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COMMUNITY & EcoNoMic DEVELOPMENT DEPARrMENT I he City f Kalispell has begun a public outreach effort to gather the ideas and perpecrise if area priperty iwne rs on the future iii the industrial core of town. I here an approximately 1,100 parcels held by about 411) property owners in this area that runs along the rail corridor through Kalispell eat to west. We are using \Vasl,ington Street as a northern boundary and I:irst Street as a southern boundary (sue map). .1 hi project is funds d by PAs Itrownfield Divi si in, which provides Funds For communities interested in developing / re-developing older and under utihii’ed commercial and industrial areas. NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD I he Montana I )epartme-nt sif 1 ransportanon (M 1)1) will resurface 0.6 miles of West Idaho St. in Kahispell. I ,e project begins just east of the intersection svith Meridian Rd. and extends easterly 11.6 miles just west if the intersection with 1st Ave. WN. the project is scheduled to be let to contract this year, but construction is currently not planned until next ye-ar. Proposed work includes milling the- existing asphalt surface and applying a new concrete overlay (also called whitetopping). New concrete curb and gutter, sidewalk and curb ramps will be constructed at certain h ieations in order to bring areas into ADA compliance ansI improve facilities for non-motorred travel. Replacement of the signing and pavement markings will also be included. Contacts: Katharine - I hompson Community Deselopment Manager kthompson6i)kalispell.com 756-7713 Sean (onrad Senieir Planner sconrad@)kalispell.com 756.7Y42 KALISPELL KICKS OFF AREA WIDE PL&NNING EFFORT \X’e are sending you this newsletter because- you own property within Kalispell’s core area as shown on the attached map. Kalispell he-gao ne-arl 120 years ago as a main stop railroad town. Ar the time-, the railroad line marked the north edge of town and then industrial users built up along the rail including four lumber nulls, multiple oil tanks, the- grain elevators and the cherry warehouse among others. All hut one- of those- early rail users have- nosy Ic-ft and we have- see-n little- pris ate investment in this core industrial area in the twenty years. So the (it>’ is asking. “what will this area look like in another twenty years if the trend eoiitiilues? \‘(‘hat would this community like to see happen in the area? What can the ( ity di) to encourage re-investment?” - As an introduction to this plain ing effort in April. May and lone of this year City staff contacted and met with Xl) owners of property in this core tevitaliiation area. In talking with these folks the following common themes emerged: • Railroad track removal • Development of bike/walk path to replace rail line- • Increased landscaping • Greater housing density • Better lighting, parncularly in alleys We will continue to meet with property owners in the community to gather addition-al views and concerns. X’e look forward to holding further eomiiiuiliry discussions and are sending this newsletter as iiiie step in the proos By fall we look to hold neighliorhood meetings where property owners might discuss issues or themes most pertinent to them. Later, we expect to hold community design eh-arcttes (public workshops that include community members, design professionals, and other project staff) where everyone can gather to map out a vision for the future of this critical area in our town. Please contact us if you have questions or comments, watch for meeting notices to come and please plan to partieipateh un — -J \D . c’ CM SUMMER 20U CITY OF KAIJSPEU. . [PHONE REDACTED] WWW.KALISPELL.COM ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF KALISPEU. RENEWAL • REINVESTMENT • REVITALIZATION Core Area Revitalization I ‘WI : a r.:1 — L I ‘ Legend j City Limits Core Area Revitalization BNSF Railroad Imagery: Flathead Basin Commisssion September 2009 Map Date: July 19, 2011 City of Kalispell Planning Department ‘4 1. - _b 1,200 . THIS PUBLICATION PROVIDED BY COMMUNTY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE CIr OF KALISPELL . [PHONE REDACTED] • WW.KALISPELL.COM ---PAGE BREAK--- enewal einvestment evitalization Fall 2011 News from the Neighborhood In early August the first newsletter was mailed out to all property owners in the planning area letting you know of the Cit of Kalispell’s efforts on a long range neighborhood plan in what we call our core area. In this second newsletter we would like to update you on some recent events and invite you to an upcoming meeting with the planning board. Brownfiekls Training On September 8, 2011. over 40 community members participated in a free training on Brownfields hosted by the City of Kalispell and sponsored by Glacier Bank. Rocky Mountain Bank and the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors. Participants included commercial lenders, realtors, appraisers. economic and community development professionals and others in a full da of training provided by the Community Brownfields Foundation. This training was intended to help community leaders get a better