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6. Resolution 5530 - Westside Urban Renewal PlanPlanning Department 201 Vt Avenue East Kalispell, MT 59901 Phone: (406) 758-7940 Fax: (406) 758-7739 www.katisPell.com/planning REPORT TO: Kalispell Mayor and City Council FROM: Sean Conrad, Senior Planner Jane Howington, City Manager SUBJECT Resolution of Intent and Call for Public Hearing - Amendment to the West Side Urban Renewal Plan MEETING DATE: October 3, 2011 BACKGROUND: The Kalispell City Planning Board met on September 27, 2011, and held a meeting to consider a request by the City of Kalispell to amend the West Side Urban Renewal Plan. Kalispell Planning Department staff presented staff report #KRD-11-1A providing details of the proposal and the recommended goals to be included in the West Side Urban Renewal Plan. Staff recommended the board adopt the findings of fact as proposed and recommend that the council approve the amendments to the West Side Urban Renewal Plan. The amendments include expanding the plan boundary using option 2 as presented by the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) and addressing blighting issues in the expanded area. Following staffs presentation and questions to staff by the planning board the chairman allowed persons in the audience to speak to the plan amendment. Several people spoke on the proposed amendments to the plan including Mark Campbell, Manager of the Flathead County Fairgrounds, and Mark Lalum, Manager of Cenex Harvest States in Kalispell. Mr. Campbell discussed with the board the fairgrounds preliminary plans for upgrading the facility. During questioning by the planning board Mr. Campbell stated that he agreed with the proposed goals in the staff report which related to the fairgrounds. Mr. Lalum explained the importance of the rail line for Cenex's grain elevators located at 5th Avenue WN and West Center Street. Mr. Lalum expressed his preference that the city have a policy in place that deals with the railroad tracks, whether the city should actively work with track users and the railroad to remove the tracks or if they should remain indefinitely. In Mr. Lalum's opinion the lack of a clear policy dealing with the tracks may be a disincentive for future businesses, whether they may need the tracks or not, from locating in this area. During the planning board's discussion questions arose on whether the board was reviewing the possible expansion of the West Side Urban Renewal Plan or the West Side Tax Increment Finance District. Staff clarified for the board that they are only reviewing and making a recommendation on the West Side Urban Renewal Plan. Any changes to the West Side Tax Increment Finance District would be a council decision. A motion was made to adopt staff report #KRD 11-1 A and forward the proposed amendment to the West Side Urban Renewal Plan to the Kalispell City Council for review and approval. The motion was approved unanimously. RECOMMENDATION: In accordance with state law, council should set a date for a public hearing on the proposed amendments to the plan. ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Council. Respectfully submit Sean Conrad Senior Planner Report compiled: September 28, 2011 c: Theresa White, Kalispell City Clerk Jane Howington City Manager A RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO CONSIDER MODIFICATION OF THE WEST SIDE URBAN RENEWAL DISTRICT PLAN BY EXTENDING THE PHYSICAL BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICT AND ADDING FURTHER PROJECTS TO THE PLAN WITH THE GOAL TO ALLEVIATE EXISTING BLIGHT WITHIN THE DISTRICT AND CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING SAME. WHEREAS, on December 5, 1994, the Kalispell City Council adopted the West Side Urban Renewal District Plan as an amendment to the Kalispell City County Master Plan; and WHEREAS, said West Side Urban Renewal District Plan (hereinafter Plan) adopted a strategy to be followed preparing for redevelopment in the area; and WHEREAS, the Plan contained goals necessary for the implementation of the strategy that have been met as well as goals that have not been met; and WHEREAS, the Kalispell Planning and Economic and Community Development Departments evaluated the social, fiscal and physical aspects of the area within the Plan and identified blighted conditions that exist in the contiguous areas of the West Side Urban Renewal District which restrict the full attainment of the Plan goals; and WHEREAS, the factors cited within the report involving land use, transportation and safety indicate a relationship of factors contributing to the blighting conditions which exist in the area under §7-15-4206, MCA; and WHEREAS, on the 6ch day of September 2011 the Kalispell City Council considered and passed Resolution No. 5527, a resolution of necessity finding the existence of blight within contiguous areas of the existing West Side Urban Renewal District and sent the matter to the City of Kalispell Planning Board for further consideration and recommendation; and WHEREAS, on the 27`h day of September 2011 the City of Kalispell Planning Board fully considered and debated the presentation and Report KRD-11-1-A of the Kalispell City Planning Department and, upon a vote of 7-0, have forwarded the recommendation to the City Council that Report KRD-11-1-A be adopted as findings of fact for modification of the West Side Urban Renewal Plan; and WHEREAS, MCA 7-15-4214 requires that a hearing on creation of modifications of urban renewal plans, and due notice thereof, be conducted prior to further consideration and action by the City Council. NOW, !'E, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCILOF SECTION I. That pursuant to §7-15-4214, MCA, the City Council of the City of Kalispell shall hold a public hearing on the 171h day of October, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the Kalispell City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East, Kalispell, MT to consider all evidence given in regard to the proposed amendment to the Kalispell West Side Urban Renewal Plan as well as all evidence considered by the Kalispell City Planning Board, said amendment supported by KRD-11-1-A of the Kalispell Planning Department, attached hereto as Exhibit "A". SECTION II. That the City Clerk is directed to provide such notices to the public and other taxing entities as prescribed by the Montana Urban Renewal Statutes. LIM Theresa White City Clerk Tarnmi Fisher Mayor Beginning at the intersection of Meridian Road and Highway 93 in Section 6, Township 28 North, Range 21 West and heading Southeast along Highway 93 to its intersection with Colorado Street. Them heading West along Colorado Street approximately 700 feet to the Eastern boundary of Assessor's Tract 5C, then South along the Eastern boundary of said parcel and Seventh Avenue W.N. a distance of approximately 2,625 feet to its intersection with Highway 2 West, then continuing South across Highway 2 West and South along Seventh Avenue West a distance of approximately 1,725 feet to its intersection with First Street West. Then West along First Street West a distance of approximately 1,050 feet to the Eastern boundary of Assessor's Tract 5DDB, then along the Southern boundary of said tract and Assessor's Tract 5DDA to Meridian Road. Then North along Meridian Road to the Northern boundary of the Burlington Northern railroad easement. Then West along the easement for a distance of approximately 350 feet; then North along the Eastern boundary of Assessor's Tract 14A approximately 175 feet, then East approximately 50 feet; then North and West following the boundaries of the city limits to Highway 2 West. From Highway 2 West, following the Westerly most city limits to Three Mile Drive. Then East along Three Mile Drive to its intersection with Northwest Lane. Then heading North along Northwest Lane to the Northwest corner of Lot 29, Block 1, Northwest Tract. Then along the Northern boundary of Lot 29 and approximately 200 feet along the Northern boundary of Lot 13, Block 1 of Northwest Tracts; then North along the Eastern boundary of Lot 3, Block 1, Northridge Heights Subdivision to Parkway Drive. Then North along Parkway Drive a distance of approximately 950 feet to the Northwest corner of Lot 9, Block 2, Northridge Heights Subdivision, then East along the Northern boundary of said parcel to its intersection with Highway 93 North, then South along Highway 93 North to Meridian Road and the point of beginning. Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Kalispell is considering a modification to the West Side Urban Renewal District Plan to address the existence of blight within the existing and contiguous areas of the West Side Urban Renewal District. The area to be considered includes that property currently within the district as well as that property described generally as including the county fairgrounds property and east to the current city limits. The northern boundary would be along Washington Street, both the east and west sides, and the southern boundary would generally follow lst Street, both the east and west sides. The City Council, on September 6, 2011, passed a Resolution of Necessity finding the existence of blight within certain areas contiguous to the existing West Side Urban Renewal District boundaries. The Kalispell City Planning Board has considered the proposal for modification, held a public hearing on September 27, 2011, and presented Report KRD-11-1-A to the Kalispell City Council recommending a modification to the West Side Urban Renewal District Plan. On October 17, 2011, at 7:00 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East, Kalispell, the City Council of the City of Kalispell will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed modification. Council may consider enacting an ordinance adopting all or some portion of said modification proposal at the November 7, 2011 regular meeting. Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk at the above noticed meeting, or prior to the meeting either by mail at P.O. Box 1997, Kalispell, MT 59903, by email at cityclerk@kalispell.com or in person at City Hall, 201 First Avenue East. Report KRD-11-1-A of the Kalispell Planning Board submitted to the Kalispell City Council recommending a modification to the West Side Urban Renewal District Plan is available for inspection on-line at www.kalispell.com under Mayor and City Council/Agenda or contact the Planning Department at City Hall, telephone (406) 758-7940. Theresa White City Clerk Pubiish: October 5, 2011 October 12, 2011 PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE MONTANA 11 September 28, 2011 Jane Howington, City Manager City of Kalispell 201 First Avenue East Kalispell, MT 59901 Planning Department 2011" Avenue East Kalispell, MT 59901 Phone: (406) 758-7940 Fax: (406) 758-7739 www.kalispell.com/planning Re: Amendment to the West Side Urban Renewal Plan — KRD 11-1A Dear Jane: The Kalispell City Planning Board met on September 27, 2011, and held a meeting to consider a request by the City of Kalispell to amend the West Side Urban Renewal Plan. Kalispell Planning Department staff presented staff report #KRD-11-IA providing details of the proposal and the recommended goals to be included in the West Side Urban Renewal Plan. Staff recommended the board adopt the findings of fact as proposed and recommend that the council approve the amendments to the West Side Urban Renewal Plan. The amendments include expanding the plan boundary using option 2 as presented by the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) and addressing blighting issues in the expanded area. Following staff s presentation and questions to staff by the planning board the chairman allowed persons in the audience to speak to the plan amendment. Several people spoke on the proposed amendments to the plan including Mark Campbell, Manager of the Flathead County Fairgrounds, and Mark Lalum, Manager of Cenex Harvest States in Kalispell. Mr. Campbell discussed with the board the fairgrounds preliminary plans for upgrading the facility. During questioning by the planning board Mr. Campbell stated that he agreed with the proposed goals in the staff report which related to the fairgrounds. Mr. Lalum explained the importance of the rail line for Cenex's grain elevators located at 5th Avenue WN and West Center Street. Mr. Lalum expressed his preference that the city have a policy in place that deals with the railroad tracks, whether the city should actively work with track users and the railroad to remove the tracks or if they should remain indefinitely. In Mr. Lalum's opinion the lack of a clear policy dealing with the tracks may be a disincentive for future businesses, whether they may need the tracks or not, from locating in this area. During the planning board's discussion questions arose on whether the board was reviewing the possible expansion of the West Side Urban Renewal Plan or the West Side Tax Increment Finance District. Staff clarified for the board that they are only reviewing and making a recommendation on the West Side Urban Renewal Plan. Any changes to the West Side Tax Increment Finance District would be a council decision. A motion was made to adopt staff report #KRD11-lA and forward the proposed amendment to the West Side Urban Renewal Plan to the Kalispell City Council for review and approval. The motion was approved unanimously. Please schedule this matter for the October 3, 2011, regular city council meeting. You may contact this board or Scan Conrad at the Kalispell Planning Department if you have questions regarding this matter. Sincerely, Kalispell City Planning Board John Hinchey President Attachments: Staff Report #KRD-11-IA c w/ Att: Theresa White, Kalispell City Clerk AMENDMENT TO THE WEST SIDE URBAN RENEWAL PLAN KALISPELL PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT #KRD-11-1A SEPTEMBER 21, 2011 A report to the Kalispell Planning Board regarding the expansion of the West Side Urban Renewal Plan. A meeting on this matter has been scheduled before the planning board at a special meeting on September 27, 2011. At the city council's September 6th meeting, the council adopted a Resolution of Necessity for the potential expansion of the West Side Urban Renewal Plan boundary. The recommended expansion area is illustrated on the attached map titled Option 2 based in part on the city's Urban Renewal Agency (URA) recommendation to the city council. The proposed boundary expansion includes the county fairgrounds property and moves the existing plan boundary east to the current city limits. The new northern boundary would be along Washington Street, both the east and west sides, and the new southern boundary would generally follow 1 st Street, both the east and west sides. The amended boundaries are being brought forward because it becomes apparent that the original West Side Urban Renewal Plan goals cannot be fully achieved without amending the boundaries of the plan to address blighting issues that impact the current plan area. A detailed discussion of the blighting issues impacting the plan area can be found in section III of this report. The planning board is tasked with holding a meeting to discuss the merits of expanding the West Side Urban Renewal Plan boundary and make a recommendation to the city council on any plan boundary expansion. Prior to the writing of this report the planning department mailed out approximately 400 newsletters (A copy of the news letter is attached to this report) to property owners within the black lined area labeled Core Area Revitalization shown on map options 1, 2 and 3. The news letter provides an update to property owners with recent events or public meetings involving the planning of their neighborhood. The news letter invited property owners to the planning board's September 27th meeting. In addition to property owners the planning department also mailed letters to Flathead County and the Kalispell School District inviting them to the meeting. 