City approves mixed-use building on O'Brien Ave.

Whitefish City Council last week gave its approval for a mixed-use building to be constructed on O’Brien Avenue.

The proposal, brought forth by 124 O’Brien Lot LLC, calls for six residential units on the building’s second and third floors, with two small commercial spaces on the ground floor. The lot, at 124 O’Brien Avenue, is currently vacant.

During the public hearing before Council, some folks associated with buildings in the neighborhood cited concerns over a lack of parking associated with the building, while others said they don’t see that as an issue.

Councilor Katie Williams moved to approve the application.

“I understand the concerns about impacting the neighborhood,” she said. “But we’ve previously approved similar in the neighborhood.”

A conditional use permit is required for the project because the applicant is proposing a multi-family building in excess of four dwelling units.

The plan calls for eight parking spaces on the ground floor, in a covered parking garage, to serve the residential units. No parking is required for the two commercial spaces.

Chris and Natasha Ostrom, who are developing the building, said they’re already going above the four required parking spaces to provide eight for the building.

“We want a smart development,” Chris Ostrom said. “That’s why we’ve come off the setbacks and are providing extra parking.”

The plan includes voluntary setbacks on both the sides and rear property lines. The developers also plan to widen the alley to 16 feet of travel width, they noted, because of concerns over safety.

During public comment, Mike Panissidi, owner of the nearby 2nd Street Lofts, said the parking issue is serious, noting that access to spaces in the O’Brien building planned coming through the alley would be problematic in the winter because the city’s places alley’s as a lower priority for snow plowing. He said by allowing the building to have two extra units that would be setting a precedent for future projects in the neighborhood.

“We built Second Street Lofts with what was allowed,” he said. “I don’t have an issue with where the building is, but it’s too many units.”

Dave Boye owns Black Diamond Mortgage, which is housed in the nearby Riverside Plaza. He disagreed that there would be an issue, saying the majority of the buildings being constructed in the neighborhood are a mix of residential and commercial.

“This is totally in the character of the neighborhood,” he said. “This doesn’t concern me at all.”