North Meridian Neighborhood Plan1
NORTH MERIDIAN NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN
AN AMENDMENT TO THE KALISPELL CITY -COUNTY MASTER PLAN
ADOPTED BY
City Council
CItY of Kalispell
Resolution No. 4189
December 5, 1994
Flathead County
Board of Commissioners
Resolution No.,1055A
December, jC1,'�
North Meridian Neighborhood Plan - Page 1
NORTH MERIDIAN NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN
AN AMENDMENT TO THE KALISPELL CITY/COUNTY MASTER PLAN
INTRODUCTION
This document is an amendment to the adopted Kalispell City/County Master Plan. As an
amendment, it serves as a supplement to the Goals, Objectives, Policies, and Map contained
In the overall Master Plan. The North Meridian Neighborhood Plan will serve as a guide for
the most appropriate action to take when a request for, a change in zoning or major
development is proposed for the area. In addition, it looks at the needs of the
neighborhood regarding infra -structure, such as roads, pedestrian access, water, sewer, and
storm drainage and sets general policies towards supplying those services.
The North Meridian Neighborhood Plan covers an area bounded by US Highway 2 on the
south; US Highway 93 and Wedgewood Lane on the north; 7th Avenue WN on the east; and
Hawthorne Avenue and Northern Lights Boulevard on the west. The area contains
approximately 314 acres within the City limits of Kalispell
There are many reasons to look at this area for a change to the Master Plan. The land
immediately adjacent to Meridian Road`generaily'has a haphazard, organization to its zoning,
and land use pattern. This situation makes it difficult for property owners to predict what
will happen regarding land use in their neighborhood. The amount of automobile and
truck traffic has made it dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles. A transportation plan for
Kalispell has been adopted indicating North Meridian Road be upgraded to a three and four
lane road. The possibility of the fairgrounds relocating has been discussed and what will
happen to the property if it does relocate. These reasons and the many inquiries for
rezoning and changes in land use have indicated the need to address the existing Master
Plan for the area and create a more cohesive and consistent neighborhood plan. This Plan
allows the residents and property owners to know what, <o expect in the area and that the
laF: � can ",'.re fs gn.jv_e� 4
North Meridian Neighborhood Plan - Page 3
BACKGROU-N-0 DATA
The initial step was to gather basic information concerning the 'existing conditions of the
area. The method by which the information was gathered included: the study of the
Infrastructure maps provided by the City; field work; and the use of aerial photographs.
This included information on land use, master plan, water, sewer, roads, and pedestrian
access.
Land use:
The following information is a comparison of the acreage of existing land use to existing
Master plan designation.
M.PLAN
LAND
DESIG-
USE
NATION
TYPE
EXISTING
LAND USE
ACRES
EXISTING
MASTER
PLAN ACRES
UR
Single-family
54
46
HDR
Multi -family
16
49
COM
Commercial
35
63
IND
Industrial
21
0
PUB
Public/Park
97
97
TRANSITION
*59
Vacant 53
Streets * 38
TOTAL ACRES:., . 314 314
Date 3-94, Source FRDO
Storm sewer:
Two 24 inch storm sewers exist at the south end of the study area. one is located in
Meridian Road and extends north as far as Husky Street and the other in Kinnshella Avenue
to just north of Husky Street All drainage flows generally from north to south. using mainly
the streets.
Saftlt ry :sewer:..:..
The City supplies sewer to most of the Plan area. An 18 inch sewer main at the southern
end of Meridian Road tapers- to an 8 inch main at the north end. All sewage Is treated by,
the City sewerage treatment plant south of town. Smaller sewer mains; 6, 8, and 12 inch
lines, service the developments as you move away from Meridian Road. A 12 inch line exists
in Liberty Street to Hawthorne Avenue north to Three Mile Drive to Northern Lights
Boulevard. Most of the rest. of the area Is served by 8 inch lines. Three smaller areas
generally do not have immediate access to sewer mains. These three areas include the
property: north of Three Mile Drive between Northwest Lane and Meridian Road; north of
West Wyoming Street to Colorado Street from Meridian road to 7th Avenue WN extended;
and the area north of the Underhill Subdivision. Development or redevelopment of the
Page 4 - North Meridian Neighborhood Plan
Plan area is entirely dependant on the availability of sewer service. It is possible to serve
each of these areas, however, current City policy dictates that such extension would be at
the request of the property served and fully paid for the property requesting service.
