Tronstad Meadows and Whitetail Crossing Public Comment from Brenda Oberlitner April 24, 2024
Dear Kalispell City Council Members,
My name is Brenda Oberlitner. I reside at 36 Wintercrest Rdg, Kalispell MT, located North of the
proposed Tronstad Meadows and Whitetail Crossing development. I write in opposition to Frank Garner
and MT Seven Properties application as written in its entirety for a 380-unit housing development.
The applicants identify surrounding infrastructure problems but fail to specify solutions to address their
stated issues prior to development.
The intersection at Tronstad and Hwy 93 is currently a “pork chop” design having no signals or right-turn
lane for traffic North bound off of ’93. This condition forces following traffic to perilously merge into high
speed left lane traffic. Page 8 of the application states there is a proposed installation of a traffic light at
the intersection. Page 29 of the application indicates Montana Dept of Transportation has final
determination when a traffic signal would be installed. Page 10 of the application states the developer
would work with other developers in the area to help with the costs of a traffic light installation in the
future. The application fails to address a turn lane, signals or cost commitments for this intersection prior
to development.
Another issue identified on Page 10 of the supplemental growth policy application states a pedestrian
path will be constructed along Tronstad road limited to the development’s frontage. Any pedestrian path
should be continuous and connective to existing pedestrian paths along the Quail Medows subdivision
and Silverbrook Estates along Hwy 93. This improvement would necessitate means for safe transit across
’93 as well. The application fails to address a safe continuous pedestrian path, time frame or cost
commitments for said improvements
Page 24 of the application discusses need to upgrade Tronstad to a major collector road limited to the
development frontage but does not address its intersection with Whitefish Stage Road. This intersection
is a traffic hazard due to its narrow profile, lack of signals, turn lanes and an obstructed view of north
bound traffic. MDT is in the design phase of widening and improving Whitefish Stage to a major collector
which may address this intersection but currently has no priority, proposed schedule or funding plan.
This large high-density residential development will significantly increase the vehicle volume adversely
impacting safety and level of service to an already inadequate roadway infrastructure. Pedestrian travel
along Tronstad and Whitefish Stage roads are currently not even feasible.
Thankfully, the Kalispell City Council prioritizes infrastructure and provisions of public services. The
Tronstad Meadows and Whitetail Crossing development should be voted no until these necessary
improvements are in place.
I appreciate your time and consideration with the hope you will apply careful duty to benefit your
neighbors and citizens you proudly serve.
Sincerely,
Brenda Oberlitner