01 I. BACKGROUND In 1994 the city council adopted a Resolution of Intent to adopt a neighborhood plan amendment to the Kalispell City -County Master Plan. The neighborhood plan was the North Meridian Neighborhood Plan. Then, the city council passed Resolution No. 1259 on March 17, 1997, to create the West Side Urban Renewal Plan. The plan was created based on the North Meridian Neighborhood Plan area and the West Side Urban Renewal Plan. Both of these plans were used to establish the West Side Tax Increment Finance District (TIF) boundaries and outline potential projects within the area. Some of the projects outlined in the urban renewal plans included the redevelopment of the Gateway West Mall, generating tax revenues to facilitate the reconstruction of Meridian Road and the general upgrading of roadways, drainage systems, and buildings in the area. The current boundaries of the West Side Urban Renewal Plan are shown on the attached map titled West Side Urban Renewal Plan. The findings detailed in section III of this report provide the planning board with the existence of blight in the proposed expansion area. The conditions of blight discussed include: • Inadequate street connectivity • Lack of sidewalks • Site issues at the county fairgrounds • Impact of the railroad tracks • Aged condition of water and sewer lines • Vacant lots and buildings • Brownfield sites with the proposed expansion area The blighting issues in section III were identified based on several factors. First, city staff met with approximately 80 property and business owners in the proposed expansion plan boundary shown on map option 2. The blighting issues generally include the reasons stated by the property or business owner which they believe currently discourage the redevelopment in the areas north and south of the rail road tracks. Secondly, staff conducted an inventory of the area and noted areas deficient in standard urban infrastructure such as sidewalks. Third, blighting issues were determined based on the definition of blight in state law. Section 7-15-4206(2) MCA defines "Blighted area" as follows: Blighted area means an area that is conducive to ill health, transmission of disease, infant mortality, juvenile delinquency, and crime, that substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the city or its environs, that retards X the provision of housing accommodations, or that constitutes an economic or social liability or is detrimental or constitutes a menace to the public health, safety, welfare, and morals in its present condition and use. The definition provides 14 reasons, individual or combined with other reasons listed, to further define the above stated meaning of a blighted area. Among the 14 reasons are: • Defective or inadequate street layout (Sec. 7-15-4206(2)(e) MCA) • Deterioration of site (Sec. 7-15-4206(2) (i) MCA) • The existence of conditions that endanger life or property by fire or other causes (Sec. 7-15-4206(2) (n) MCA) II. PROPOSED WEST SIDE URBAN RENEWAL PLAN BOUNDARY On August 241th the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) met to discuss options for the redistricting of the Westside Urban Renewal Plan. The URA considered three redistricting options. The three options are attached to this report with a general description of the proposed boundaries for each of the options as follows: • Option 1 - Expand the boundaries to include the county fairgrounds property and move the eastern plan boundary east to 5tn Avenue WN. The northern boundary would be along West Washington Street and the southern boundary would be along 1 st Street West. • Option 2 - Expand the boundaries to include the county fairgrounds property and move the eastern plan boundary east to the current city limits. The northern boundary would be along Washington Street, both the east and west sides, and the southern boundary would generally follow 1st Street, both the east and west sides. • Option 3 - Expand the boundaries to include the county fairgrounds property and move the eastern plan boundary east to the current city limits. The northern boundary would be along Idaho Street (US Highway 2) both east and west sides and the southern boundary would be along Center Street, both the east and west sides which creates a more contained boundary along the railroad line. Based on discussions at the meeting the URA members recommended expansion of the West Side Urban Renewal Plan to the boundaries shown on 3 option 2. Option 2 provides the greatest boundary expansion under the three options presented. Option 2 was recommended based on the following: • This option provides a wide range of potential projects for consideration of the use of TIF funds and the members did not want to prejudge any specific project. However, each potential project would require further evaluation and discussion. • Significant data collection and field work has already been completed by the planning department and community development department in the entire area of option 2. One outcome of this work includes comments received by the public on issues that need to be addressed in this area. These issues could be considered for TIF funds in the future. At the city council's September 6th meeting the council discussed the merits of the URA's recommendation for option 2 and forwarded this option to the planning board for its consideration. III. AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN State law requires the planning board to review and provide the city council with a recommendation on an urban renewal plan or any changes to that plan. The proposal before the planning board includes expanding the current West Side Urban Renewal Plan boundary to the east and identifying issues and goals to be addressed in the expanded area. The following issues were identified in the proposed expansion area by the city council and deemed to be issues of blight, as defined by state law. The following discussion identifies the blighting issue, provides background on the issues and cites goals and policies contained in the current West Side Urban Renewal Plan or the Kalispell Growth Policy meant to address that particular blighting issue. After each blighting issue are specific recommendations to consider addressing the blight. A map illustrating the blighting issues follows each of the blighting issue discussions. At the end of this report are a number of goals for the planning board to consider as part of the amended West Side Urban Renewal Plan. If adopted, these goals would be used to form specific projects to remedy the blighting issues in the area and encourage redevelopment. 