2nd Street Apartments - You could be next
On Monday, Aug. 19, the Whitefish City Council will vote whether or not to approve a massive rental complex at Second Street and Armory Road. With 153 units, this project will dump, at a minimum, over 1,100 extra car trips per day on Second Street, right where our kids play ball and walk to school.
Several hundred more cars a day will drive Armory Road out to Highway 40, creating a public safety hazard for those walking or cycling the Armory loop or approaching the skateboard park.
The proposed lease periods for these units are for 1, 3 or 6 months, allowing short-term rentals for those working here temporarily. No one has consulted with Police Chief Bill Dial about expected burdens on our police and fire personnel at this huge complex.
Two more issues to consider:
First, the developers ask council to grant them a zone change from WR-1 to WR-2 for several acres, change additional acreage from Agricultural to WER, and then add a PUD overlay. It is this combination of approvals, if granted, that will allow high density development in an otherwise single family neighborhood.
We believe that council's approval will set a precedent requiring like approval for similar projects proposed for suburban residential areas within the Whitefish zoning district, including the "doughnut." As we learned from the Walton litigation, what the city approves for one, they must approve for all.
Second, isn't this a clever way to constructively amend the 2007 Growth Policy without bothering to go through a pesky legal process of public input and formal review?
With approval of this project, those who want to build endless high density developments can rely on the precedent set in this application. In essence, arguably every parcel currently zoned as WR-1 that adjoins a field could end up high density residential.
Just something to consider if you don't think this project affects you. Please show up on Aug. 19 or write to our council beforehand to express your views.
— Phyllis and Jack Quatman