handle on cleaning up, developing and redeveloping properties effected by Brownfield sites. For copies of the handouts provided please contact Katharine Thompson at the Community Development office. What are Brownfield sites? Brownfield sites are properties where the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance. pollutant or contaminent. Many of the Brownfield sites have had some type of industrial or commercial use that over the years have left behind some form of contamination. Typical examples include old or former gas stations with old or leaking underground tanks, abandon underground oil heating tanks, or warehouses or business that handled certain chemicals over the years. It can also include asbestos in old buildings. Such sites are not uncommon in communities but they can impact property values and the ability to sell, develop or redevelop the property. Within our planning area there are at least 29 such sites identified. URA Recommends Expanding West Side Urban Renewal Plan An urban renewal plan is a tool that can be used to help redevelop properties in the city. Currently there is such a plan in effect on the west side of Kalispell called the West Side Urban Renewal Plan. It does include a small corner of our Area Wide Planning Neighborhood. The City’s Urban Renewal Agency (URA) who oversees activity within the West Side Urban Renewal Plan, met last month and agreed that if the city were to expand the boundaries of the West Side Plan into our Area Wide Planning Neighborhood it would offer more options to develop or redevelop in this area. The Urban renewal committee members include Marc Rold. Chair: Torn Lund. Vice Chair: Suzanne Faubert: Richard KuhI: and Shannon Naltv. Their recommendation \vent to the cit council and on September 6 the council decided to send that recommendation to the Kalispell Planning Board for their input. Planning Board Meeting The planning board will hold a meeting and you are invited on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 7 pin in Council Chambers at City Hall, 201 First Avenue East. The purpose of the meeting is two-fold. First we will provide a general update on the early planning efforts in our Area Wide Planning Neighborhood. We have collected a lot of information that we will share in coming newsletter and we will be sharing much of that here. We will talk to the planning board about a schedule of meetings out in the community as we expand our outreach beyond the 80 or so property owners we have met with personal to date. We will also be asking the board if it is a good idea to expand the West Side Urban Renewal Plan into our neighborhood. The planning board will welcome any community member comments on what might be appropriate and needed improvements to the area to encourage a return of pri ate investment to the former industrial corridor of Kalispell. Contacts: Katharine Thompson Sean Conrad Community Development Manager Senior Planner sconradkaijaelLcom 758-7713 758-7942 MONTANA 1 ---PAGE BREAK--- — SD LJD — J SD Lç IJt -=LD Ci F’3 _4 CD THIS IUBLICATION PROVIDED BY COMMUNTY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE Cn’y OF KALISPELL • [PHONE REDACTED] W’W.KALISPELL.COM CITY OF KALISPELL RENEWAL • REINVESTMENT • REVITALIZATION Core Area Revitalization IL L Legend City Limits Core Area Revitalization BNSF Railroad Imagery: Fiathead Basin September 2009 Map Date: July 19, 2011 City ot Kalisp.Ii Planning Department ---PAGE BREAK--- 1L, 1tw&mr 2iir’ NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD This is the third newsletter providing you an update on recent events as we plan for the future of Kalispell’s former industrial core. This newsletter recaps a series of open house meetings and provides an update on the expansion of the West Side Urban Renewal Plan, held in early December. Please look at “next steps” in the process of completing the Core Area Revitalization Plan for ways to continue participating. Kalispell’s Planning and Community and Economic Development Departments held three evening open houses on December 1st, 5th and 6th. Invitations to the open houses were sent to all 400 prop erty owners within the plan area. Over 40 people attended the three meetings, including many in the residential neighborhoods, a group we had not heard from previously. Some of the new key issues dis cussed with staff included the following: . - The transient population living in Woodland Park and in vacant buildings to the east present a real safety issue for the nearby residential neighborhoods, especially at night. • Residents reported the one way traffic on 3rd and 4th Avenues East is disruptive, negatively impacts property values and takes away the peace and tranquility of the area. • Appleway Drive needs more lighting and better police visibilitv • A rental rehabilitation assistance program is needed to help landlords fix up their rental properties. • Sidewalks and pedestrian access is sorely deficient along Center Street. • Excess garbage and a large number of junk or abandoned vehicles parked in the residential alleys adjacent to the core area. This outreach was in addition to the 80 personal interviews