to operate a homeless shelter. The property is zoned B-1 (Neighborhood Business). The facility would be located within an existing building on the property and have a new fenced courtyard. it is intended to operate primarily in colder months from October through April with up to 40 guests per night, with typical hours of operation expected to be from 7:00pm to 7:00 am. This application is being filed in conjunction with a request for a zoning text amendment which would add homeless shelters as a conditionally permitted use in the 13-1 zone. A: Applicant: Flathead Wanning Center 110 Stillwater River Trail Whitefish, MT 59937 B: Location: The property is located at 889 North Meridian Road. The property can be described as Assessors "Tracts 5PA, 5P'B, and 5BA in Section 7, T28N, K.21W, M.P.M., Flathead County, Montana. C. Existing Land Use and Zoning: The suljject property is currently not occupied, but the recent use on the property was auto repair. It includes a partially paved parking lot and a fenced area which formerly acted as a storage yard. The 13-1 zoning is intended to provide "certain commercial and professional office uses where such uses are compatible with the adjacent residential areas... This district would typically serve as a buffer between residential areas and other commercial districts. Development scale and pedestrian orientation are important elements of this district. This district is also intended to provide goods and services at a. neighborhood level. The district is not intended for those businesses that require the outdoor display, sale and/or storage of merchandise, outdoor services or operations to accommodate large-scale commercial operations. This zoning district would typically be found in areas designated as neighborhood commercial or urban inixed use on the Kalispell Growth Policy future I.,and Use Map." D. Size: The subject property is approximately 0.73 acres. E: Adjacent Zoning; North: RA-2/:R-3/R-5/IAA-1 East: R-4 South: B-2 /P-I West: 13-2/13-1 la~: Adjacent Land. Uses: North: Single-family and rnulti- family residential„ offices East: Undeveloped (county fairgrounds parking) South: detail center; fairgrounds West: Northwestern Energy office and storage yard; retail G. General Land Use Character: The subject property is located in one of the main commercial corridors within the city alone North Meridian Road, It contains a mix of uses which runs most of the spectrum. To the east and south, the County Fairgrounds property is the dominant use, with the temporary fair parking lot immediately adjacent to this site. Most of the properties to the south are retail and office which tend to increase in intensity as one approaches US Highway 2, including the US Post Office. hmlaediately to the west across Meridian is Northwestern Energy, which is a. natural gas utility and contains their main office and utility storage yard. To the north, there are offices and residential uses before transitioning again into commercial/industrial developments H. Relation to the Growth Policy: The City of Kalispell Growth Policy flan -It 2035, Chapter 3, Community Growth and Design, Goal3 encourages "housing types that provide housing for all. sectors and income levels within the community." providing opportunities for housing our community's homeless population serves that goal. The land use designation of the subject property is Urban Mixed Use, which is the appropriate land use designation for the B-I .done and anticipates the type of use requested. 1 Utilities/Services.- Sewer: City of Kalispell Water: City of Kalispell Refuse: City of Kalispell. Electricity: flathead Electric Cooperative Gas: Northwestern Energy Telephone: CenturyTel Schools: School District 5, Russell Elementary/Glacier High School Eire: City of Kalispell Police: City of Kalispell P:VALfl7�l,1TC11V CbIH 't'1TF �S'f" This application has been reviewed in accordance with the conditional use review criteria in the Kalispell .ironing Ordinance, A conditional use permit may be granted only if the proposal, as submitted, conforms to all of the following general conditional use permit criteria„ as well as to all other applicable criteria that may be requested. TIA"MIMMEM EN THE WARMING CENTER FLOOR PLAN 1. Site Suitability: a. Ade�eable 5.aa—ce: The subiect property is approximately 0,73 acres. The entire project site is flat with no significant impediments, thus leaving the entire site developable. When the project is submitted for building permit and site review, the specific layout of the site, including parking, will be addressed. The Center intends to only use a portion of the overall site, which is technically comprised of three separate tracts of land. Nearly the entire facility would be located on one tract. They intend to improve the condition of all three parcels by repairing/replacing fencing, controlling weeds, planting grass and irrigating landscaping. b. Fl�ht, bulk and location of the buildup: The building is existing and there are no additions planned. There are no issues relating to height, bulk or location of the building. C. Adeguate, Access: The access to the property is off