Wisconsin corridor plan presented to public at open house

The city of Whitefish is set to unveil the initial draft of the Wisconsin Avenue corridor plan later this month following nine months of planning and deliberation.

The first public review draft of the plan will be presented at an open house on Aug. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at City Hall.

The plan looks at how the corridor should develop over the next two decades, examining future land uses, motorized and non-motorized transportation, infrastructure, economic performance and potential improvements, according to city Planning Director Dave Taylor.

“The open house provides opportunity for public input as the steering committee finishes up the draft for eventual review by the Planning Board and City Council,” he said.

The corridor boundary is from the Edgewood Drive and Wisconsin Avenue intersection north of the viaduct down to the Houston Drive/Big Mountain Road intersection of East Lakeshore Drive.

Kat McMahon, lead planning consultant with Applied Communication of Whitefish, said the steering committee has been intent on making key development decisions for the area and is looking for the opinion of the public to better shape their recommendations.

Applied Communication has worked with Robert Peccia and Associates, GSBS Richman Consulting, the Wisconsin Avenue steering committee and the city planning office to develop the plan.

McMahon said the open house is an opportunity for residents to provide feedback so the steering committee can continue to refine its recommendations.

“The goals and policies in the plan will guide future development and transportation improvements,” she said. “There are recommendations for land use and key development areas with an emphasis on protecting water quality.”

A copy of the draft plan is available on the city of Whitefish website under Planning and Building/Long Range Plans, or at http://www.cityofwhitefish.org/planning-and-building/long-range-plans.php.