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1a. Core Area Plan - Public OutreachCORE AREA PUBLIC OUTREACH Public Outreach Kalispell Picnic in the park Flathead County Fair Kalispell Chamber of Commerce luncheon Public Involvement Stakeholder Interviews In March of 2011 city staff began conducting interviews with stakeholders which included property owners, business owners, residents and community organizations with property, business or an interest within the boundaries of the Core Area plan. City staff met with over 80 stakeholders initially who provided staff with their thoughts on the issues that should be addressed and their perspective on future redevelopment of the Core Area. This insight has been invaluable in helping to guide staff in the planning efforts for the area. The stakeholder interviews continue to date with a total of approximately 140 stakeholder interviews. Note this represents about 60% of the land area in the Core Area plan. Steering Committee The planning board appointed a nine member steering committee in March of 2012 to help staff develop the vision, goals and policies for the Core Area plan. The steering committee has met monthly since April of 2012 providing city staff and CTA perspective on the concept plans and street profiles developed for the plan. The steering committee has committed to remain together after the plan is adopted to aid staff in the implementation of the plan. 1 Open Houses Public open houses were held in December of 2011 to solicit input from citizens on the issues they felt needed to be addressed in the plan. The public was invited back to a series of open house meetings in August of 2012 once a draft vision statement, goals and concept plans were developed for comment and suggested changes. The comments focused on the need to remove the railroad tracks from the Core Area, a focus on better street connectivity, increased sidewalks connections and increased parks and green space in the area. Chamber of Commerce The August 2012 Kalispell Chamber of Commerce luncheon featured CTA's presentation of their work on the Core Area plan. City staff provided a brief overview of the planning process to date with CTA giving an in depth look at the concept plans that will be included in the draft plan. The luncheon was well attended with over 210 in attendance. The city recorded the presentation and subsequently aired it on the city's public access channel during the month of September. Planning Board Work Sessions The planning board was provided an update on the planning efforts on the Core Area plan at their regular meeting in June 2012. At the planning board's regular meeting in September of 2012, city staff and CTA provided the same presentation that was presented at the August chamber luncheon. The planning board held a public hearing on the draft plan at their October 2012 planning board meeting and forwarded a unanimous positive recommendation to the city council. Website and Communications Six newsletters were mailed directly to property owners in the Core Area plan boundaries. The newsletters informed the property owners of the following: • The overall plan process • How they could become involved in the planning process • City staff contact information • Provided updates on progress of the plan • Identified major issues under consideration for the plan • Invitations to the public open houses and chamber luncheon • Notification of planning board and city council hearings on the draft plan An email list of other interested individuals was also compiled to provide them with an electronic version of the newsletter and inform them of upcoming hearings. The Community Development Department also maintained up-to-date information on the plan on its website. A copy of the draft plan was made available on the Community Development Department's 2 website and the Planning Department's website. Public Involvement Summary Stakeholder Interviews - 3/2011 to 9/2012 City staff conducted 80 one on one interviews with property and businesses owners in the Core Area Open House- 12/1/2011, 12/5/2011 and 12/6/2011 Over 40 property owners attended the series of open houses. Property owners were introduced to the plan and asked about issues or concerns the plan should address. Steering Committee appointment - 3/13/2012 The planning board appointed a nine member steering committee based on a list of interested individuals in the community. Steering Committee meeting - 4/10/2012 Initial meeting to set up committee and begin discussion on plan. Steering Committee meeting - 4/25/2012 Discussion of vision statement and goals to be included in the plan. Steering Committee meeting - 5/23/2012 Confirmed vision statement and draft goals Planning board work session - 6/12/2012 City staff provided an overview of the plan to date. Specific topics discussed were the vision statement for the plan and major issues brought up by the public. Planning board work session - 6/21/2012 Joint work session with the planning board and Flathead County Fair Board at the fairgrounds. The work session focused on the fairgrounds long range plan and discussion of the Core Area plan. Steering Committee meeting - 6/26/2012 Overview of CTA's concept plans with input from the committee Montana West Economic Development Board meeting - 6/27/2012 City staff gave a presentation on the planning process for the Core Area plan including the draft vision statement, goals and upcoming concept plans from CTA. Steering Committee meeting - 8/1/2012 Review of CTA's concept plans and further discussion of the draft plan goal statements. Flathead County Fair - 8/ 15 to 8/19/2012 3 City staff set up a booth at the fair informing citizens of the Core Area plan, the vision and list of issues brought to the city's attention to date. The booth was staffed for three days, 8/ 15 to 8/ 17 during which over 75 people talked with staff about the plan and provided comments. Kalispell Chamber of Commerce luncheon- 8 / 28 / 2012 City