of North Meridian Road. There is an existing access Just to the north of the building, which is approximately 44 feet wide, exceeding current standards. The access should be narrowed to 24 ft wide by extending the sidewalk and installing a five-foot landscape buffer, with the specific design to be determined as part of the site review process prior to occupancy, Otherwise, access to the site is sufficient to support the proposed use. d. Environmental Constraints: There are no known environmental constraints, such as steep slopes, streams, floodplains, or wetlands on the property, which could affect the proposed use. 2. Appropriate Design: a. Parking Scheme/Loading Areas: The off-street parking requirement under the zoning ordinance for homeless shelters is one per fRVC Occupants, which provides parking both for those individuals who may have a car, but not other shelter, and for workers/volunteers at the center. Based on the estimated 40 occupants, eight parking spaces would be required, including one van -accessible handicap parking space. The property has sufficient area to provide the parking, although a small expansion of the asphalt area maybe necessary. The specific layout and design of the parking area will be reviewed as part of the site review process prior to occupancy. b. Lightin Y: Chapter 27.26 of the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance sets standards for all outdoor lighting on commercial or residential structures. Exterior lighting installed in conjunction with the development will be reviewed for compliance with the zoning ordinance during site development review. C. Traffic Circulation: As noted above, the primary access will be North Meridian Road and will need to be reduced in width to meet current standards. On -site parking for eight spaces will need to be provided with drive -aisle dimensions as required under the zoning ordinance. d. Open �Sace: There are no open space requirements associated with a homeless shelter, particularly one with limited hours and months of operation. The proposal does include a six-foot high fenced courtyard area as part of the main entrance to the facility. C. iLegnci reenin l�andscaping: The proposal includes a fenced courtyard and some buffering between the sidewalk and parking area is required. The courtyard would allow for monitored outdoor breaks for the occupants as well as more control over entry and exiting. The Center plans to improve the current condition of the property as a whole by repairing/replacing existing fencing, controlling weeds, planning grass and irrigating landscaping, f Sigmagre. The development shall comply with all of the sign standards as set forth in Chapter 27.22 of the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance. The application describes a temporary sandwich -board sign that would not be compliant with the sign ordinance, so an alternative that is compliant will need to be used. 3. Availability of Public Services/ acilities: a. Police: Police protection will be provided by the Kalispell Police Department, No unusual impacts or needs are anticipated from the project. b. Eire Protection: Fire protection will be provided by the Kalispell Fire Department. Station 61 is approximately 1 .2 miles from the subject property, giving good response time. Water.' City water is available and currently serves the property. It is not anticipated that any upgrades to the main would be necessary, but fixtures will need to be added for restroom facilities, showers, and kitchen. 'The number of fixtures required will be detennined by the Building Department prior to a building permit and occupancy. d. Sewer: Sewer service is also available and currently serve-, the property. As with water service, additional fixtures inside the building will be required. C. Storm Water Drainage: No changes to the storin drainage plan are anticipated, although review of the site drainage will occur as part of the site review process. Solid Waste:: Solid waste pick-up will be provided by the City. & Streets: The primary street frontage is North Meridian Road, an existing road which provides access to the greater City of Kalispell circulation system. No additional streets or improvements to existing streets are required. h. Sidewalks; There is an existing sidewalk along the full frontage of property. The driveway approach is wider than allowed under current city regulations and needs to be reduced, which will necessitate replacement of approximately 20 feet of sidewalk. The sidewalk should be continued through the approach in a manner designed to met City of Kalispell Standards for Design and Construction. Schools: 'This site is within the boundaries of School District 95. There would not be an impact on schools. j. Parks -andReercation: No parkland or recreational amenities are required, although the fenced courtyard allows for monitored outdoor breaks. Limited hours at night and months of operation during the winter minimize the need for outdoor recreational amenities. k. I RA96!