Water:
Water is also supplied by the City to most of the area. A 16 inch water- main enters the
study area from the northeast and runs under Meridian Road from Three Mile Drive south
across Idaho Street and out of the study area. Feeder mains range in size from 4, 6, 8, and
12 inches. Two additional lines feed this area from the north. A 6 inch line comes down
Northern Lights Boulevard, and; an 8 inch line feeds Wedgewood Road, Parkway Drive, and
the northern end of Meridian road. These two northern service lines are not looped into
the main water lines feeding the southern three quarters of the study area. The largest
area not served by city water in this area is located north of Three Mile Drive between
Northwest Lane and Meridian Road.
Streets:
The road system/pattern is well established since most of the land has been developed. The
neighborhood is bordered by US Highway 2 (Idaho Street) on the south, and US Highway 93
on. the north. Two minor arterials are included in the area, they are Meridian Road and
Three Mile Drive. One collector street is in the Plan area and that is Two Mile Drive. All
other roads in the Plan area are considered local roads. The roads in the Plan area are
paved with two travel lanes, one in each direction.
This neighborhood in one sense is well served by the major street system. However, there
are several concerns. For example Meridian Road is extremely undersized. for the traffic
volumes it handles. In the Kalispell Area Transportation Plan, the 1991 traffic -counts showed
10,130 vehicles per day and the year 2000 projection is for 12,100 vehicles per day. The
transportation Plan recommends that Meridian Road be upgraded to a 4 lane road from
Idaho Street to Three Mile Drive and 3 lanes from there to Highway 93. As it is now and
with this upgrade it is and will be more difficult for traffic to enter and exit properties.
In addition, Two Mile Drive is very congested and is projected to carry even more traffic as
new developments are approved. There is also no adequate north -south link for Two Mile'
Drive, and lacks a good flow across Meridian Road to the east.
Pedestrian .Access: .
There is no effective system of pedestrian walkways or bicycle trails in the area. For the
most part individuals will use the roads. A school crossing guard is provided for on
Meridian Road at Liberty Street for children going to and from Russell School. Russell School
is located on West Wyoming Street just west of US Highway 93. Sidewalks are located on
the north side of Liberty street; there are no other sidewalks in the neighborhood. This
situation forces the very young or old to use the streets which are very congested.
PLAN DEVELOPMENT
North Merldlan Neighborhood Plan - Page 5
Through a series of neighborhood meetings, conversations with property'ownersand City
staff, a more uniform development pattern for growth was developed. in November, 1993
the first neighborhood public meeting was held for the North Meridian Neighborhood Plan
at the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Office on North Meridian Road. At this meeting issues were
identified and information was gathered that served as the.starting point for the Plan. in
addition, maps were displayed indicating existing land use, existing zoning, the existing
Master Plan, and existing infrastructure.
A second meeting was held atthe same location in January,1994. At this meeting additional
information was gathered relative to land use and the issues that are prevalent in the area.
A preliminary land use map and a transportation map were displayed and discussed.
Presentations to the City Council and County Commissioners kept them informed and gave
them an opportunity for input during the process. In addition to these meetings, City staff,
including: the City Manager; the Police and Fire Chiefs; the Public Works, Parks, and
Community Development Departments, were involved' and made 'comments and
suggestions.
North Meridian Neighborhood Plan:- Page 7
ISSUES
Out of the neighborhood meetings, meetings with staff, `and meetings with the Kalispell
City -County Planning Board, issues were refined. Those issues were identified as follows:
the incompatibility of land uses and zoning in the area;
the need for a plan that would be followed;
the uncertainty about the future of the fairgrounds, if it leaves what will the
property be used for;
the lack of safety for bicycles and pedestrians, especially children;
the increased volume of traffic and the safety and interaction of cars and
trucks;
the lack of City services in some parts of the neighborhood.
The land use issue is perhaps the most visible. With the land uses ranging from industrial
uses, to commercial, to multi -family, to single family, to mobile homes, to the fairgrounds
it is,relatively easy to see why the noise, dust, traffic, and uncertainty of what is happening
can be an issue. The feeling that property owners are helpless in the ' process of
maintaining a cohesive plan for the future came out very strongly at these meetings. It
appears this stems from the lack of input to the land use decisions in the past.
