Growth Policy Amendment for The Reserve at Johnson Ranch Public Comment from Mandy Pokorny Aimee Brunckhorst
From: Mandy Pokorny <mandy.pokorny@outlook.com>
Sent: Monday, July 21, 2025 7:22 PM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Public Comment—Growth Policy Amendment for The Reserve at Johnson
Ranch
Dear Kalispell City Council,
I'm writing to submit public comment regarding the proposed Growth Policy
Amendment for The Reserve at Johnson Ranch. I am a native to the beautiful West
Valley area of the Flathead Valley and care deeply about how our community grows and
develops. While I understand the need for additional housing, I'd like to share a few
concerns and suggestions related to the scale and impact of this proposal.
This area of the valley is still primarily rural, and the high-density housing being
proposed (particularly the proposed apartment buildings) feels inconsistent with the
surrounding land use. The infrastructure, including roads and public services, doesn't
seem prepared to support such a large influx of residents.
One of my primary concerns is traffic and safety. The development would be adjacent to
the already heavily trafficked Stillwater Road along LHC gravel pit, which already sees
constant heavy truck traffic. Adding residential traffic particularly involving families
and children—raises real safety concerns that should be carefully considered in this area.
Additionally, the proposed area falls within a known wildlife corridor that elk and other
animals use regularly. Development in this space could significantly disrupt those
patterns, and I hope preservation of wildlife movement is prioritized as our valley grows.
I also encourage consideration of dark sky protections, green spaces, and sustainable
building practices to help retain the natural character of the Flathead Valley while
meeting housing needs.
Lastly, West Valley's K-8 school is a wonderfully and already overcrowded school. The
addition of more homes in this area will further strain its capacity. I ask that the City
explore an education impact mitigation fee to help fund necessary school expansions and
adjustments as part of this proposal.
I'm not against growth, but I do believe it should be intentional, thoughtful, and well-
aligned with the needs and limitations of our community. Thanks for taking the time to
seek input.
Sincerely,
Mandy Pokorny
West Valley Resident, Flathead Valley
(406) 250-5691
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