staff and CTA presented an overview of the plan to date with CTA providing a presentation of their concept plans. The luncheon had in excess of 210 attendees and was one of the largest luncheons attended in the last few years. Open House - 8/28 and 8/29/2012 Over 15 people attending this second round of open house meetings to inform the public on the vision and goal statements in the plan and review LTA's concept plans. Planning Board work session - 9/11/2012 CTA presented the planning board with its concept plan presentation given at the chamber luncheon on August 28th. Steering Committee meeting - 9/12/2012 A review of CTA's presentation at the August chamber luncheon and staff provided a synopsis of the comments received at the luncheon. The committee discussed the next steps in the project. Steering Committee meeting - 10/24/2012 The committee reviewed the draft plan and recommended the plan be forwarded to the planning board to hold the public hearing Planning Board public hearing - 11/13/2012 A public hearing was held and the planning board recommended the city council approve the Core Area Plan as an amendment to the Kalispell Growth Policy City council work session - 12/10/12 City council public hearing 12/17/12 4 Kalispell Core Area Chamber Presentation August 28, 2012 Questionnaire Results COMMENTS General Support comments: • Loved the plans for the future. Having lived in the Calgary, Boston and New York have seen what vision can do! • Good info and great thoughtful vision to future of our community. • I've been hoping, dreaming and planning for this for 32 years. The sooner we start the better. If we don't plan and move forward.... then in 30-50 years, we'll still be in the same place we are today. GO FOR IT! • Like seeing some "vision" for growth - let's be sure to apply that to City Airport as well, especially since the majority of funding is already available. Excellent presentation - very exciting!! • It only takes people, money and time. Good start. • Love it, Kalispell really needs this. What about a fountain in the end? In Seattle at their Seattle Center they have a great fountain where families go and kids play in the water as its interactive and fun. • Yes!! • Good Luck..... • I love the idea of a more urban feel in downtown Kalispell. • CTA is the perfect partner for the city. 5 • Some great ideas to bring life to our city. Enjoyed the vision. Thanks. • Great! • I think that you are on the right track - Thank you for your interest, involvement and vision! Recommendations: • Library/Fine Arts/Theater/Community Center can move here. We need to be careful about using public funds to develop and/or pay to move businesses. Gov't agencies should not develop with public funds. They can become money pits of the taxpayer dollars. • Build new main library in downtown - EN-Cenex area would be good - sooner rather than later! • Build new library in the core area. Include railway X on west end including area out to Hwy 2/Appleway Drive. • An art center and a library at the end of the east corridor is a great idea for a mixed use area. The trails and green areas are absolutely necessary to its success. • Please DON'T remove the tracks! They are the reason Kalispell is here. Convert them to a electric trolley track that can service the new businesses that are proposed for that area - think Seattle waterfront trolley. Mark that a vehicle free area (except the trolley) make parking garages that are not visible - try to develop buildings that keep the historic feel of the downtown. Don't turn the Town of Kalispell into a City! Make it look like "Old" Kalispell. • More attention should be given to retaining the historical railway presence of the railroad in Kalispell. The revitalization plan should give this historical aspect more attention. How about a trolley system to move people east -to -west? Perhaps extend all the way to GPIA (Glacier Park International Airport). • What about converting the railroad tracks to a trolley system with parking (lots or garages) at the east and west ends of the line? Example - Downtown Denver. • The use of the Trolleys that would travel up and down through the shopping district (similar to the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver) would enable the train tracks to be used in a positive way keeping the charm of Kalispell - old and new - alive! The trolleys would also be an attraction to tourist - they would know they can walk possibly out of the hotel room and get on the trolley and ride to the various shopping destinations, restaurants, and points of interest without having to worry about parking. The downtown Denver trolley has brought more businesses, tourists to the city then predicted. There is more business now then with vehicle traffic! Development should attract locals and tourists to area (restaurants, bars, shopping); Pie in the sky but what about a trolley along track corridor? Parking will be very important. Kudos on McElroy site, nice job! Use tracks for public transportation "Kalispell Trolley". Change Main Street to allow trolley too for North/South to hospital in middle of 93. Kalispell Airport to Hutton? 4r sell the whole lot - 340 acres to mall developer to have inside shopping year-round with parking on top still using your entrance ideas. • Would like to see a walking Main Street. • We certainly need to allow Kalispell to be more vibrant with pedestrian traffic - much like Whitefish. It will immensely benefit all business in Kalispell. Like the idea of a pedestrian bridge on Hwy 93 - like the ones on the strip of Las Vegas. 7th Ave EN needs to come south along the RR Tracks and connect to Woodland Ave. • Development did not consider weather in our area; should consider removing gauntlet at courthouse. Traffic on Hwy 93 is already slow and congested (a traffic study could do wonders). Do not narrow the street, but consider a pedestrian bridge over the road. There should still be adequate parking if you put in those garages you spoke of. • Be aware of detailed plans and remember we have more winter than summer! 