The Fairgrounds issue is, on the surface, very simple, should it stay or should it move and _
while . the immediate impact of the fairgrounds is on this area it can 'be much farther
reaching. Out of the public meetings their was no clear consensus as to whether or not the
fairgrounds should move. If it stays upgrades and expansion could be expensive and
difficult given the age of the buildings and infra -structure, limited area, and parking
requirements of some of the activities that occur on the property. If it moves, where
would it move to and then what would be the activity on the existing site? The question
of where it would move to is beyond the scope of this plan since it would relocate out of
this planning area. What should the property be used for if the fairgrounds were to move
was discussed with a general consensus that it should be used for a variety of uses,
including; commercial, residential, and parks.
"Pedestrian sbfety'appeared to be the most pressing Issue. With the existing'traffic volumes•
road conditions; the upgrade of North Meridian Road; no sidewalks or safe place off the
road to walk; and only one.place that has a crossing guard for school children, safety was
a repeated concern. Truck traffic and speeding cars was also brought up as a safety
concern. Construction of Alternate US Highway 93, additional traffic control devises, police
to enforce speed limits, and crossing guards were felt needed because of inadequate
control of traffic.
The area north of Three Mile Drive between Northwest Lane and Meridian does not
currently have City services such as water and sewer; in addition, this area takes direct
Page 8 - North Meridian Neighborhood Plan
vehicular access from Meridian Road on the hill. The -,majority of 'individuals owning
property in this area indicated their desire to see those services installed. Any new
development in this area would be required to hookup to those services. The problem
facing this area revolves around the expense of infrastructure; because'a developer is
required to install the main line extensions, it becomes cost'prohibitive unless the project
is of sufficient scale and intensity to absorb the cost. To alleviate some of the inherent
traffic problems associated with driveways, an alternative access arrangement should be
provided for.
There is essentially no storm sewer system servicing the 'Plan area. While major flooding
does not appear to be a widespread problem and no floodplain exists in the area, isolated
occurrences of flooding have caused short term problems.
North Meridian Neighborhood Plan - Page 9
THE PLAN
This Plan, the issues, goals, policies, and maps include six (6) categories of, land use along
with policies to help resolve the issues. These land use categories include Urban Residential
(2-8 dwelling units per acre), High Density Residential (8-40 dwelling units per acre),
Commercial, Neighborhood/Buffer Commercial, Multi -use, Public and Park. Two (2)
categories that exist in this document are new, those are; the Neighborhood Commercial
and Multi -use categories.
The following information" s'a comparison of the acreage of existing land use t& existing
Master plan designation to the proposed Neighborhood Plan.
M.PLAN
LAND
EXISTING
EXISTING
PROPOSED
DESIG-
USE
LAND USE
MASTER
MASTER
NATION
TYPE
ACRES
PLAN
PLAN
UR
SFR
54
46
33
HDR
Multi -family
16
49
85
COM
Lt. Commercial
3
0
g
COM
Commercial
32
63
52
IND
Industrial
21
0
0
PUB
Public/Park
97
97
43
-Vacant
MULTI -USE
—
—
54
TRANSITION
*59
*38
Streets * 38
TOTAL ACRES 314 314 314
Date 3-94, Source FRDO
* NOTE: The acreage for the transition areas and the streets will, not
cdrres'�pond-with ;eacl� .rrolumn because the Existing Masi r PI
iias'large °ransitian areas and"the'Proposed plan does not. In
addition, any proposed streets are of unknown configuration
and precise location so no calculation was assumed.
Land use:
This Plan is an amendment to the existing Master Plan and utilizes the existing plan for any
information not contained in this amendment. Therefore, the Kalispell City -County Master
Plan document should be referred to for information on such categories as Urban
Residential, High Density Residential, Commercial, Public and Park.
Neighborhood/Buffer Commercial
Page 10.- North Meridian Neighborhood Plan
The Neighborhood/Buffer Commercial land use category is intended to be compatible with
the lowest of intensity characteristics included in the B-1 zoning district. This will help to
facilitate the compatibility between the roads, residential uses, and non-residential uses.
Multi -use
The Multi -use category has been selected for the Fairgrounds property because of its size,
location, and concerns of the public. The property being primarily on the northeast corner
of Meridian Road and US Highway 2 makes it a prime location for a combination of
commercial, residential, and open space uses. In discussions with staff it is felt that a ratio
of 60% commercial, 30% residential, and 10% park/open space is' an economically viable
ratio of land„ uses.
