City approves housing subdivision on Hwy 93

Whitefish City Council April 18 approved a 41-unit housing subdivision planned for along Highway 93 south of Mountain Mall.

Mkay Enterprises submitted a preliminary plat application and planned unit development application for the housing project known as Riverview Meadows. The project proposes four units to be used for affordable housing. The property is situated on 9.5 acres between the Whitefish River to east and the highway to the west. The Les Schwab Tire Center is immediately to the south of the property.

The PUD calls for a mix of single and multi-family housing on the eastern portion of the property. The project is looking to create 13 single-family lots to be developed off a cul-de-sac on the eastern portion of the property. Heading west toward the highway, plans call for two townhouse buildings containing a total of 10 units and then three six-plex apartment buildings.

Michael Morton, with Mkay Enterprises, said he is seeking a PUD to develop multi-family housing in the zoning district, while providing important connections for the city’s streets and trail.

“It will end the unfortunate circumstance of River’s Edge subdivision being built on a dead-end street,” he said. “I will extend the Whitefish River trail and I think that’s really important and that will give a nice connection for using the trail.”

As part of the project, the developer plans to extend Whitefish Avenue through the property in order to facilitate its future extension. The city’s transportation calls for the extension of Whitefish Avenue to the south as a way to help ease some of the north-south traffic on the highway.

In addition, the developer will construct a new east-west public street from the highway to Whitefish Avenue along the north side of the property.

“I’m pleased with how this plan turned out,” Councilor Jen Frandsen said. “I do have concerns about the congestion on Highway 93 as the result of additional development. I hope we continue to build alternative access routes to help with that.”

During public comment, Don Spivy said increased development along Highway 93 in that area is creating concerns about traffic congestion.

“They have done some very good things — in terms of the single-family homes near the river and you do get four affordable housing units,” he said. “Generally I think this development is a good thing. I’m delighted that the city is trying to work to mitigate some of the congestion in that area.”

Mkay Enterprises is proposing to develop the project in three phases, first with the detached single-family lots anticipated during 2017-2018. The second phase for the townhouses and apartments is planned for development in 2017-2019.

The PUD includes an open space corridor along the Whitefish River at the easterly edge of the site. The open space will be preserved and accommodate a segment of the city’s bike and pedestrian trail. About one acre of land is set to be dedicated as open space.

During public comment, Hunter Homes commended the development for preserving many trees and creating access to the trail along the Whitefish River.

“This is one of the best developments I’ve seen,” he said. “We desperately need that connection of the trail.”