8. Do we want them connected or each a complimentary but unique personality? 4. "in" - not necessarily - to those areas - Yes. 3. Would look prettier - but many a man with a trophy wife learned the hard way - pretty to look at and pretty to live with aren't necessarily the same thing. We need revenue. Narrowing 93, step backwards. The busiest I ever saw Kalispell sidewalks was the line up for Jurassic Park - narrow sidewalks were not a problem. The wide sidewalks we now have not invited pedestrians and the reduced parking and more difficult driving has reduced pedestrian. Do not make the same mistake! Would more pedestrian bridges be possible? Especially if businesses can be encouraged to help build them like the downtown bank did? Home businesses could have green back yards that would face into small city parks - then most of the green would be paid for with private money. Cross (East/West) over 93 with a sky bridge. Once the rail is gone it will proceed with lots of enthusiasm. Residential density is needed for low to moderate income. The trail will be a great thread and great vision from CTA. Grain silos can be a "spot" for historical site and figure out a high rise bird's eye view of the downtown. • Need: 1. Better road/access connectivity; 2. Need "re -think" of current zoning standards; 3. Need job growth; 4. Need "open space" as we are Montana and this is why people come. Ideas for recreational development? 5. I believe the train history of Kalispell should be maintained throughout this process. • Traffic down Main Street is horrible so not too sure that making the street narrow again would help but make it worse. Right now we have to sit through about 2 or 3 lights in the summertime just at the main intersection light alone. Snow removal and weather should be considered when talking about medians and outdoor spaces. 0 • Consider crossing North Main Street with a sky bridge. That goes with a reduced size North annex of KCM (Kalispell Center Mall) of 2 stories, wherein you go into shopping in the 2 story "North Main" then down a flight of stairs into current KC Mall. • What about public transportation? • In the short term it would be more valuable and feasible to focus on connecting the existing rails to trails along the existing trails ROW to Evergreen. This would safely draw foot/bike traffic into and through town. Existing businesses would benefit. Over time begin to add commercial and residential "properties." (illegible) • Keep the downtown vital so it's not lost to box area on 93 N. • Connect present downtown to the new area by over walks (sky walks) - over Center Street. • How much money to get rid of the RR tracks and where would it come from? • What about small lots for single family homes like those older homes on the east side? • How much population growth would be needed to build out? 100,000; 50,000; 25,000? • Are there any businesses currently served by the railroad & how will it impact them? • Well done! Do not make the train track an auto street - keep separation between bike path and automobile street - bike/pedestrian overpass on Main Street. • I think the planning looks great, but we could make Main Street look like these new pictures. I feel we need to start in downtown existing areas where the old buildings are instead of leaving them behind and move forward to building a new core. 0 • The idea and concept would make the area more functional for the community. However, to promote wellness to the community should only have pedestrian use in the center/core of Kalispell so all can take in the beauty of the area. • This is exciting! Our existing gateway entering Kalispell from the east on Hwy 2 is tired and unappealing. Wider sidewalks and trees on Main Street would be wonderful! We visited Grand Junction, CO last year and their downtown is so vital and popular. They have 2 narrow lanes on their Main Street and wide sidewalks. I support this effort wholeheartedly. • Pedestrian Overpass; one way streets - 1st Ave east and west to alternate Main Street; Keep some of old buildings to keep historic look; and recycle and reuse existing buildings. • Good start - nice vision. Hwy 93 overpass for pedestrian and bikes vs. another stop light. • Woo hoo! O 6. Depends on what they are - we need businesses that attract foot traffic; 8. Concerned about if opening roads/access would bring with is more traffic (auto) vs foot traffic. *We need to get the bypass opened and utilized before growth can reasonable happen downtown. • Share this with Leadership Flathead this year! • Overpass on 93 downtown good idea. • I like Woodland Park because of the dense trees. I like the idea of adding life, trees and filling in the ugly, empty spaces. I do think it's important to embrace the rustic, small town, railroad roots when it comes to overall style to avoid a typical lifestyle center, Anytown USA look. Keep the Main Street look; brick buildings with old painted ads, etc.. • Bikes can only get to this path if they can get to it from the North - down Buffalo Hill, etc. Downtown needs a facility for concerts, plays, etc. to host events and bring tourists here. Think ING Center in Spokane. Touring Broadway, Glacier Symphony, etc. Kalispell schools and FVCC 10 could use it too. The core area is perfect place for it. What about BN and are businesses wanting to move? • Need bike/ped connections from Kidsport down to Kalispell city core. • Agree to need for pedestrian path, and encourage foot traffic, but our climate and longer colder months need to be considered. Lighting for short days - warning areas or opportunities for winter pedestrians - winter maintenance services. Would love to see cycling from outlying areas encouraged with more safe cycle paths. • Like the density concepts but want to make sure current owners are not displaced and fully compensated. In this economy, even loans put the burden on the property owner - what about grants or outright purchase? My husband and I own property along the tracks in the core area. It is an old shipping warehouse, which could suit some other purpose but we do not have the funds or the ability to borrow more to improve it. We need assistance, and not more regulation that increases our costs or causes us to lose our business. The north/south traffic congestion is, in my opinion, the largest problem w/ downtown Kalispell. There are a number of people, including myself, that avoid downtown at all costs because the traffic is horrible. If the congestion was not so bad, it may even be an enjoyable place to go. • Consider an art park as a draw for both residents and tourists. Attractions for tourists to stop vs driving through. Library and community center. 