Burchwood Subdivision Public Comment from James ThompsonAimee Brunckhorst
From: James Thompson <arquitec65@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 2, 2026 3:59 PM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Burchwood Subdivision
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Birchwood Subdivision / Habitat For Humanity
8/1/2026
THIS PROJECT IS A COMPLETE TRAVESTY FOR PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE NORTHLAND / NORTH RIDGE
SUBDIVISION AREA.
1. One thousand more vehicle trips per day on Northland Dr AND that does not include construction
traffic. Based on the Phasing Plan this will go on for years. At least half of Northland Dr. is already posted as a
FIRE LANE with no parking on one side.
2. This subdivision should not be approved without a northern connection to Four Mile Dr. from day one. The
amount of construction traffic for development will be staggering. The amount of soil that needs to be hauled
IN and OUT is probably going to be three times that amount of a normal subdivision because of the adverse soil
(17 feet of fill) conditions. The load of the trucks will destroy Northland Dr. let alone the dust and dirt created
by the construction traffic. The connection only requires an additional 250 feet of roadway if the proposed
second access is deleted. There is NO topographic constraint to the north for a connection to Four Mile Dr. and
the connection should only be about 500 feet. The phasing plan could be adjusted to accommodate the
connection.
3. The property owner to the north is Touchmark LLC of Beverton, Oregon this access would also benefit their
property for future development. Habitat should at least pursue this opportunity as it would be of great benefit
to both properties. Habitat's non-profit status could be a great advantage to both parties in creating the
connection .
4. The intersection of Four Mile Dr and Northland Dr also needs to be improved as an initial requirement, with
a left turn lane and improved right turn lane. When turning right off of Four Mile Dr you need to swing way right
to make the turn due to the way the original intersection as constructed .
5. The City of Kalispell should not just roll over and approve this subdivision because it is Habitat the for
Humanity. These are critical conditions and are essential to protect property values, safety and livability for all
existing and new property owners.
6. Finally, I would like to say this application makes no sense when you are trying to build affordable
housing. Even if the property was purchased at a discounted amount, all of the development costs will be
significantly higher due to the adverse soil conditions. The cost of roads, utilities and structure foundations will
all be at considerably higher price.
1
IT MAKES NO SENCE FOR HABITAT TO SPEND WAY MORE MONEY ON DEVELOPMENT COSTS EVEN IF THEY HAVE
A BENEFACTOR PAYING THE PRICE.
7. At the very least the City of Kalispell should require Habitat for Humanity to secure access from Four Mile
Drive for all site improvement construction traffic.
James Thompson
144 Northland Dr
Kalispell, Mt 59901