Loading...
Tronstad Meadows and whitetail crossing development Public Comment from Emma LovejoyDear Honorable Mayor Johnson and Members of the Kalispell City Council, My name is Emma Lovejoy, and I'm a 21-year-old homeowner in the valley. My fiance and I have been working hard and saving since high school, with homeownership as our ultimate goal. We didn’t go to college, but we focused on building our future here. Last year, we bought our first house in Marion because it was what we could afford. Now, we’re excited to be moving into Kalispell and purchasing a new home. Starting young, working hard, and prioritizing savings got us into our first home. There’s a lot of talk about “affordable housing” these days, and it's being used by developers to push through a new growth policy amendment aimed at benefiting a single developer. My parents live on Tronstad Rd. near the proposed Tronstad Meadows and Whitetail Crossing development, a high-density 380-lot subdivision, that seems more about selling lots than building true community. This project is funded by an out-of-state developer with hundreds of developments across the country and by all appearances, seems to have two local community members acting as their frontmen. The proposed Tronstad Meadows/Whitetail Crossing subdivision isn’t like Silverbrook Estates where I grew up—a strategically and comprehensively planned subdivision with built-in infrastructure for ample access and egress, traffic management, and emergency services. The Growth Policy Plan-It 2035 ensures our city's growth is thoughtful, sustainable, and safe. This development fails to meet key principles: proper traffic management and safe entry/exit points, seamless connection with existing city areas for walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, protection of rural and agricultural landscapes from high-density zoning, and community-focused decisions benefiting all residents, not just a select few. This development risks creating an isolated, high-density housing area disconnected from the city’s infrastructure, aggravating traffic issues, and compromising safety, particularly for families with children. Please prioritize addressing and resolving current issues within the proposed development before adding new problems. The lack of adequate infrastructure and clear safety planning are significant concerns. We need solutions that uphold our growth policies and align with Kalispell’s vision for the future. Voting no on this amendment is essential. It would demonstrate that our city council is committed to making decisions that reflect the best interests of all residents, not just the interests of an eager individual individual or special interest,thereby ensuring Kalispell remains a safe, beautiful, and unique place to live. My family and many others are counting on you to make the right choice. Please vote no on amending the growth policy for the Tronstad Meadows and Whitetail Crossing development until all concerns are addressed and it aligns with Plan-It 2035 principles. Thank you for your attention and dedication to our community. Sincerely, Emma Lovejoy 68 Jolly Lane Marion, MT