11 RESPONSES TO THE 10 QUESTIONS PROVIDED TO ATTENDEES AT THE CHAMBER LUNCEON: (Score of 1 is best - 10 is least desirable) 111 responses #1 There is a need to address underutilized and deteriorating properties in the Core Area. Ave. Score - 1.9 1. 62 2. 23 3. 13 4. 5 5. 3 6. 2 7. 0 8. 1 9. 0 10. 1 N/R-1 #2 If the railroad tracks were removed from the Core Area, could this area in -fill and grow. Ave. Score - 2.3 1.51 2.20 3. 17 4. 10 5.6 6. 1 7.1 8.2 9.0 10. 1 N/R-2 #3 If the RR track is removed, a linear park/trail, where feasible, extending from Woodland Park to South Meridian would be a valuable community asset. Ave. Score - 2.2 1.642.163.134.5 5.3 6.3 7.0 8.2 9.2 10.2N/R-1 #4 There is a need for improved sidewalks and pedestrian/bike trails in the Kalispell Core Area. Ave. Score - 2.2 1. 61 2. 10 3. 14 4. 9 5. 5 6. 3 7. 0 8. 3 9. 0 10. 2 N/R- 4 #5 There is a need for additional north/south street connections through the Kalispell Core Area. Ave. Score - 2.4 1.55 2. 16 3. 13 4. 10 5.7 6.5 7. 1 8.2 9.0 10. 1 N/R- 1 #6 A mix of retail, service, residential and public uses in the Core Area would bring vitality to Kalispell. Ave. Score - 2.3 1. 58 2. 11 3. 19 4. 12 5. 3 6. 1 7. 2 8. 2 9. 1 10. 1 N/R - 1 #7 Multi -story development and increased density would promote additional growth. Ave. Score - 2.8 1. 45 2. 16 3. 17 4. 9 5. 9 6. 6 7. 2 8. 2 9. 2 10.2 N/R - 1 12 #8 Shared architectural standards patterned after the traditional Kalispell Main Street would complement and connect the two areas. Ave. Score - 2.5 1. 44 2. 21 3. 20 4. 11 5. 3 6. 5 7. 0 8. 1 9. 1 10. 2 N/R - 3 #9 Public and neighborhood safety and access would be improved if the north and west portions of Woodland Park were thinned and cleared to provide more openness. Ave/ Score - 3.6 1.322.173.134.125.5 6.9 7.7 8.7 9.3 10.2N/R-4 # 10 The core area revitalization plan vision presented by CTA places Kalispell on the right path. Ave. Score - 2.4 1. 482. 183. 174. 8 5. 8 6. 2 7. 2 8. 3 9. 0 10.0 N/R- 5 13 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Kalispell Core Area Chamber meeting Survey Response - % Positive Response 11, 1 oe100 o�y`o O�y�`o a�y�`o O- Ib ,y0 O�ey�`oo �e��`oo OJ�y�oO a ■ % Support 14 Newsletters The planning department has mailed out six newsletters to date to property owners in the Core Area Plan boundary. These newsletters provide the owners with updates on the planning process, inform them of upcoming meetings and provide them contact information for city staff if they have comments or questions. 15 a 3� 7c; _ Q'$EG e �'E v � u � t.° E = m p = •E• E u a Ea `� a �eGiQ P S 2 E.= � �• GErQd E ee'' t oj2 5bl (7.) °nl 'a s E e c 0_• c$ ,Q y°�� ,[ p .£ a/;c •o z E tj " fi .o �+ •O 1: C r Q q O yP�3np 4 t''JVPa� iiC•l uF = 4 :4 a- E 142 ®f IraIn P. y c c E Zy rs Sr: g 4-1 2 .'—c'L is '� 3•� P Z r �r� c = y �? +�� �c 'E 5.� § P City of Kalispell Post Office Box 1997 • Kalispell, Montana 59903 Telephone: (406) 758-7701 Fax (406) 758.7758 5 t y�,qXr �tl�ls't �" ,hC p 3 � •1 5 0 i`'''ri Sy* ai,r4� �1•lr'IG x1 kr EMT 1�i .1C° L ,.9 5 t'� ` r��l + iilk'nal MIA I ' +,yy Li r-9v?- 1! 1i/� r ttnC l d�q 1 �C All x t tda'� , 't, h .�i�l �i'll' �'sl y it r V- F- =' einvestment evitalization _._ _._.. , MONTANA Fall 2011 News from the Neighborhood In early August the first newsletter was mailed out to all property owners in the planning area letting you know of the City of Kalispell's efforts on a long range neighborhood plan in what we call our core area. In this second newsletter we would like to update you on some recent events and invite you to an upcoming meeting with the planning board. Brownfields Training On September 8, 2011, over 40 community members participated in a free training on Brownfields hosted by the City of Kalispell and sponsored by Glacier Bank, Rocky Mountain Bank and the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors. Participants included commercial lenders, realtors, appraisers, economic and community development professionals and others in a full day of training provided by the Community Brownfields Foundation. This training was intended to help community leaders get a better handle on cleaning up, developing and redeveloping properties effected by Brownfield sites. For copies of the handouts provided please contact Katharine Thompson at the Community Development office. What are Brownfield sites? Brownfield sites are properties where the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or comaminent. Many of the Brownfield sites have had some type of industrial or commercial use that over the years have left behind some form of contamination. Typical examples include old or former gas stations with old or leaking underground tanks, abandon underground oil heating tanks, or warehouses or business that handled certain chemicals over the years. It can also include asbestos in old buildings. Such sites are not uncommon in communities but they can impact property values and the ability to sell, develop or redevelop she property. Within our planning area there are at least 29 such sites identified. URA Recommends Expanding West Side Urban Renewal Plan An urban renewal plan is a tool that can be used to help redevelop properties