Main Street Safety Action Plan Thoughts Public Comment from Sage Drury Aimee Brunckhorst
From: Sage Drury <slenwa1194@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 2:39 PM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Main Street Safety Action Plan Thoughts
Dear Mayor Hunter and City Council,
First, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Hunter on your election as Mayor of
Kalispell. I wish you the very best as you move forward in this role and hope your term is marked by
thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and positive momentum for our community.
I am writing to share my thoughts on the Kalispell Main Street Safety Action Plan, as well as some
broader reflections on our community that I feel are closely connected to it.
Being from the Bitterroot Valley and growing up in a small community myself, my family and I
dreamed of moving to Kalispell.We envisioned a close-knit,family-centered town; a place where
community felt intentional, cared for, and cohesive.While there are many things to appreciate
about Kalispell, I would be honest in saying that, since moving here,we have felt that something
essential is missing.
For a town with so many young families and a reputation for being family-driven,there seems to be
a significant lack of accessible,welcoming, and truly family-friendly public spaces.There are
programs and activities available, but many require payment, registration, or travel across a valley
that often feels fragmented rather than connected. Everything feels spread out, and there is little
sense of a shared community heart.
In many towns, even very small ones,there is usually a clear feeling that the city and the
community care about the people who live there.There is often a walkable downtown with a
destination: a park, a plaza, or a gathering place where families can pause, rest, and simply exist
together without needing to spend money.
While Woodland Park is a wonderful asset, it is not easily walkable from downtown for many
families and typically requires driving. Depot Park is walkable and appreciated, but its size and
surroundings make it difficult to function as a true gathering space.With heavy traffic bordering it,
limited seating, and no amenities for children or families, it does not feel like a place where one can
comfortably linger, relax, or"park" oneself for a moment while walking downtown. It feels more
like a pass-through than a destination.
At times, it feels as though community-focused projects are continually deferred with the
explanation that they are "not in the budget," despite the city's general fund growing.The
uncertainty surrounding long-term staples like the library only deepens that concern. It can give the
impression that unless something is immediately profitable, it is not prioritized, and that is
genuinely disheartening. Community spaces are not luxuries;they are the foundation of civic pride,
connection, and well-being.
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These broader concerns are why I feel so strongly about the Main Street Safety Action Plan.
While I appreciate the intent behind improving walkability and safety downtown, I am concerned
about the proposal to narrow Main Street to two traffic lanes. Given Ka[is pell's continued
population growth and the significant influx of tourism, reducing traffic capacity may create
congestion rather than improving accessibility. I believe maintaining the existing traffic flow is
important for both residents and visitors.
That said, I strongly support widening sidewalks. Expanded sidewalks would dramatically improve
walkability and could transform Main Street into a space that feels inviting, cared for, and alive.
Wider sidewalks could allow for seating,gathering areas, and even sidewalk dining;features that
encourage people to linger, connect, and enjoy downtown in a meaningful way.
To accomplish this, I would encourage the city to explore alternatives to on-street parking rather
than eliminating traffic lanes. Specifically, I would like to see consideration given to a centralized
downtown parking garage.While our downtown footprint is not large, a parking structure could free
up valuable street space, improve pedestrian safety, and create a more cohesive,walkable
downtown environment. I would be interested to know whether this option has been explored and
what its feasibility might be.
Ultimately, my hope is that Kalispell can move toward becoming a city that feels intentionally
designed for the people who live here, rather than simply a place people pass through.A downtown
that offers a welcoming,walkable place to gather, rest, and connect would go a long way toward
restoring the sense of care and community that so many of us are seeking.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts and for your service to our city. I appreciate your
willingness to listen to community feedback and hope these reflections can be part of an ongoing
conversation about Kalispell's future.
Respectfully,
Sage Drury
1951 Bluestone Dr
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