= and I�"ire Crode: The change of use in the building and the improvements shown in the application would require a building perrnit. Items to be reviewed would include, but not be limited to, exiting requirements, fire protection, bathroom/shower facilities, and any structural' components affected. Impact fees based on the change of use and fixture counts, as provided under city regulations, are typically paid in conjunction with the building permit. 4. Neighborhood impacts: a. Traffic: There is minimal impact on traffic in connection with the proposed use. They expect a few vehicles from people seeking shelter. Eagle Transit and church vans will provide service as well, which Would tend to minimize traffic impacts. b. Noise and Vibration: The primary use will occur inside the bui:lding. Outdoor use is limited to monitored breaks in the courtyard. As a supervised facility, noise should be kept to, a minimum. C. Dust, Gate. and Heat: The use of the property would not generate any unreasonable dust glare, and heat. d. Smoke Furnes Gas or Odors: The use of the property will create minimal additional smoke, fumes, gas and odors. e. Hours of 0 eration: The Center intends to operate from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am during T the coldest months of the year, generally from October through April, S. Consideration of historical use patterns and recent changes: The property is located in one of the main commercial corridors within the city along North Meridian Road, with a mix of` uses that have developed over timc. In recent years, Meridian was expanded from a two-lane road to a three -lane (plus a turn lane) as commercial development Occurred along what was, previously the edge of town. This particular property, which now sits vacant, has most recently been an auto repair shop with an extensive amount of junk vehicles that have since been removed from the property. 6,. Effects on property values, No significant impacts on property values are anticipated as a result of the requested conditional use of the property, 7. Public comment: The Planning Office has received several public comments, which are attached. RECOMMENDATION The staff recommends that the Kalispell Planning Board adopt staff report #KCU-20-05 as findings of fact and recommend to the Kalispell City Council that the conditional use permit be approved subject to the following conditions: CONDITIONS nV A VDDI"117 AT 1. That commencement of the approved activity must begin within 18 months from the date of authorization or that a continuous good faith effort is inade to bring the project to completion. The conditional use permit is not valid until the B-1 zoning text amendment allowing homeless shelters as a conditionally permitted use becomes effective under statutory timelines 30 days from approval of the zoning amendment on second reading, 3. That the development of the site shall be in substantial conformance with the submitted application and architectural/site plan drawings, 4. Prior to occupancy, the applicant shall apply for a building permit through the City of Kalispell Building Department to review the Proposed improvements and change of use. 5. Architectural renderings are required to be submitted to the Kalispeli Architectural Review Committee for review and approval prior to issuance of a building permit for any work which significantly changes the exterior appearance of the building, 6. To ensure the traffic flow and access comply with Kalispell Design and Construction Standards, as well as compliance with other site development standards, the development shall receive Site Review Committee approval prior to issuance of the building permit. T A minimum of one paved parking space per live Occupants shall be provided. The specific design shall be submitted for review and approval in compunction with building permit and site review prior to occupancy of the building. 8. The existing sidewalk along North Meridian Road shall be extended to define the parking Got access and reduce the driveway to 24 feet, along with a five-foot landscape buffer adJacent to the sidewalk. The sidewalk should be continued through the approach in a manner designed to meet City of Kalispeli Standards for Design and Construction, 9. The nurnber of occupants shall be fimited to no more than 40 people. Increases to the occupancy may be applied for and would go through either the conditional use permit or administrative conditional use permit process. The review would be based on an analysis of the increased impacts. 1/27/23, 2:21 PM The Value of Walkability 111111111B NATIONAL��������i ASSOCIATION OF .. .... uuuuuu 1:1EA1 71GIG S' IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Ili e vrza e III IIIkka lb *111 1�� 1111ty, Walkable neighborhoods are more popular among consumers than ever. According to a new study conducted by the Brookings Institution, people prefer to live in communities that allow them to walk to shops, parks and other destinations and will pay more for a home that allows them to do just that. The study used the Washington, D.C. area as a test location for the research. The more walkable the community, the more the price per square foot increased. 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