Commercial interests continue to creep beyond city limits

I want to express my appreciation to the Whitefish Pilot for their excellent reporting on the July 15, 2010, Whitefish City-County Planning Board meeting. Without this reporting, the families that live along Big Mountain Road would not have been made aware of the board's unanimous approval to allow Denis Migneault a conditional-use permit for a bed and breakfast on Big Mountain Road.

Several years ago, Migneault requested a zone change from agricultural to commercial in order to operate a bed and breakfast at that same location, and we affected homeowners were notified as required by law of the request for a zone change.

At that time, many of us who have private homes in the area opposed a commercial enterprise that would interrupt our quiet, rural, residential lifestyle, and the city council at that time supported our opposition.

Since that request, we've had another neighbor who was unable to sell his "McMansion" home, just like Migneault was unable to sell his 13,000-square-foot home, and also request a zone change so he could operate a bed and breakfast. The city council rejected that request because potential septic problems had the potential of polluting our community well that serves four families.

City planning director David Taylor is quoted in the Pilot article saying "the property, though zoned agricultural, is compatible with the neighborhood." I would disagree with his assessment. Over the years, the city council has tried to keep commercial development to Wisconsin Avenue, but slowly we are encroaching on East Lakeshore Drive and now Big Mountain Road.

I would appreciate city staff in making their recommendations to alter the current zoning to the city council represent all of the residents of Whitefish and the doughnut area, not just the citizen making a request for a conditional-use permit.

We purchase and make decisions on where we want to live because of specific zoning protections, and then it seems we have to continue to fight to protect these areas from encroachment from those who would like to benefit financially to the detriment of those who live and abide by the protection of the agricultural zone where they live.

If the city council approves this conditional use for a bed and breakfast for Mr. Migneault, wouldn't they also have to approve similar requests from other citizens in the appearance of fairness for all citizens?

I worry the floodgates will open all around the valley, and all the "McMansions' that are for sale will seek this designation to enhance their property value. Those of us who envisioned a quiet, rural lifestyle may soon have a commercial business next door.

I think the city of Whitefish should be extra-sensitive to the appearance of fairness after two lost lawsuits. If a conditional use for one landowner is approved, why not one for me, and me, and me?

I will not be able to attend the public meeting on Aug. 2, when this item will be decided, so I thank the Whitefish Pilot again for bringing this matter to my attention so I can write my opposition to this matter to the city council, whom I hope will represent my interests as well as my neighbors in this matter.

Judith Ross lives in Whitefish.