11 W BERTY BT BIND CT AME JUBILEE C7 NO N OLACIE BT NO NAM W�2 y J TWO MIL MUSKY ST p _K i ���.=ILII V*- ARIZONA 8T Westside Urban Renewal Plan & Core Area Revitalization Option 1 - Expansion of Westside Urban Renewal Plan NO NAME----- � " q�,14r �NFRWOOD L HERITAGE WAY- W O_-- R A E 6 _ MSGA.EDR yO,p _. MERIDIANRD o �;( �`... 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G 00 SITO E OBNCER O CO NR;4d DR _ Z: Z G J Uj HIGHWAY 2 YV,�.� ' °^ m ®� .SWAY DR . 2ND STD sy0 aJ E N OCf � z 0 300 600 1,200 1 soo r„��r, fi _ _._, - �'.t wr S� w .yam z� �, Sao _ E CMaCreated: Angus# 8, 2011 Feet ,"�" ` of Kalispell Planning Department 4[Hs?W r Westside Urban Renewal Plan & Core Area Revitalization Option 2 - Expansion of Westside Urban Renewal Plan 0001. �ERITAO C7 N _... - ' iE Wqy O NAME p -�-� Legend 41 ' a �, Y r ' — ' -FORD WAY � ��-:_/� -_ 'SHERRYtNQ, -z I F Westside Urban Renewal Plan y SUNNY- VIEW L-N PAHST " --:.:- _-. -_ . of Part of Westside Urban REnewal Plan - y W CARNEGIE 114 -----' Expansion option 2 2 z w 0 0 a < CONWAY OR �7AN6ER�ILT DR- 1 Q Core Area Revitalization :ROCKEFELLER OR z p - - Kalispell City Limit Boundary vas7A e.on� - -- '' --- ' - THREE MILE OR ,.__, .•--' ----- _.. _ u .. NONAME Syo ;._-- -- n KO- QUO _ LAWRENCE PARK r. = LIBERTY ST in - ONAN`ti 1,. Z yi MONTCLAIR DR - ` i UWY W ARIZONA ST q' Y Z .. BROOK DR HAWTHORN W SING CT m 4 w JUBILEE CT NO NAME W UtANs SG� � Z W+{ONN�G O p d TETON S7O 3 E 2 LAMBERT CT SS riy y m 14 r s eyVNO�N4 ��� t OEVpDA'TONpM p �F Z Z rt a C a y YELLOWS70NE ST -� ��•` ,! � -l" Z 7 GLACIER ST NO NAME G E OR rr > �ASrt L' �t _ �. r 1� 1 �G S. ... -+ 1 MS CALI�N �u IEi AY 2 NO NAME p TWO MIL 10 O 5 IIU8KY8T'' "ram A W IpA x EON1A o0 m w T 1 ST p �n • m � GLEN DR ,._ - -• a .-.. .: -s3; ,.:,.: m r v � 2 ' . :_ O .. - NWOOD LN � m w a C ¢ WWI Z 2 Z AILROAO 51 Q Z Z r E R ►- Z D w �� GE.NjFR'S� CONRADOR Z Np NAIL} '1 WlGffWAY W tEWAY DR • 1 - ,�„�»� .. m -�. n�,-.��ti �s't E _; f_`"' `✓ r "= ._ ego 0 300 600 1,200 1,800 Kn F et m fzNQ� ssw a�VA Map Created; August 8, 2011 st `� City of Kalispell Planning Department R� westside Urban Renewal Plan & Core Area Revitalization Option 3 - Expansion of westside Urban Renewal Plan QPAL_J`OOD {N. iiER1T�iGE WkY `T-f�I' __- \J f NO NAME — -- — - Sciu.- - ----- -- ---- --- 1\ 1l 1(1/11 j ._. s o.....; scaa y MEP►���� Legen d Westsi a Urban Renewal Plan ! r SHERRY Liyg 2 i oito WAY- Not Part of Westside Urban R EnewsI Plan an TRVMP.D _ t-- 4 OPAH ST 4� a z Z -Expansion Option 3 CARNEGIE:OR -- p •,\ eeCC CONWAY-DR `. Core Area Revitalization ROCKEFELLER:OR — f_. c, IaW Kalispell City Limit Boundary VlSTALOOP _ - -- ---- — -- NasinHTlFU-L DR le�11 a� NONAMr�°. u — -_-- - lol- LAWRENCE PARK c� 140'A L LIBERTY ST Z Hi MONTCLAIR OR DWY WARIZONA ST BROOK DR ` NO Nt41YfE W U;AN ST sy�`�� Z +JOtljltlO SS f w f N _ _..-� '.i ` i11Fyi W MOM�N.._ , `� , l..EVAaa NON'AM T m -O ,it C+ Z Yp10OR`� _ - t;'_ Z pAst'-'1J SEC Sr tER sT'. ` 1 eEOON_ 20 m a n+ r tY TWO MIbE OR q N1A„ G to NO NAME ✓'C r OR _W 2 AK0 SS ' l _ E a C Z JJ w HUSKY R.� y w 3 pWY m m w t7`� TANA51 2. A►ON a .. GLEN DR x L h�oK o IMF Y y v m o WOOO LN W to O m c m y 2 O m 4 Z Z ¢ W NON7AN� 2 Z �� RpILRbAD `�� t. OZ (;o CONRAD DR NC NAtAf y� ` 202i N tttt iu Uj HIGHWAY 2 W __..-N 9' N� iii : U 6g x in rl a `Lp 'Spa , 9 Mid Created: e �. p gust 8 2011 Q �3fl0 6Q0 1,20C} 1,8d0 ��, � �1��stw � `r-Y--° � 3R�s�w aa���� m `-� I. Feet aX146TW. Ni City of Kalispell Planning Department 1. Blighting issue: Street connectivity The proposed boundary area addition is generally rectangular in shape with a linear distance of just over a mile from east to west. The south boundary line of the proposed expansion area is 1st Street and the north boundary line is Washington Street. The proposed expansion area includes businesses just outside the north end of downtown, along Main Street, and along Idaho Street (US Highway 2). The intersection of Main Street and Idaho Street is the busiest intersection in the Flathead Valley. Besides the traffic associated with the intersection of Main Street and Idaho, many other vehicles enter or travel through this area. The number of north/ south avenues or streets in the proposed expansion area is limited to five. The five north/ south streets include 5th Avenue West, Main Street, 1st Avenue East, 3rd Avenue East and 4tn Avenue East. These five crossings are the sole way to move north and south within the proposed expansion area. If you take into account N. Meridian Road, currently within the West Side Urban Renewal Plan boundary, there are a total of six north/south connections along a 1.3 mile east to west section of the city. By contrast the typical lot and block configuration developed north and south of the existing and proposed urban renewal plan boundary has between 16 and 18 north/south connections. Additionally from 5th Avenue West to Meridian Road is a distance of almost 2,400 feet with no cross connection. The lack of north/south street connections in this area funnels traffic into six streets creating traffic congestion at the intersections and unduly burdening these particular streets. Constructing additional north/ south streets in the proposed expansion area will reduce congestion at existing intersections and provide increased vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle mobility in the area. Additional streets would also provide greater access to lots in the area, which are currently land locked or have severe access limitations, allowing for more redevelopment opportunities. The Kalispell Area Transportation Plan (2006 Update), under the Executive Summary, states that several major travel corridors will be pushed to their limits in the coming years. The major travel corridors experiencing heavy traffic volumes are US Highway 2 (Idaho Street), US Highway 93 (Main Street), Reserve Drive and Meridian Road. Three out of the four major travel corridors are within the existing urban renewal plan boundary or are within the proposed expanded urban renewal plan boundary. Keeping future development in the urban renewal plan area from further impacting these travel corridors will require alternative street connections in this area. Creating additional north/ south street connections will 5 continue the existing street pattern providing multiple options to travel in and out of this area. This improved street system will help to reduce vehicle traffic on Meridian Road and Idaho Street, two of the impacted travel corridors cited in the transportation plan. These two streets are within the existing West Side Urban Renewal Plan boundary. An improved street system is one of the goals noted in the current West Side Urban Renewal Plan. For properties south of US Highway 2, the West Side Urban Renewal Plan encourages the construction of additional access roads to better serve underutilized industrial land. Relevant goal and policy from the existing plan to address street connectivity: Goal 3: Create a system that can accommodate increases in traffic safely. Policy 6: Develop and adopt a Redevelopment Plan that facilitates the convenient flow of residential and commercial traffic. Relevant goal and policy from the Kalispell Growth Policy to address street connectivity: Chapter 10, Transportation, Goal 7 Reduce congestion and excess traffic in problem areas Chapter 10, Transportation, Policy 4 Discourage routing heavy traffic and through traffic in residential areas by creating a more thorough grid system when possible. Recommendations: 1. Consider requiring future street right-of-ways in conjunction with subdivisions in the area to accommodate construction of through streets. 