Tronstad Development_Public Comment from Mallory PhillipsDear Kalispell Mayor and City Council,
Tronstad Meadows and Whitetail Crossings stand out as far as developments go. It
thoughtfully caters to middle-class families. These homes provide a viable option for those who
earn too much to qualify for deed -restricted housing but cannot afford larger market -rate homes.
The "American Dream" of owning your own home has swiftly disappeared for many in the
Flathead Valley as the housing crisis persists. These smaller homes harken back to a more
modest time in the Flathead Valley's history in which it was rare to find homes larger than 1,500
sq/ft.
I originally was not going to submit a comment, but then I watched the Kalispell City
Planning meeting. While I believe there were valid points made in the argument against this
development (loss of vitally important agricultural land), I did not agree with all of their points.
We do not get to say I got my slice of the Montana pie, but no one else is able to? All of that land
in which their houses are on, were also once wide open agricultural land. I also think that it is
important to remember those who aren't there to comment. It is the responsibility of the council
to think about the broader community as a whole, and not just those individuals who have the
time to show up to city meetings. Too often individuals who could benefit the most from having
more housing built are unable to attend public hearings. This imbalance can lead to
developments being voted down, and community members left behind.
While I believe that the development will provide much needed housing, I would like to
address safety concerns on Highway 93. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT)
has in the past collaborated with communities to ensure highways meet their needs (see Pablo
where speeds are lowered and grassy knolls exist in the center which create islands at
intersections to make it safer for pedestrians to cross). In this case, with existing homes and the
proposed development bordering the highway, improvements are necessary, specifically at the
Tronstad and Highway 93 intersection. I encourage the City of Kalispell to work with MDOT to
see a significant speed reduction and, ultimately, a narrowing of the highway/create grassy knolls
in this area. While some may find the suggestion of lowering speeds on Highway 93 humorous, I
believe prioritizing the safety of both residents and drivers is paramount. Just as a 65 mph speed
limit would be absurd in Kalispell's downtown core, building a large development near a high-
speed highway without demanding a reduction seems equally unreasonable.
If Kalispell aims to create new neighborhoods that are as vibrant as its downtown areas,
safety and community connectedness is crucial for fostering that vibrancy. Lowering speeds and
potentially narrowing the highway will create a safer environment for residents to enjoy their
new community.
Sincerely,
Mallory Phillips
Whitefish