in the city. Currently there is such a plan in effect on the west side of Kalispell called the West Side Urban Renewal Plan. It does include a small comer of our Area Wide Planning Neighborhood. The City's Urban Renewal Agency (URA) who oversees activity within the West Side Urban Renewal Plan, met last month and agreed that if the city were to expand the boundaries of the West Side Plan into our Area Wide Planning Neighborhood it would offer more options to develop or redevelop in this area The Urban renewal committee members include Marc Rold, Chair, Tom Lund, Vice Chair, Suzanne Faubert; Richard Kuhl; and Shannon Nally. Their recommendation went to the city council and on September 6 the council decided to send that recommendation to the Kalispell Plamting Board for their input. Planntnlanningd e ' ng The pboard will hold a meeting and you are invited on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 7 pm in Council Chambers at City Hall, 201 First Avenue East. The purpose of the meeting is two -fold. First we will provide a general update on the early planning efforts in our Area Wide Planning Neighborhood. We have collected a lot of information that we will share in coming newsletter and we will be sharing much of that here. We will talk to the planning board about a schedule of meetings out in the community as we expand our outreach beyond the 80 or so property owners we have met with personaly to date. We will also be asking the board if it is a good idea to expand the West Side Urban Renewal Plan into our neighborhood The planning board will welcome any community member comments on what might be appropriate and needed improvements to the area to encourage a return of private investment to the former industrial corridor of Kalispell, Contacts: Katharine Thompson Sean Conrad Community Development Manager Senior Planner h islmpwn ri kalisocll com sconradakelispell.com 758-771S 759-7942 c 0 m a 0 U City of Kalispell Post Office Box 1997 - Kalispell, Montana 59903Telephone: Ix (406) 758.7701 Fast: (406) 758-7758 Winter 2011 / 2012 This is the third newsletter providing you an update on recent events as we plan for the future of Kalispell's former industrial core. This newsletter recaps a series of open house meetings and provides an update on the expansion of the West Side Urban Renewal Plan, held in early December. Please look at "next steps" in the process of completing the Core Area Revitalization Plan for ways to continue participating. Kalispell's Planning and Community and Economic Development Departments held three evening open houses on December 1st, 5th �� l and Sth. Invitations to the open houses were sent to all 400 prop- 5 !. erty owners within the plan area. Over 40 people attended the three meetings, including many in the residential neighborhoods, a group we had not heard from previously. Some of the new key issues dis- cussed with staff included the following: • The transient population living in Woodland Park and in vacant buildings to the east present a real safety issue for the nearby residential neighborhoods, especially at night. • Residents reported the one way traffic on 3rd and 4th Avenues East is disruptive, negatively impacts property values and takes away the peace and tranquility of the area. • Appleway Drive needs more lighting and better police visibility. • A rental rehabilitation assistance program is needed to help landlords fix up their rental properties. • Sidewalks and pedestrian access is sorely deficient along Center Street. • Excess garbage and a large number of junk or abandoned vehicles parked in the residential alleys adjacent to the core area. This outreach was in addition to the 80 personal interviews conducted by city staff over the summer with some of the commercial and industrial owners. The key issues discussed included: • Removal of the existing railroad tracks. • Development of an east -west linear trail through the core area. • Help relocating rail dependent businesses out of the • More landscaping along the streets to create a more downtown core. appealing location. • Cleaning up and or removing dilapidated buildings. • Lack of sidewalks inhibits pedestrian access throughout the plan area. • The need for more north -south street connections We should encourage high density housing in the through Kalispell. downtown core area. The lists above are not all-inclusive of comments provided to the staff but represent ideas and concerns expressed by a major- ity of those attending the open house meetings and in the personal interviews. These ideas and concerns will help to form the goals and policies that will aid in shaping this neighborhood in the coming years to the desired outcome of the residents, property owners and businesses. If you would Iike to add your ideas or concerns or discuss any of the above issues please feel free to contact: SEAN CONRAD KATHARINE THOMPSON Senior Planner Community Development Manager 758-7942 • sconrad@kalispell.com 758-7713 • kthompson@kalispell.com The council approval came after a September 27, 2011, Planning Board hearing where expansion was unanimously sup- ported and an October 17, 2011, public hearing held by the city council during which the majority of comments were in support of expanding the plan boundary. The expanded boundaries of the West Side Urban Renewal Plan now include both the County Fairgrounds property and Core Area Revitalization Plan area. Adding the Core Area Revitalization Plan to the West Side Urban Renewal Plan area may open up additional financing and planning tools for this neighborhood that we did not have before. `rhe city council acknowledged that if we are going to be successful in revitalizing our old industrial core area, we need to look at the big picture and plan along the entire length of railroad running through Kalispell. The Planning Department has begun the process of hiring an archi- tectural or graphics design firm to provide conceptual redevelopment fr: illustrations of areas within the Core Area Revitalization Plan. These !