2. Include in the city's capital improvement plan funds to acquire and construct streets to provide increased north/south connections in the plan area. 0 Blocked Access Points 2. Blighting issue: Lack of sidewalks and pedestrian connections Planning department staff has conducted a sidewalk survey in the proposed urban renewal expansion area. The results of this survey show a significant lack of continuous sidewalk through the entire area. The lack of sidewalks is noted along West Center Street, First Street West and streets and avenues north and south of the Center Mall. Other avenues and streets within the proposed expansion were found to have only sidewalks on one side of the street or large gaps in the sidewalk from block to block. This is the case around the county fairgrounds where sidewalks are present on Meridian Road west of the fairgrounds, but are lacking on streets located north, south and east of the fairgrounds property. Additionally the fairgrounds, which extends over 2,000 feet (6 city blocks or 0.4 of a mile) serves as a barrier to through pedestrian travel. This lack of sidewalks in an area that has a variety of business, some of which serve the local residents in the area, makes it difficult for pedestrians, especially the elderly and young, to navigate the streets in this neighborhood. The lack of sidewalks generally discourages walking in an area of the city where walking should be encouraged. One of the goals in the existing West Side Urban Renewal Plan is to create a street system that can accommodate increases in traffic safely. To achieve this, the plan calls for more sidewalks and boulevards along all major streets and roads. Expanding the urban renewal plan boundary and continuing to improve the streets within the expanded plan area will aid in achieving this goal. Relevant goal and policy from the existing plan to address the lack of sidewalks: Goal 2: Create a circulation pattern that maintains a separation of incompatible systems. Policy 1: Promote sidewalks and boulevards along all streets. Relevant goals and policies from the Kalispell Growth Policy to address the lack of sidewalks: Chapter 10, Transportation, Goal 6 Develop sidewalk installation and replacement program for all areas of the community Chapter 10, Transportation, Policy 9 N Develop a pedestrian -bicycle system to supplement the auto - oriented street system and to meet local transportation and recreation needs. Chapter 8, Urban Design, Historic and Cultural Conservation, Goal 2 Encourage design that is consistent with and contributes to the character of the area and that promotes safe and accessible pedestrian access and movement. Chapter 9, Parks and Recreation, Goal 6 Construct a bike and pedestrian connection between Woodland Avenue and Seventh Avenue East. Chapter 9, Parks and Recreation, Policy 2 Integrate a linear park running east -west through the city connecting Woodland Park, Lawrence Park, downtown and the west Kalispell bike and pedestrian trails. Recommendations: l . Properties rebuilt or significantly modified should be required to add sidewalks where none currently exist. 2. The city should prioritize connecting lengths of sidewalks to allow better pedestrian and bicycle mobility in the following areas: a. Along major streets (i.e. Center Street) b. From high density residential housing to commercial areas C. From residential and commercial areas to neighboring parks and existing trail systems. Streets with No Sidewalks NO NAME WUTAHST., .. IL Z Mt GS1 IFORNIASTOYn * ~ Z JUBILEE CT " .:y - � t 1, ..� • SUNS(c P -'I. _ toffy ►✓ �� ` SGY m OMING ,�T Z 1 . r r x r * NIA `-'T W TETON ST , +�} . , ,, ' , S@T W 3 + EOALIFOR m e 1'�", t LAMBERT CT WWYOMINGST''.i �j'•"°�^ J. -:.� @< $ ST ,�; M } c Z _ 3r a. N0 SUNBURST CT 7. 4 ... 1IF0 a r L l T ll` GLACIERST NO NAME r� TWO MILE DR NO NAME },- �.• .. IV" A •;: W _ �,,jk •*• +i. .. r+•; f q E ox ;� !..." _ .: _"-� • i mow•' • ` NW s+. • OK $T , I poop vo i ♦err: • ! .WORE �.'� �;'� -�- '^' "- s-OQ G _III � ba •• Z I L. . i rY- pN 3 HUSKY S7 r s'� • In ,� ✓'.. '1 r. - _ _ *r. f► :_ , �, •+l„��e y11 J Ir ' [ �ti ram, ,.^� " t.-•%• �,I'. ,�+� ^ii • fit" , � �� - c9 — �� .' _ •.A..•-� �i�X�l" as ! 1My'-' y+ e � ,. N jj y IDAH �,r, ✓ `.` P'" ! , E MO A 4 _r - . --. y n .Y�� MARKS ° ST wi'i O ir _ u : "� 114'A LROA » OEPOTLOO0-1.6 f- , t Ems' � '7 - r�G w FISHTAIL DR 2 �,. •a+i'r ',Y' - - - r � .. y . f K .. ➢,a' CONRADOR Y v.. .. I. a` ,•- - W w,.. W RAILROAD 2p cr RAIL AD Si .,w✓. ,^ ••� y - .r �L _ r_ W a I ' 1 . 1 a ui • .WJ .aR 'a3,gt,:. ,. .....__-1. ur`, y.,. _,,. ,, :may?kx. ... .i. •;.. P- ��'{ k .e�It ,,, V.. 4 R. APPLJEWAI S • Tw Ar , MERIDIAN .. * �y a �:. ' ' , . �• C f } i 1 1 9= , 1 t©v",A'd!! fn , ; : 1 i `„ �. _ � � '"t • .. ' r. y' a �` In �x _ ` yR Legend p NAME _ N _�''` r� re Area Revitalization estside Urban Renewal Plan 4 m _ Not Part of Westside Urban Renewal Plan 0 0.125 0.25 h " ~ � + " - Streets with No Sidewalks Miles 3RD, ST W NO NAME-- m • Bl H ST E 3. Blighting; issues: Site deterioration and incompatible land use A. The Flathead County Fairgrounds The Flathead County Fairgrounds is an approximately 63 acre site with the existing West Side Urban Renewal Plan boundary on three sides of the property (north, south and west). The county fairgrounds are the largest single land use on the west side of Kalispell. Yet it exists as an aged, under-utilized facility. Because it is a significant land use in the area, its presence dictates to a great degree the character and future viability of the plan area. The fairgrounds is located at a gateway entrance to our community and its very condition does little to move the community forward and conversely could well be holding back the future viability of the area. The main issues with the fairgrounds include the following: • The majority of the fairgrounds property has chain link fencing topped with three strands of barb wire along the perimeter of the property. The outward appearance is more prison like giving the impression of excluding the community from the grounds especially the residential neighborhood immediately east of the fairgrounds. • The majority of stables, grandstand, offices and smaller venue buildings are over 50-years old. The age of some of the buildings and quality of construction has led to a quicker deterioration of the structures and now require more than general maintenance to have them visually appealing to the public. • The parking lots are gravel or dirt with the exception of the north parking lot, across West Wyoming Street, which is grass throughout most of the year turning to mud or dust during fair time. These parking lots do not meet city parking lot standards which require the lots to be paved. Paving the lots prevents dust issues in the immediate neighborhood and tracking mud onto adjacent streets. A specific issue defined in the West Side Urban Renewal Plan is that the present urbanized land use pattern in the area incorporates a haphazard and incompatible mix of uses. The identified goal to address this issue