Gas station frustration

Welcome to Kalispell North. On April 20, the Whitefish City Council voted to approve a conditional use permit for the Town Pump gas station and convenience store on the corner of Highways 93 and 40.

This corner had served as an attractive entrance into Whitefish — until about a year ago, when the 5-acre grove of beautiful firs, larch and pines was abruptly clear-cut and hauled away — overnight. Now, in its place, we’re getting 5 acres of concrete and 24-hour lighting. It’s sprawl, just like Kalispell, just like every other town along America’s major highways. No question, bit by bit these recurring decisions are chipping away at what makes Whitefish a special place and the outcomes will ultimately be our loss and regret.

Each and every Councilor spoke of their pain in making this decision. The usual arguments justifying approval were that we could get something worse, and the legal grounds for denying are questionable. All too true. In this situation you vote with your head, not with your heart. It’s the safe vote, and it keeps us out of trouble.

In the end, two Councilors took to heart almost unanimous public opinion, spoke of duty to our citizens as opposed to the desires of corporations, acknowledged the long-term importance of keeping Whitefish unique, attractive, a nice place to visit and more importantly, a wonderful place to live.

The two Councilors who spoke from their heart and voted accordingly are Ryan Hennen and Rebecca Norton. Rebecca in particular offered an impassioned plea to preserve the future of Whitefish. I want to publicly recognize Ryan and Rebecca, and know that for many of us, your heartfelt vote was greatly appreciated. We will remember that the sad day concrete overlays what could have been.

Leo Keane, Whitefish