KCU-23-05 The Lofts at Buffalo Hill Public Comment from Margaret S DavisThe Lofts at Buffalo Hill, #KCU-23-05 1 Dec 2023
Margaret S Davis, homeowner 160 Charlotte Ave, Kalispell MT 59901
The application under consideration from Immanuel Lutheran Communities, Inc. is the second version that was submitted to the City Planning Department. I believe the application still
does not meet City of Kalispell H-1 zoning regulations for multi-family housing and the parking regulations for multi-family housing. It should be returned to the applicant for modification
that includes seeking a 27.11.030(8) Conditional Use Permit for multi-family housing and a variance request for having less than the 27.24 Residential parking standard of 1.5 spaces
for each unit (page 134).
The height of this proposed apartment development is not a problem for me. However, the existing parking availability and the road system in the H-1 zone are inadequate and will be
negatively impacted by the Lofts project. Fewer parking spaces will be a available for staff and visitor parking and no provision has been made for snow storage after plowing.
Ryder Rd north of the proposed Lofts complex is a 16’ wide deeded alley. It is a service access alley for garbage, garages, and deliveries. The irregular footprint of the skilled nursing
facility impairs sight lines and compromises pedestrian traffic.
The Lofts complex is a hybrid condo/business enterprise intended for those with at least one occupant aged 55 years or older. (The Woodlands is another example of this type of 55-and-older
housing.) The 40 units range from in size from 884sf to 1662sf. According to the plans, there are 74 bedrooms and 82 bathrooms distributed among 8 one-BR, 30 two-BR, and 2 three-BR
units. This is not an expansion of either the two skilled care facilities and four independent living cottages on the property at 185 Crestline Ave.
This application needs more work and should be reviewed again for additional conditions and compliance by the City Planning Dept.