is to set a pattern of land use that incorporates sensitivity to neighboring uses. The city council has adhered to this goal in the past through the adoption of the Kalispell Growth Policy and zone changes in the area, mainly along North Meridian Road. The zone changes have reflected the land use I designations shown on the Kalispell Growth Policy Future Land Use Map and have taken into account the surrounding residential and commercial uses in the area. The goal of incorporating sensitivity to neighboring uses can be further implemented by including the fairgrounds property in the West Side Urban Renewal Plan boundary and working on the three issues listed above. This in turn will achieve a greater cohesiveness between the fairgrounds and surrounding commercial and residential development. Relevant goal from the existing plan to address incompatible land uses: Goal 1: To set a pattern of land use that incorporates sensitivity to neighboring issues Recommendations: Work with the county to encourage the redevelopment of the fairgrounds property prioritizing the integration of the property with the residential neighborhoods to the north and east. 2. Explore ways the City of Kalispell can aid the county in the retrofitting of fairground buildings and the perimeter appearance of the property. 3. Work with the fairgrounds manager to address site issues such as dust due to unpaved parking lots. 4. Work with the County to assist in and encourage promotion and expansion of use and activity so as to serve as a significant economic enhancement to the west side neighborhood and Kalispell as a whole. 10 B. The railroad tracks The railroad tracks run east to west through the center of Kalispell and serve two businesses on the west side of town. Land north and south of the tracks was once the industrial center of the community. Lumber mills, a cherry warehouse and numerous gas and oil wholesalers were once located adjacent to or within a block of the tracks. These businesses, which numbered well above 50 in the past, all needed the railroad to operate. However, since the 1970's the land along the tracks has been slowly changing from industrial to commercial and residential uses. Additionally, the railroad has closed 4 street crossings in past years and will not authorize any new crossings within the city. With this change in land use and limited use of the railroad tracks, the tracks are becoming a hindrance for further development of the area. Because of this hindrance, the tracks can be viewed as a blighting influence to the area based on the following: • Tracks would indicate this area is still heavily industrial when the opposite is true. • The small size of many of the lots abutting the railroad tracks makes it difficult to introduce new industrial uses that could take advantage of the tracks. • The tracks have created many dead end streets in this area and have made vehicle and pedestrian access in and around the area along the tracks difficult and serve as a barrier to utility extensions. • The change in land uses from industrial to commercial and residential make the need for the tracks obsolete. • The overall condition of the tracks is deplorable except around the center mall where the tracks were realigned approximately 25 years ago. • Safety factor with trains on poor tracks navigating through one of the busier areas of the city. The southern area of the existing West Side Urban Renewal Plan includes the tracks and former industrial land. This area only constitutes about 1 / 5 of the overall tracks located within the city limits and only one of the two current track users. Taking a holistic view of the issues caused by the tracks inside the West Side Urban Renewal Plan and outside of the plan boundaries can achieve the desired redevelopment of this entire area. This is why the plan boundary should be expanded east to the eastern city limits. Relevant policy from the Kalispell Growth Policy to address site deterioration due to the railroad tracks: 11 Chapter 4, Land Use: Business and Industry, 6. Target Development Areas b. Encourage development and redevelopment in the City's established urban renewal districts. e. The railroad right-of-way west of Seventh Avenue East should be included in the growth policy as a target development area. The City should pursue a mutually agreeable development or redevelopment of the corridor with quality commercial development and/or expansion. Recommendations: 1. Work with the existing businesses using the rail line on possible relocation sites when they are seeking to move out of the area. 2. Work with the railroad on funding sources to remove the railroad tracks within the plan area. 3. The city should take the lead in coordinating with the current track users and railroad for relocation of the businesses and track removal. 12 Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad GLACIER ST No NAME I — i .. W NEVA AST f'cA'U"0p'%1As'fi F D \ '*4 TWO _ }e W " . k cc p F .-M- ST E GC)4 J m c �► Ms 2�� �t m 16 uJ �� •rwrlw Z ` k ` 70 M O Z i p A 0 iA§ r �Ar. 1DAN HUSKYST { �:aPJ hay,;;: � - -' �;, �� .. .__ +�' •°s"+ � :...5 ''Ja `? ^!�` ';. ,a' � ,r ; ra" w t ISO 2AT Jw r . , t 3 a• .: o e e road>� ` BurlingtonN rthern Sant F Rail Ix rn FISHTAIL DR r �• x r i F c.'"RAILROADS" N9 9. • x L y� ro'y �,J .. ^- � NO NAM fi tc' �' .; ;.�- e. +s .. :I, �'.Syv.-- .'3"rA-,1 ( J...r• 9A v 1 _ h L , t i APPLEWAY DR J .. ,� ?� G +•.ram ; -x' `. w +* 7Aw: �`� Z ,. LU E "T h . s N MERIOI s f 2Np $ s '� OCT WAD � � ,pr "''t �!-1=•_ i't.' ,...�� t.� q ���"iify°�"�yr" r. ST l E .k. � .:++'- � :. ter., •+' �,..,, � ��' M .. 0 NA m .. o m 2ND ST W � i • S7 t.. ALLEY SLU T E 3RD ST W 2 NAME m qTH m ST W NO _ $ m a ' rn G ,R� ,ail' . '.,- a : ` � .:.: •. '�.� � ..--- a A �', ''.aE 1� Mt w 5TH ' NO NAME T THS7W 7TH ST m 4. Blighting issue: Water and sewer lines Information on water and sewer lines from the public works department shows the vast majority of the proposed expansion area is served by water and sewer lines. However, the major issue with these lines is age and additionally for the water lines is the presence of dead end lines and a lack of a looping water system. Water lines located along Washington Street and many of the avenues east and west of Main Street were installed between 1925 and 1930. These lines were constructed out of cast iron and concrete. The city's Water Facility Plan Update, chapter 6 Recommendations and the city's capital improvement plan, recommends that approximately 2% of the system's total water mains be replaced each year. The goal for this replacement plan is to achieve a 50-year turnover of existing pipes. The current water lines are in excess of 80 years old. Though water is still being delivered to the businesses and homes in this area maintenance costs are increasing, untimely breaks are occurring and the future costs and impacts to the service will only worsen. In addition to older water main lines located in this area, lines north of Center Street tend to dead end at the railroad tracks. The water in these dead end lines can become stagnant unless flushed. Creating a looped water system either with adjacent lines or lines on the other side of the railroad tracks alleviates the need to flush the lines and improves the fire flow within the pipes for the area. The majority of sewer lines in the proposed expansion plan area are clay lines. The exact age of the lines is not known however they were most likely installed