Growth Policy Amendment Meeting - Public Comment from Judy MartinsonKalispell City Council 201 First Avenue East Kalispell, MT 59901
Subject: Opposition to Amendment #KGPA-24-01: Tronstad Meadows and Whitetail Crossing
Dear Kalispell City Council Members,
I am writing to voice my strong opposition to the proposed amendment concerning the Tronstad Meadows and Whitetail Crossing development (#KGPA-24-01). As a dedicated resident of Kalispell,
I believe this amendment threatens the sustainable and thoughtful growth our community deserves.
Misalignment with Existing Growth Policies
The proposed annexation of Tronstad Meadows and Whitetail Crossing contradicts the carefully crafted objectives of the Kalispell Growth Policy Plan-It 2035 and the city's Annexation
Policy. These policies were designed to ensure orderly, sustainable development that reflects our community’s values and existing land use.
Fast-tracking an amendment to favor a single development in rural and agricultural areas seems like an abrupt departure from our established growth plans. Such a move appears to benefit
a single developer's interests rather than the broader community.
Shortsighted Planning Concerns
Unlike the strategic growth along the Highway 93 corridor, this proposed patchwork annexation is shortsighted. It undermines the comprehensive planning efforts that are vital for the
sustainable future of Kalispell. We must maintain a consistent and thoughtful approach to growth that aligns with our long-term vision.
Community Opposition and Call for Thorough Review
The community’s opposition to this amendment is evident, with over 500 signatures on a petition, packed meetings, and numerous public comments against it. We urge the council to reconsider
this amendment and stick to the established growth policies that reflect the collective interests and long-term vision for Kalispell. Please vote no until a comprehensive review and
community consultation are conducted to ensure any changes align with the principles of sustainable and orderly growth outlined in Plan-It 2035.
Economic and Environmental Implications
Approving this amendment would overextend the city's resources and set a troubling precedent for unaffordable developments. The proposed housing prices are not accessible to many residents,
countering the policy's goal of providing affordable housing for all income levels.
Additionally, increased development would lead to more traffic, compromising road safety for pedestrians and cyclists and conflicting with our goals for walkable and bikeable neighborhoods.
Converting agricultural lands to residential use poses significant environmental risks, threatening local wildlife, water quality, and the rural landscape’s integrity.
Conclusion
In light of these concerns, I urge the Kalispell City Council to reject application #KGPA-24-01. Let’s uphold our commitment to strategic, inclusive growth that respects the needs and
values of all Kalispell residents, preserving the unique character and natural beauty of our community.
Thank you for considering the long-term interests of our community in your decision-making process.
Sincerely,
Judy Martinson, 56 Empire Loop, Kalispell MT 59901
<https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJzrph-ygqMoCSWbqO5CXRssMrXFzOzwq0YI5rX5w1AVWlnGKc=s80-p> ReplyForward
--
<https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4yUWMEHTpjtV3byvPa3ZAq5Qps7aca1d69jq-jzuVa7hoo0IGZksK_ggcNp-5DmQrLvFyca2ogGGn3i>
<https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4yE5iAlaxH-Km3PwNgBqWNlptcPav_0ZTiet2wZ98JYN6suykr3uHq3sqCjp_Gu-4xkr8ih-Gg>
Judy Martinson
Broker/Realtor
National Parks Realty
601 Spokane Avenue
Whitefish, MT 59937
www.NationalParksRealty.com <https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationalparksrealty.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cabrunckhorst%40kalispell.com%7C063589027b3b49d5332b08dc7856
348f%7C6219d736f71146359cbaff616a81b398%7C1%7C0%7C638517558869443154%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dAkDU%2FNAcAZiDEHR0C
qpNLo1IONkKEv44PjFi1g8184%3D&reserved=0>
Office: 406.862.8400 <tel:(406)%20862-8400>
Mobile: 406.250.6644
Licensed in the State of Montana
License #RRE-BRO-LIC-8420
ey did I would be in jail for disorderly conduct, for littering, for loitering but that's not happening to the people that are violating Our city...
Accountability! A new concept?...
Respectfully submitted
Nancy Christenson
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer <https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.onelink.me%2F107872968%3Fpid%3DNativePlacement%26c%3DGlobal_Acquisition_YMktg_315_EmailSi
gnatureGrowth_YahooMail%3ASearch%2COrganize%2CConquer%26af_sub1%3DAcquisition%26af_sub2%3DGlobal_YMktg%26af_sub3%3D%26af_sub4%3D100000945%26af_sub5%3DOrganizeConquer__Static_&data=05%7C02%7Cabrunckho
rst%40kalispell.com%7C9b934818831248dafa2108dc7431299e%7C6219d736f71146359cbaff616a81b398%7C1%7C0%7C638513001712715423%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJX
VCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=aQ%2BeLkRyK5ne%2BsHd4ee0YMTyHyQPqU8oLM8mbCtYRDk%3D&reserved=0>
their valued services, contributing to a balanced community.
Workers can’t afford to live here. Retirees can’t afford to live here. Only the extremely wealthy can live here comfortably. I pay $2600 a month for a 700 sq ft house. Who can afford
that on minimum wage? I will have to move out of state next spring.
-