Early Learning Center at Northridge Lutheran Public Comment from Anne CastrenTo the City Council,
I am writing in strong support of Immanuel Lutheran Community's Early Learning Center at Northridge Lutheran Church. I am a long time member of Northridge and believe that as a member
of this community the Early Learning Center will be a huge benefit to our greater Flathead home. As we all know, finding childcare is a burden for many of the families in this area.
As stated in the 2022 study published by the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, "This report demonstrates that the shortage of affordable child care options in Flathead County results in
staffing issues for businesses, lost productivity, lack of school readiness and financial burdens for families." (pg 14 https://kalispellchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/final-kalispell-child-
care-call-to-action.pdf <https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkalispellchamber.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F02%2Ffinal-kalispell-child-care-call-to-action.pdf&data
=05%7C01%7Cabrunckhorst%40kalispell.com%7Ccf1fe03aad1a49c07f2608db652d420a%7C6219d736f71146359cbaff616a81b398%7C1%7C0%7C638215018260054031%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIi
LCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=d10AheeIgu2m0AoooRdXpsgOfrHospuYU5JCMRiRpOA%3D&reserved=0> ). I am aware that there are neighbors who are not in favor of this partnership.
However, I know that Northridge and ILC are committed to working with their neighbors to make this as agreeable situation as possible. I also know that if we want to see changes in
our community, we have to be willing to make sacrifices as well. It seems clear to me that the benefits of having this Early Learning center far outweigh any inconveniences that may
arise from its location. It is my hope that the City Council will pass this proposal for the good of our larger community.
sincerely
Anne Castren
370 Anderson Lane
Kalispell MT