1. High-Tech Business ParkREPORT TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
MEETING DATE:
City of Kalispell
Post Office Box 1997 •Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 • Telephone (406) 758-7700 • FAX (406) 758-7758
The Honorable Mayor Boharski and City Council
Susan Moyer, Community Development
Chris A. Kukulski, City Manager
High Tech Business Park
March 14, 2000
BACKGROUND: The Stream International project has been widely exposed through the Internet
and various news media. As a result, Jobs Now and the City have received
several inquires from local and out-of-town businesses as to the possibility of
relocating or expanding in this area. Unfortunately, there is very little, if any,
land suitable within the City limits to encourage such additional economic
development activity that would benefit our tax base.
Hampstead Partners is exploring the possibility of creating a private development
upper end business park on the northern end of town. A couple of locations are
being investigated for this activity in the vicinity of Reserve Drive. Should this
park become a reality, the City of Kalispell could have the opportunity to work
with them on extending utilities to the north as well as to the proposed new
subdivision behind Country Estates. The owner of the Hagadone Apartments has
expressed a willingness to annex into the City if these structures could be placed
on city services.
It is staff s understanding that a representative from Binocs (currently located in
Evergreen) will be addressing council expressing their interest in being one of the
first firms to relocate into such a business park. Binocs is intending to expand
their employment force by approximately 200 new employees for expansion of
their research facility. Again, the City could be able to assist in the creation of
moderate to upper end jobs for the betterment of the entire community.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council direct staff to work with the developers to identify ways we can
assist them in creating such a business park within our city limits. An additional
argument would be the protection of the aquifer
FISCAL IMPACT:
As yet to be determined.
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ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by council.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Moyer, Director
Community Development
Chris A. Kukulski,
City Manager
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