The Multi -use commercial development should occur along Meridian Road and Highway 2,
and primarily west of the extension of Two Mile Drive. This 60% would dedicate a
maximum of approximately 32 Acres to commercial development prior to road dedication.
The commercial development that is envisioned would be an anchor store with support
retail on one or more pads.
The 30% residential would allow approximately 16 acres of residential development. This
residential development could be attached single family or apartment'type of dwellings to
buffer the commercial development from the single family development to the east.
Park land development would be exclusive of roads, building setbacks, or other open space
requirements of development. This 10% would equate to approximately 5 acres of
improved park for use by the general public. It is not intended for the exclusive use of the
residential development and should be in addition to any required by subdivision.
Streets:
The extension of 7th Avenue WN from Wyoming Street to Colorado Street should be
considered when the property to the north is considered for development. This extension
would facilitate the north -south movement of traffic without significantly impacting the
residential character of the area.
The three major roads that influence the Plan area include Meridian Road, Three Mile Drive,
and Two Mile Drive. Meridian Road has been designated to be upgraded to a four lane,
minor „arterial road from US Highway,-.2 to Three Mile Drive and north from there as a throe
lane aiterl�.�.. Tl2ree Mij ,,;D{ Ive;.ls design�t_d as, a rKinor arteri,U� :cup �I tick �` . st-:, fd.for
=.
d lanes�'o3° traffic grid does not`stop as it turns southbound on meridian Road. 'The
reconstruction of the intersection of Three Mile and Meridian would include a "T" type
intersection and should include a three way stop.
An extension of Two Mile Drive has been proposed to cross the Fairgrounds property and
connect to Washington Street. The specific location would be determined by the type and
location of commercial and residential activity that would occur on the fairgrounds
property should the County Fairgrounds move. A connection from Meridian Road to us
Highway 93 was perceived as an advantage to the movement of east -west traffic through
the area. Washington Street seems to be the logical connection for a number of reasons.
First is that it connects to Whitefish Stage Road; second, that it is the road that backs up
North Meridian Neighborhood Plan - Page 11
against the commercial strip along Idaho Street; and third, that it might;reduce the amount
of traffic on Wyoming Street. Wyoming Street had been originally looked at for the
connection due the traffic light at US Highway 93. Problems arose when one considered
the elementary school (Russell School) in the fact that the play fields are across Wyoming
from the school itself. in addition, Wyoming Street is not a through road past the highway,
it basically terminates into the neighborhood immediately east of Highway 93.
Access to Meridian Road should be limited. There are a number of ways in which this could
be accomplished: combined access driveways; or service roads accessing lots and parcels.
Both of these alternatives act in a similar manor by reducing the access points along a busy,
arterial and routing this traffic to control points. This concept already exists in this area,
that'is on Parkway Drive where commercial enterprises dependant on Meridian frontage
take access from what amounts to a service road.
All streets and alleys should be paved to City standards to reduce the dust and noise
associated with unimproved roads. A Redevelopment District, or Special Improvements
District, or other funding mechanism should be created to allow money to be used to assist
in these types of improvements.
infrastructure:
While infrastructure such as water, sewer, and storm drains exist in the area these
improvements are discontinuous. The prime areas for development do not contain the
necessary improvements for development. Storm drains, sewer mains and water mains
should be extended into those areas not served by such improvements. The City should
assist in the construction of those improvements by creating assessment districts, a
redevelopment district, an urban renewal district or the like.
Pedestrians:
Many school children are required to cross Meridian Road on their way to and from Russell
School. Currently a school crossing guard exists at Meridians, intersection with liberty
Street, this is the only controlled crossing on Meridian Road. Additional crossing.guards
should be considered for Wyoming Street, Two Mile Drive, and Three Mile Drive.. Requiring
vehicles to stop at intersections would facilitate safe crossing for pedestrians.
The area has few sidewalks for pedestrian safety, the City should continue to require
sidewalks for new developments even if they may be cli5continuous. This would allow, in
S:rreJ� 're:, the c nnec Jon'nf those sections of sidewalks -in- pact! �er����-*he'�r ,�ert1!
owners at the time sidewalks are ordered in. The city should assist in the construction of
those improvements by creating assessment districts, a redevelopment district, an urban
renewal district or the like.
North Meridian Neighborhood Plan - Page 13
POLICY SECTION
The following are the Goal statements and Policies that are incorporated into the Kalispell
City/County Master Plan amendment, as partof the. North Meridian Neighborhood Plan.