around the time when water lines were installed, between 1925 and 1930. The city has slip lined sections of the clay lines which seals the lines and gives additional longevity to the life of the line. However, not all of the lines in this area have been slip lined and certain older lines may be difficult to slip line because of jagged line configurations or dips in the line. The other issue prevalent in the older clay lines is water infiltration into the lines. Groundwater entering these sewer lines increases the volume of water needing to be treated at the city's sewer plant. This increase can be substantial after heavy rains. Over the coming years as the city grows and the capacity of the sewer plant increases the infiltration of groundwater will further impact the plants ability to accept and treat the raw sewage it was built for. 13 Relevant goals and policies from the Kalispell Growth Policy to address water and sewer lines: Chapter 11, Infrastructure and Public Services, Sewer, Goal 5 Eliminate infiltration of high ground water into the city's sewer collection system. Chapter 11, Infrastructure and Public Services, Water, Goal 2 All water lines be looped to provide adequate fire flows for hydrants Chapter 11, Infrastructure and Public Services, Water, Policy 1 Dead-end lines should be avoided Chapter 11, Infrastructure and Public Services, Water, Policy 3 Water mains should be looped when practical and feasible Recommendations: 1. The city should consider targeting a replacement plan for all water and sewer lines over 50 years old. 2. Consideration should be given to funding water line extensions to loop existing lines in conjunction with street improvements/reconstruction in the area. 3. Priority should be given for the replacement of all clay sewer lines to prohibit the infiltration of ground water into the sewer system. 14 � of � . d � "� :i� � , % ' � ..w to � � ♦ ��r � ��, J �y �'L„ ~ . 47 �; .},i , �_� d` � �' •` �' .r 1 `.':�`y,. (. � ,�'.E'. � M l i'� ���'c9 OF .�.'�".A� �•/ r� '� a�� u , tii .�-., �' � rim • ,: �` �' r' ,� E I �ap43t �r��i 11 �/" y.. r -�.1 �`+. - v .r �'" .b 't" Y �+...- �'g !. ;..�"'`I.. '',.. ,,.- .�_ ,.e+ I,� t.:rk• .#' 'i � � -+'! �'.�i' •Yt :.,ti � �. r �`+nf ''� .;� "�I"' ,e '•Oc_',"� �„ - t,l., �•� N� �, _sue ��� ,�..� � NA �A. 06 ,AV may. d AV 'Y� tic � .+�• � � �'' '�� 7 � ..� � rgY� _ �� ) S �� _ /.> 1 . w l a t1 �.•° 9 Ail dMER \',,Is: 'Y ��{) Y ..�_' tq',�i.,) �,,,��'µi �' +- tip.'.` k• YyY ,k� v ~# wM • • _ • a � w t' lil i Y - Il '� _ V• µ 'ri-+.fi��'�'A ��p�LL � +1 `HC � -s ,avo �- fir' n _ ;iA yN ° v!' ti' .. 7 • OL Wa GAged City Sanitary Sewer System (complete only in Core Area Revitalization 5' \Fz\ JUBILEE CT NO NAME EWYOMINC's TETON ST W W OM WG r.}: m 2 W WYOMING ST r 1"-rk'� a ., t fir•° ee1 c Z, � I`, �_.. yl EN VAD e< z P O- y � + o m •,:,r 4 W Ir _ ,. a .. ti s r z GLACIER ST 2 W NE�Apas � �-•" til �t� .,r ��• �� ��'"�.. - �".OK � `�i • -.. ++ !� "� � "'>x, f� r _ � �°`-,ramt � ::.�� • �i ;,. 'r� r>' �%° tt ' TWO MIJ-E DR' i p L F' , -•! r•Q,_. ': ., c �ttc�" ► a• .'•';fit .. .1 �� � „tl` �`*e�d 'fir -� r Z W ,�,.,•- !W►'_ � Vr .t E 1 � }'(i.. S.j r .y'- - JJ" 5i. 5'".155 � � "� E i p OR ,. r, :. .. ti'� �'' -♦t ` •1'-.'` i, I ' :� �t! • 1 ' x+V Z Q ' i. , - )t -' _ e a~r - M � -. : r 1 „t':, - a }'� 1 rrF•"A!i � mid. l • k • . a , .,.; � .. '.. ram. ' '� a:.. , • :.. ". ^ , r'r • t �� 't . e 4 ,l c �• r A7 s w7 'tom m O�Q 10 • _J .`� .1,�� r a�l r►�1� �`' .{ �' � 1i 1 Y'� �`, .5 r.9 � : '"' .+1 a' _ 00 ibAmw '� .. <. : � s s 1 ,, .4 »,-•*-....�� r r')�1•- ':;, ''i;t�• '� ram+' _} �� �tF r • Z - .,I' �'".,,, 1 '�' r► ». . , ,.�•: , -- . . � � _ .r'b,i �t> FtpAD s7 '+, +� � „,.�^ !,^ tif- Ly fn y �L y► 4 gyp. ,FISHTAIL DR Z �Ir •11 � .. 1� .. � • '.: "-. .__ Z.... 'w•• .. � , ' 'rp. + - �l',; { "* aft , 1 _ 07 r•R j - v ea APPLEWAY DRZ .r _ t w r ,: ►,'� :,• STw, ;.7� Legend .- - _ d. L. sore Area Revitalization NO NAME ,.a Westside Urban Renewal Plan u y Qz� 2N0STW� '�` G ��'�; !. fin► ;..`:!�f'�` - ;, �o'A o _ .. _ s .,.�, u, �� �,<r „ ..a?, .� Not Part of Westside Urban Renewal Plan o ', ys Sanitary Sewer - �, , •�.�.�..,! �.- �:�a� . ,< ,� m . •�. ,.�, 9 _ ,� 1�,�--. w:c-� :r:=� � .�. -5'�� �arY Mainlines Se Ma t ,.. .)�� 'fir• i �L p '�}.A6 •:.�• t Sewer Lines Greater than 50 Years Old , 0 0.1r� ..ram-,-""�+''. 5 0.2Sewer Lines 30 to 50 Years Old �•• M�4'. gi Sanitary Sewer .Af t a t _- �• Manhole 5. Blighting issues: Vacant lots/buildings A survey of the proposed expansion area shows 19 acres of vacant land and approximately 19 lots with vacant buildings or otherwise not being used for commercial or industrial uses. The number of buildings vacant is approximate and is based on a visual survey of the building, whether there appeared to be a business present in the building and/or if the building was being advertised for lease or sale. The vacant lots and buildings represent underutilized properties in an area located centrally in the city. These underutilized lots result in depressed values for the lot itself and potentially surrounding lots. The vacant buildings are typically metal sided, older buildings in need of maintenance and repairs. These buildings, if not maintained, begin to detract from the neighborhood and give the impression that the area is run down or otherwise not to be invested in. The vacant lots also give an outward appearance of an abandoned area of the city. This may lead to further disincentive to invest in the immediate area and reduce the commercial viability of the neighborhood. Relevant policies from the Kalispell Growth Policy to address vacant lots and buildings in the area: Chapter 6, The Economy, Policy 2 Encourage a land -use pattern that supports viable business and industrial districts that integrate a residential component but does not negatively impact or encroach into well -established residential neighborhoods. Chapter 6, The Economy, Policy 9 Support activities to ensure that the Central Business District remains strong and viable by providing adequate off-street parking ... make downtown more aesthetically appealing; cater to the needs of the pedestrian... Recommendation: 1. Consider funding a program to assist property owners in the demolition and removal of older, unsafe structures to prepare the property for redevelopment. 15 Vacant Parcels & Vacant Commercial and Industrial Pronertieq with gtrf arti iroe oZw rOQyw B It .y'am - _a- - — - _ ERT CT W MOMtNGST LF g z UNBURSTCT Ar, C -CC yWNti-- — ...... A ST141 ADA �, CpLiFORs J ) Z GLACIER ST O NAME ` .. #` " A �� W ,. '+ ' : m p1.IFORN►A ST,o _ ;......., , Y i•- ', _ f1,ST G « -' v a LLZ, NO NAME E rNi ` D r 5 r b m m ,.'� O LE R95Trn -- t..n ' r. �._ , .., :. �. — _ ,- :-, .:. _ .�.: �«' «,. � E ORE : w «, NIA - 2 W CpLIFOR '2 w e.• Z µ- r, - OP w T a ON O W OREO S c- t ate'_',". na4 m O'ST k. y� HUSKY ST i , . _ .. r" ... m m: :,t Z EyiDAH .. - � �. •.. ill l; + . , . - ,,,,,.. '' ... . � r ,� � 1 ,� , m , Z • f�yy Uj : ' r ID4.1 AVAO C x �. « N 'i t - ♦ti .7a. - nr , W �F. . t i ,ter zFISHTAIL DR q x p 1 <.. �, $ k rn No NAME ,,s A" ' tiMlii E CENT •ei" 4 '.,-.: ;:, ,,4 L "• ,.�-w' ..r N k `4b �A;711, 1 ft 1I APPL:9WAY DR 4 W ^11-0 Uj A _ S 1� ME - A or ,,;50* fn r y W rr""'a s Ab d d 1 "3RD ST Legend ai- "`" ,: G 3RD ST W Core Area Revitalization ,r p g G = cn 2ND sT W 4TH. ST E � � Westside Urban Renewal Plan w m m " _ o v aTH sT w Vacant Parcels - No Structures ALLEY _ m 1 G m ,i 5-TV,ST E m Vacant Commercial Properties with Structures D yJ- - 3RD ST W. - � � �.!"