3. Downtown Business Association - Tax Increment Funds & Projects2-18-99
To: Mayor Boharski, Kalispell City Councilmen, Al Thielen
From: Kalispell Downtown Business Association
Re: Downtown projects for use of T.I.F. funds
The following is a list of projects we believe would have a positive affect downtown,
and would be the most beneficial and appropriate use of tax increment funds.
The projects are listed in order of our priority.
Project 1
On first avenues east and west from fifth street to first street on first avenue east and
from fourth street to first street on first avenue west change from four lanes to two
lanes, change from parallel to diagonal parking, and build pedestrian peninsulas on
each comer and handicapped parking spaces with pedestrian crosswalks mid block.
And build pedestrian peninsulas on main street from center street to fifth street.
Goals
Make crossing the street easier for pedestrians.
Reduce traffic speed on the avenues, thereby increasing walk ability.
Increase parking in the downtown (the project would add about 20 spaces per block
for a net gain of about 140 parking spaces).
Project 2
Bury utilities in first alley east from 100 block to 400 block.
Goals
Alley beautification.
Increase safety for property owners.
Project 3
Signage. Add traditional street signs on the comers. Add "Welcome to Kalispell"
signs in the vicinities of main & center and main & fifth. Add signs directing tourists to
parking. Add "Welcome to Kalispell" signs to street lamps.
Goals
Image building for Kalispell's downtown.
Increase pedestrian use.
Encourage drivers to stop, park, and visit.
Project 4
Change third from two way traffic with parallel parking to one way (westbound) traffic
with diagonal parking from first avenue east to first avenue west.
Goals
Slow traffic on the street.
Increase parking.