�. illustrations are meant to visually depict the draft goals of the plan. We expect to have a draft set of goals, policies and conceptual plans ' available to you by the spring of 2012. Once the draft goals, policies and concepts are complete, we will be hosting another round of open houses and meetings soliciting your input to determine if we are on target. We will then incorporate needed changes and new ideas as suggested and then begin moving forward to implement those ideas. LWON 11WF13d 1W rt3dStittN 41Vd 85LL-851- (900 x7d • £ILL-85L (900 auogdalal 3SV.LSOd •s*n £0665 •eu OW Vds!" . L661 xog 3393O 190d ala9 a31wos1iOS3Fid HadsTT v jo AY:) r,; N MONTANA NEWS FROM THE NE16HBOKHOOD This is the fourth newsletter providing you an update on recent events as we plan for the future of Kalis- pell's former Industrial core. This newsletter includes the appointment of a steering committee, the city's hiring of an architectural firm to provide conceptual Illustrations of areas within the Core Area Revitaliza- tion Plan and the Flathead County Economic Development Authority's purchase of a 40 acre future rail served industrial park. Please look at "next steps" in the process of completing the Core Area Revitaliza- tion Plan for ways to continue participating. PLANNING BOARD APPOINTS CORE AREA STEERING COMMITTEE (CAJU On March 13th the Kalispell Planning Board appointed a Core Area Steering Committee to assist in giving direction to the next phase of the Core Area Planning Project. The nine member steering committee Is made up of the following diverse group of Interested Individuals: • Pam Carbonari—Coordinator - Kalispell Business Improvement District; Kalispell Downtown Assoc. • Kellle Danielson—President/CEO of Montana West Economic Development and Flathead County Eco- nomic Development Authority • Tom Lund —President, Rocky Mountain Bank; Vice -Chair of the Kalispell Urban Renewal Agency • Mike Mower —Property owner in the Core Area; Flathead County Fair Board Member • Jim Ness —Vice -President, Glacier Bank; President of the Kalispell Downtown Association • Matt Springer —Flathead Valley Community College, Resource Development Coordinator • Diane Yarus—Property owner in the Core Area • Joe Matulevich—Citizen member • Blake Sherman —Kalispell Planning Board The steering committee will help city staff and a professional architectural design firm develop a reuse or redevelopment plan for key "catalyst sites", prepare several street profiles and graphically visualize an area with the Burlington Northern tracks removed. These plans are not Intended to be actual construction plans but more visioning as to what could happen in the downtown core. The committee will begin meet- ing in April with subsequent meetings every two to three weeks through the month of June. CTA TO PiOOVIDE CONCEPT PUNS The city coundi and many property owners within the district have asked that any recommendations for the future re- development of this area be done graphically. In other words put the vision to paper and show what the future could look like. To that end, the city advertized for profes- sional services and hired CTA to work with the Core Area Steering Committee and city staff to identify key concept plans for catalyst sites and potential street designs repre- senting future use of lands within the Core Area Revitaliza- tion Plan. CTA will produce the preliminary concept plans similar to that pictured of the future Hockaday Museum of Art expansion for review by the CAST members and then the public. to review the preliminary concept plans. NEXT STEP Look for an open house in June The Planning Department has begun drafting a set of goals and policies based on input received from the public, property and business owners in the area. Once the draft set of goals, policies and concept plans are complete, they will be posted on the city's website at the following address: www.kalispell.com/community_economlc development/brownfieid program.php The city will be hosting another round of public meetings soliciting your input to determine if the plan is on target. The meetings are anticipated to take place In late May or early June. We will then incorpo- rate needed changes and new ideas as suggested. Contacts: Katharine Thompson Sean Conrad Community Development Manager Senior Planner 758-7713 758-7940 I D .B E 2 i City of Kalispell PRSTD STD Post Office Box 1997 - Kalispell, Montana 59903 U.S. Postage PAW Telephone: (406) 758-7940 Fax (406) 758-7739 Pmnit A93 Kalispell. MT iwol CORE AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN MAP a eWASHINerroNST _- ^� X{otlwpY Z' IOAMo �tc HpIGNMY 2 T C Z g GENT�R ST IYDR Wcovert � � 1STSTw }, i FCEDA PURCHASES FORNE# NCELROY AND WILRIN GUYEL PIT SITE The Flathead County Economic Develop- ment Authority (FCEDA) has finalized the purchase of the forrner McElroy and Wil- kin gravel pit site. The site was pur- chased with funding provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administra- tion. The site Is located on the east side of Whitefish Stage Road and extends east to Flathead Drive. The property is approximately 40 acres In size and will be developed as a rail -served industrial park. The park will be marketed mainly to manufacturing, wholesale trade and agricultural businesses that need access to rail service. The goal is to develop the site over the next two years. The pur- chase and subsequent development of the former gravel pit site into a rail -served Industrial park is a key piece in assisting in the redevel- opment of the core area. It will provide a destination close to the core area with modern rail access which our current core area does not accommodate. Additionally, it will provide a strong employ- ment base adjacent to the core area. Finally, it creates a future option to remove rail lines dissecting the core area thus making significant redevelopment possible. MONTANA SUMMER 2012 NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD This is the fifth newsletter providing you an update on recent eAents as we plan for the future of Kalispell's former industrial core. This newsletter includes an update on the steering committee's work, examples of CPA's conceptual illustrations of areas within the Core Area Reeilalization Plan, upcoming Kalispell Chamber of Commerce chamber luncheon and public open house meetings to solicit your input on the plan. LZ oN i�ad 1W 'li3dSIlHN GIVd i39V1St)d S'fi ats lasad CORE AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN MAP 6£LL-SSL (900 'X03 Ofi6L-SSL (9(6) :auogdalaL £0665 ,3ue;uow `IIadstle)I - L66I xog 1-1y90190d Iladsge)j 3o /lla sT 3 E WAsttlt,tGTON W WASHING?ON s� W lowo ST O G _ m ,41614WgY 2 . HIGHWAY 2 m Z C 2 ae� E CENTER ST S APPLEWAYDR Z � Z 1ST gT E � p o 4 W CEIrTER ST 1Sq ST'N �yfl w t�` 3 9 Z CORE AREA STEERING COMMITTEE (CAST) The Core Am Steering Committee (ham Carbonari, Kellic Danielson, Tom Lund, Mike Mower, Jim Ness. Matt Springer, Diane Yarus, Joe Matulevich and Bryan Schutt) has now met four times.'rhey have been working with city staff and CIA to develop a vision statement for the core arcu and identify goals to be included in the plan document for the area. The committee is recommending the following vision statement be in the plan document for the public, planning board and city council consideration: The vision of Kalispell's rev italized core area is to transform from an industrially -oriented core into a neat and vibrant, pedestrian -friendly, mixed -use neighborhood, focusing upon retail, residential, entertainment, and cultural amenities designed to proudly and consistently complement the existing historic Kalispell dmvntown area. In addition to the vision statement the committee cos icwed a series of goat statements to carry out the vision. The goal statements addressed the following topics: • Pursue the removal of the railroad tracks through the Core Area The Kalispell City Council and many property owners a ithin the district have asked that recommendations for the future re- development of this area be shown graphically. In other words put the vision to paper and show what the future could look like. To that end, the city advertised for professional services and hired CIA Architects Engineers to work with the tore Area Steering Committee and city staff to identilj key concept plans sites in the plan area and potential street designs representing future use of lands within the Core Amu Revitalization Klan. CTA will produce a series of preliminary concept plans similar to that pictured to the right. These concept plans will visually demonstrate the type, scale and potential design of future development in this area to carry out the vision statement. AUGUST CHAMBER LUNCHEON On Tuesday, August 28th the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. as part of their regular monthly program, is hosting a luncheon at the Red Lion Hotel, 20 Main Street, from 1 I:45 am to 1:30 pm. CIA will be presenting "a first look" at the conceptual plans completed to dale. City staff will be in attendance to answer any questions. This will be the first of scieral public meetings to get the word out about future plans fir the area. The chamber program will also feature some of the major real estate and business projects in the planning stages and under construction in the greater Kalispell area. Cost to attend the luncheon is $18 per person or $135 for a table of S. More information can he found at the Kalispell Chumber's website: wsvvv.kalispellchumbcccom. OPEN HOUSE MEETINGS In addition to the August Chamber luncheon the city will be hosting another round of public open house meetings soliciting your input to determine if the plan and concept drawings are on target. T'he open house meetings will be held at the Kalispell City Hall, 201 Hirst Avenue East on 1 uesda), August 28th from 4.00 • Redevelop rail right of way into multi -use linear trail pm to 8:00 pm and on Wednesday. August 29th from 11:00 am • Increase north/soulh street connections in the area to 2:00 pm. The concept plans presented by CIA at the August • Architectural designs to compliment downtown • A mitt of commercial retail, service, residential, public and open space uses • An environment which encourages more people to live, work and visit • Establish entrances features to define the boundaries of the revitalization area and downtown • Redevelop streets to accommodate multiple users (i.e. cars, pedestrians, bicyclists) Along with goal statements and policies an implementation plan will be drafted to help bring the goals and vision statement for the plan into realit3.1'he vision and goals a ill not be achieved in the short term (next I to 2 years) but will help guide the long term (15 to 20 years) development patterns for this area. DRAFT CONCEPT PLANS BY CTA Chamber Luncheon will be on display for your review. We look forward to seeing you there and appreciate your comments and suggestions. Please Note— if the open house meeting times are incomvenienl, the Kalispell staff can provide a presentation to you at your home or business. The presentation will update you on the progress made on the draft plan to date including the concept development plans drafted by CTA. Please contact either Scan Conrad or Katharine Thompson to schedule a meeting time. NEXT STEPS Following the next round of open house meetings. August 28th and 29th, comments received will be brought to the Core Area Stewing Committee's September meeting for discussion. Y'hc Planning Department has tentatively scheduled a work session and public hearing before the planning board in (_A:lobcr: You will be notified by mail prior to the planning board public hearing. The draft set of goals and policies based on input received from the public, property and business owners in the area will be made available on the city'- website. We anticipate a portion of the draft plan to be available in lute September on the city% website