ISSUE 1:
The present urbanized land use pattern incorporates a haphazard and incompatible mix of
uses.
GOAL 1:
To set a pattern of land use that incorporates sensitivity to neighboring uses.
POLICIES:
1. Create and maintain a land use.pattern that is consistent with the North Meridian
Neighborhood Plan and Plan maps.
2. The areas identified on the Plan Map as Multi -family Residential category along
Meridian Road should encourage a mix of professional office and high density
residential development.
3. Where proposed non-residential, multi -family, and single family uses abut each
other, encourage the use of extensive landscape buffers.
4. Single family homes be developed along Colorado Street.
5. Within the Neighborhood/Buffer Commercial designation allow uses that are
compatible with the neighboring. residential areas.
6. Within the Plan area encourage inside storage of materials and conversion of non-
conforming uses to permitted uses.
7. Encourage the City's Community Development Department to develop and adopt
a Redevelopment Plan for the area to facilitate the relocation of uses not
compatible or of high impacts to areas of the City that are more appropriate for
high impact uses.
8. If the Fairgrounds remain, the Multi -use category would allow the
expansion/modification to the facility.
Page 14 - North Meridian Neighborhood Plan
9. Within the fairgrounds property utilize a ratio of 60% commercial; .30% residential,
and 10% for parks, encouraging intensive landscape buffer for the residential
properties.
10. The 10% for parks should be exclusive of roads, setbacks, etc. and for the benefit of
the general public and improved as such.
11. Within the entire plan area encourage uses that promote pedestrian friendly
developments and a sense of place.
North Meridian Neighborhood Plan - Page 15
ISSUE 2:
The interaction of pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles can create dangerous situations. .
GOAL 2:
Create a circulation pattern that maintains a separation of incompatible systems.
POLICIES:
1. Promote sidewalks and boulevards along all streets.
2. Encourage the bicycle routes that are on collector and arterial streets to be separate
from the travel lanes of vehicles. Those streets would be Meridian Road, Three Mile.
Drive, and Two Mile Drive.
I Maintain and encourage additional traffic control features at collector and arterial
intersections for pedestrian safety. Those intersections are identified on the
Transportation Map. In addition, they are identified as the intersections with North
Meridian Road and: Two Mile Drive, West Wyoming, Liberty Street, and Three Mile
Drive.
4. To reduce the potential for pedestrian -vehicle accidents maintain a reduced speed
limit on Meridian Road.
5. Encourage additional crossing guards along Meridian Road at the times children are
going to and from school.
6. Encourage parents to volunteer time to become crossing guards.
7. Develop and adopt a Redevelopment Plan for the area that will' facilitate the
construction of a safe circulation pattern.
Page 16 - North Meridian Neighborhood Plan
ISSUE 3:
As the City grows additional traffic will strain the existing system making it more
dangerous.
GOAL 3:
Create a street system that can accommodate increases in traffic safely.
POLICIES:
I._ Promote an extension of Two Mile Drive to connect to. 7th Avenue WN. The location
of which would be determined by the development of the fairground property.
2. The extension of 7th Avenue WN may be extended north to Colorado Street.
3. To provide alternate access to the Junior High School,Northwest Lane should be
constructed to the east to connect with Meridian Road.
4. To reduce traffic on Meridian Road, encourage the construction of an alternate
Highway 93 west of town.
5. Encourage the use of combined access easements and service roads for
developments along Meridian Road.
6. Develop and adopt a Redevelopment Plan that facilitates the convenient flow of
residential and commercial traffic.
7. Colorado Street and Arizona Street not be extended west to connect with Meridian
Road
8. Colorado Street be upgraded with a cul-de-sac at its termination.
North Meridian Neighborhood Plan - Page 17
ISSUE 4:
City services are not yet available to parts of the North Meridian Area.
GOAL 4:
Provide a full range of services to the area.
POLICIES:
1. Adopt a development strategy that promotes the installation of sanitary sewers,
water mains, and storm sewers.
2. Promote the retaining" of storm water runoff onsite.
3. Ensure an adequate water supply for domestic and emergency needs.
4. Maintain a quick response time by emergency service providers.
5. Ensure sufficient infrastructure is constructed and maintained for wastewater
treatment.
I
6. Encourage the City to develop and adopt a Redevelopment Plan that facilitates the
extension of a full range of services.