�`, i i m ®\/ar.r+ �.,.•1..,+.. ,.� n_ No NAME W,ai riUptefLieS with Structures 5TH ST E 7TH ST 6. Blighting issue: Brownfield sites The term "brownfield site" means real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Contaminants can include oil or gas found in the soil and placed there through a leaking underground storage tank or an historical use which dumped contaminant material on site. The presence of hazardous materials can require additional costs to clean the site up prior to new development or redevelopment of the property and this serves as a detriment to redevelopment. The proposed expansion area recommended for inclusion in the West Side Urban Renewal Plan boundary has a number of identified sites where leaking underground tanks have been found. The Department of Environmental Quality has identified 26 sites within or immediately adjacent to the proposed expansion area. There are five sites within the existing West Side Urban Renewal Plan boundary. There may be more potential brownfield sites based on the presence of the railroad tracks and this area historically being used for industrial uses such as oil and fuel storage. The known leaking storage tank sites and the history of industrial uses in this area have lead to perceptions in the community that many, if not all, properties within the proposed expansion area are contaminated. This may or may not be the case however, this perception continues and may play a role in the unwillingness of property owners or developers to invest in redevelopment or new development in this area. This can lead to further deterioration of buildings and property and reluctance to reinvest. The presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products can lead to contamination of the soil and possibly groundwater. This type of environmental contamination can lead to further reluctance to redevelopment the property. Relevant goals and policies from the Kalispell Growth Policy to address Brownfield sites in the area: Chapter 7, The Natural Environment, Goal 5 Protect the Health and Integrity of the natural environment because of its importance in maintaining a competitive advantage with other regions. Chapter 7, The Natural Environment, Policy 1 Environmental impacts attributable to new development should be identified and mitigated, where necessary. Recommendations: The city should continue applying for Brownfield grants to help assess properties and offer land owners loans for property clean up. 2. Outreach programs to inform property owners about Brownfields should be concentrated in the downtown and urban renewal area. 3. Priority for Brownfields assessments and clean-up loans should be given to those properties in the downtown and urban renewal area. 17 WEST SIDE URBAN RENEWAL PLAN GOALS 1. Implement a program to remove the Burlington Northern Rail Road tracks from within the plan area. a. Develop a program to assist existing businesses having existing rail access to relocate to another suitable location with rail access. b. Work with adjoining property owners to the tracks to develop a linear park connecting Woodland Park to the Meridian Trail system and the Highway 93 Alternate Route. 2. Increase the number of north/ south through streets in the area. a. Work to re -open existing closed crossings in the plan area. b. Plan for additional street extensions to serve properties which have limited or no other access. c. Construct a pedestrian/bicycle path connection from Seventh Avenue EN to Woodland Drive 3. Improve pedestrian and bike access throughout the plan area to improve safety and mobility. a. Target a program to replace existing walks in deteriorated condition. b. Identify routes that connect existing high density residential areas with commercial districts and/or parks in the area and install sidewalks / trails. c. Work to upgrade sidewalks and trails whenever property redevelops. 4. Transform the fairgrounds into a year around events center that acknowledges the residential neighborhoods to the east. a. Encourage the fairgrounds to improve the exterior appearance of the fairgrounds property both to serve as an entryway facility on the west side of Kalispell and to make it more accessible to the residential community to the east. b. Assist the fairgrounds in redeveloping the grounds by targeting the removal of dilapidated buildings, updating parking facilities, and developing a campus that caters to year round events. IV Montana Department of Environmental Quality Remediation Response Sites Underground Storage g d St age Tanks, and Leak Saes "my s f a � � 1 , � . 5T UR ¢ O�p;41F0��1A `'. i s y l.- ,v ,gyp Z kv I� _ T _ All 9'. ,,, a -. �_. � -� "1�r � � • „ j. a r ' ,,,�!;� r - _.,,. :.: '.,.:.... ,� ':: .. ,.i;r;.' •.J _ _—'Y_ .., AZ �Ar'+�w` ?t?Fsr:�l.yl3' :,,�. _ , k �h!� l ) ,�.. �.' 6 ,:. J"'` 4k; AI'• '�'^ �a-"' :,::p•.. � ) e , .�.sa �_ '�iNi.j�r:-'� - ;r.n ,A +* I - .: •,;-�J.- *h. �.-!' �. �, � ., ` i,; '?4�r � ,�«- t"fir, -.... _ ./ y •�-� +wr®.�YY_ � jj}A. �--�'�j+ea .� .� , •,:r _ - C' .L.U..� _ �.. e yy. '.. .. �._�- ,mow � � y, 1► ' p 11 -00 ii ' �(: :�•" •.:� �- ... -. , :.,:... .�:;.: r.+My '. ,,... �. ,:. ,:, ,:. 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J "" _ . � �'._ �- .� r �" .F♦-�1 '9 is rya ,:'�', _� l--�,.,'�- / ny : Q T' •..�':.. ..ry : ,,,....:. -'..try; - J -. ^e k-,.i�.:::: ,.l - , Uji T .w p , w V -. � � .•n :'� ., .. ,.� .. ar ':n �� * k._ rJ ttt end NO NAME Core Area Revitalization z... .2Np $� t �;: s 5 P rn {. � s.� ; •;F{-ST j es _ Wtide Urban r �.._. - � � _ � �. •1�;� ; � � '}a . , Renewal Plan A = m F: .� Railroad DEQ Reme is ion Response Site g Source: Montana Department of Environmental QuafitY m- m _��H ;: Underground Storage Tanks g:_, „ it, State Regulated Underground Storage Tanks Leaking Underground Storage Tanks' Rernediation Response saes_$T, Leaking Underground Storage Tanks A N BT4i SY 5. Implement a program to target the replacement of water and sewer main lines over 50 years old. 6. Improve water pressure and flow and strive to eliminate unforeseen maintenance costs by identifying dead end lines, areas of reduced pressure and aged water lines and developing a program to address these deficiencies. 7. Work with property owners to remove all deteriorated and unsafe structures and prepare the property for redevelopment. a. Create a revolving loan fund/grant program to assist property owners in the removal and clearance of blighted buildings and structures. b. Assist in the redevelopment of infrastructure in areas where blighted structures are being cleared. 8. Encourage the redevelopment of existing residential and commercial properties within the plan are. 9. Develop and fund a loan/grant program that offers incentives to both residential and commercial property owners to improve/upgrade their properties. 10. Maintain a viable Brownfield's program at the city level and work with property owners to continue assessing and cleaning -up Brownfield sites. a. Target properties within the plan area for identification and assessment of Brownfield's sites. b. Provide a funding pool to assist property owners through loans and grants to clean up identified hazardous sites. RECOMMMENDATION Staff would recommend the Kalispell Planning Board adopt staff report #KRD 11- 1A and forward the proposed amendment to the West Side Urban Renewal Plan to the Kalispell City Council for review and approval. 19