Events shouldn’t be required for open space

The Pilot reported a Whitefish City Councilor was reprimanding those unhappy or concerned with the chaos and poor planning, associated with the Under the Big Sky festival event. One must “put up with some inconveniences” from the town’s esteemed wannabe Woodstock promoter; because it “is a great event for the community.” A price you have to pay for living here. Apparently, this "inconvenience" is in reality, the “economic solution” ensuring the Big Mountain Ranch remains as “open” space and is not developed for housing. 30,000 concert-goers are the solution to our open space concerns, so 50,000 could really help.

Land promoters and carpetbaggers have a long history of making empty promises in order to financially benefit and I respect their creativity. Buying into those talking points is another story.

History reminds us that investors tend to maximize returns. That is unless they have promised in writing otherwise. More likely, in the future, the only solution to resolving the "inconvenience" from its many concerts, will be to zone it as a residential development.

So when 30,000 (50,000 much better for open space) descend as locusts and all over town the gift of gridlock becomes the norm… just sit back and enjoy the moment remembering those comforting words from our Councilor, that those are all, examples of just another great “powder day” in Whitefish.

I for one can’t wait to make the first turns.

James Heitel, Whitefish