at the following address: wwtv ball o,p.e(1.1nun31crn awl! ecq{rums ctele�gP�r brown 's1_I�r�tgtnpltjL Contacts: Katharine "I'hompson Scan Conrad Community Development Manager Senior Planner kthompsonCkalispell.com sconrad(akalispelLcom 758-7713 758-7940 ,—t'1Tt/ I11 f^ This is the sixth newsletter providing you an update on recent events as we plan for the future of Kalispell's former industrial core. This newsletter includes discussion on the draft Core Area Plan, the Core Area Steering Committee's recommendation on the draft plan, the public hearing date on the Core Area Plan, an update on CTA's conceptual drawings that are included in the draft Core Area Plan and information on a market and feasibility study being conducted within the Core Area. CORE AREA DRAFT PLAN PREPARED The planning and community development department staff have taken all the public comments received to date and prepared a draft Core Area Plan. The plan includes an executive summary and four supporting chapters. Chapter one contains the vision for the core area and includes concept drawings prepared by CTA. Chapter z contains the goals prepared by the Core Area Steering Committee (CAST). Chapter 3 expands on the goal statements giving direction for future growth and activity. Chapter 4 provides a series of "first steps" in the form of a work program outlining things that can be done immediately to begin bringing the core area plan to life. CORE AREA STEERING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION The Core Area Steering Committee (CAST) met on Tuesday, October 23rd and discussed the draft plan. CAST made minor word changes and felt that the draft plan addressed the major issues and goals the committee has discussed over the last several months. With the recommended changes the draft plan has been scheduled for a public hearing before the planning board on November 13th. PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CORE AREA PLAN The Kalispell Planning Board will be holding a public hearing on the draft Core Area Plan on Tuesday, November i; starting at 7:00 p.m. in the city council chambers. The planning board will accept public comments and make a recommendation to the city council on the draft Core Area Plan. The major goals contained in the draft Core Area Plan include the following: Remove the railroad track • Compatible mix of commercial and residential uses Linear park development and green space replacing and/or Pedestrian/bicycle trail development in addition to the railroad track Sidewalk development and improvements Development of higher density housing Street improvements and increased north, south street connections A copy of the draft Core Area Plan can be found at the city's website! www.kaij§peh crzm/plpnnine. A printed version is also available for review during normal office hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Monday through Friday at the Kalispell Planning Department, Zoi First Avenue East, Kalispell. if you would like to view the document but are unable to visit the planning office or view it on-line, please contact the Kalispell Planning Department at (4o6) 758-794o to make other arrangements. DRAFT CONCEPT PLANS BY CTA CTA Architects Engineers has been working closely with city staff and the Core Area Steering Committee to identify key concept plan sites in the plan area and potential street designs repre- senting future use of lands within the Core Area Revitalization Plan. CTA has produced a series of preliminary concept draw- ings, three of which are included in this newsletter. These con- cept drawings visually demonstrate the type, scale and potential design of future development in this area to carry out the vision statement. These concept drawings make up the first chapter in the draft Core Area Plan which will be presented to the planning board at its November 13th meeting. City of Kalispell Post Office Box 1997 • Kalispell, Montana 59903 Telephone (406) 758-7940 • Fax (406) 758-7739 PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID KAUSPELL, MT PERMIT NO.87 WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES TO CONDUCT MARKET AND FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS IN THE CORE AREA On October i5th the Kalispell City Council awarded a contract to Willdan Financial Services. With the contract in place Wilidan will de- velop a comprehensive feasibility study that incorporates an evaluation of current strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for develop- ment within the Core Area while addressing the needs of the existing businesses and property owners. Based on the results of the field- work, stakeholder interviews, and other primary market research, Willdan will prepare a financial feasibility analysis of the proposed Core Area redevelopment including costs associated with railroad track removal, business relocation, community amenities (linear park), and development scenarios. The final analysis work completed by Wilidan will be incorporated into the Core Area Plan to provide city staff with direction and potential financial sources to consider to achieve the stated goals of the Core Area Plan. The Willdan team was in town the week of October 22nd meeting with key community leaders and rail business users and will return in December. NEXT STEPS The Kalispell Planning Board will be holding a public hearing on the draft Core Area Plan on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 starting at 7:00 p.m. in the city council chambers, zoi First Avenue East, Kalispell. The planning board will make a recommendation to the city council who will hold a public hearing, tentatively set for December or January, and take final action on the Core Area Plan. The city's financial consulting team, Willdan, will be presenting their findings to the city in late February. CONTACTS: SEAN COMUD KATHARINE THOMPSON Senior Planner Community Development Manager sconradakalispelf.com kthompsonakalispell.com 758-7942 758-7713