conducted by city staff over the summer with some of the commercial and industrial owners. The key issues discussed included: • Removal of the existing railroad tracks. • Development ofan east-west linear trail through the core area. • Help relocating rail dependent businesses out of the • More landscaping along the streets to create a more downtown core. appealing location. . Cleaning up and or removing dilapidated buildings. Lack of sidewalks inhibits pedestrian access throughout the plan area. • The need for more north-south street connections • We should encourage high density housing in the through Kalispell. downtown core area. The lists above are not all-inclusive of comments provided to the staff but represent ideas and concerns expressed by a major ity of those attending the open house meetings and in the personal interviews. These ideas and concerns will help to form the goals and policies that will aid in shaping this neighborhood in the coming years to the desired outcome of the residents, property owners and businesses. If you would like to add your ideas or concerns or discuss any of the above issues please feel free to contact: iE&I CONRAD KATHARINE THOMPSON Senior Planner Community Development Manager 758-7942 • [EMAIL REDACTED] 758-7713 [EMAIL REDACTED] WEST SIDE URBAN RENEWAL PLAN EXTENSION The council approval came after a September 27, 2011, Planning Board hearing where expansion was unanimously sup ported and an October 17, 2011, public hearing held by the city council during which the majority of comments were in support of expanding the plan boundary. The expanded boundaries of the West Side Urban Renewal Plan now include both the County Fairgrounds property and Core Area Revitalization Plan area. Adding the Core Area Revitalization Plan to the West Side Urban Renewal Plan area may open up additional financing and planning tools for this neighborhood that we did not have before. The city council acknowledged that if we are going to be successful in revitalizing our old industrial core area, we need to look at the big picture and plan along the entire length of railroad running through Kalispell. THIS PIJBUCATION PROVIDED BY COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF KALISPELL 7 c R 77 fl • w-wrwi r i Winter 2011/2012 ON1Ar./A ---PAGE BREAK--- The Planning Department has begun the process of hiring an archi tectural or graphics design firm to provide conceptual redevelopment illustrations of areas within the Core Area Revitalization Plan. These illustrations are meant to visually depict the draft goals of the plan. ‘We expect to have a draft set of goals, policies and conceptual plans available to you by the spring of 2012. Once the draft goals, policies and concepts are complete, we will be hosting another round of open houses and meetings soliciting your input to determine if we are on target. We will then incorporate needed changes and new ideas as suggested and then begin moving forward to implement those ideas. Flathead County Fairgrounds LB ON !I3d ILA cIIvd 30V!SOd •S•fl GUVGNV±S O3d*JOS3Jd 8cLL-8cL (9o) “i • £JLL-8cL (9o) uodjj, O66 EUEWOJ,4.J . L66[ xOJ JJO To kiD ---PAGE BREAK--- JUIl OIVd DV1SOd Sn nj_s IdSdd 6LL-gcL (90f7) Ot’6L-89L (9017) :uoqdp O669 uuoJN 1 ij - L661 xog DUJQ SOd I1dsTIBN Jo IUD MONTANA CORE AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN MAP Kalispell Center Mall ---PAGE BREAK--- CORE AREA STEERING COMMITTEE (CAST) i’he Core Area Steen ng (‘oni rnittee (Pam (‘arhonani. Kell ie Danielson. ibm Lund. Mike Mower. Jim Ness. Malt Springer. Diane Yarus, .Joe MatLilevich and I3ran Schutt) has now met four times. Fhe\ have been vorkmg with city staff and (‘IA to develop a vision statement for the core area and identi f goals to be included in the plan document for the area. ihe committee is recommending the fbllo’.vi ng isbn slatement he in the plan document for the public. planning hoard and cit coI,Inci I consideration: ‘l’lie vision of Kalispell ‘s revitalized core area is to transform from an industrially—oriented core into a new and vibrant, pedestrian—friendl’,, mixed—use neighborhood. focusing upon retail, residential, entertainment, and cultural amenities designed to proudl and consistenti complement the existing historic Kal i spell downtown area. In addition to the vision statement the committee review ed a series of goal statements to carry out the ision. l’he goal statements addressed the uI lowing topics: • Pursue the removal of’ the railroad tracks through the Core Area • Redevelop rail right of way into multi—use linear trail • Increase north/south street connections in the area • Architectural designs to compliment downtown • A rni of commercial retail, service, residential, public and open space uses • An en i ronment which encourages rnoi’e people to I i’ e. work and visit • Establish entrances features to define the boundaries of the revitalization area and dow ntown • Redevelop streets to accommodate multiple users (i.e. cars, pedestrians, bicclists) Along with goal statements and policies an implementation plan will he di’al’ted to help bring the goals and ision statement fbr the plan into realit . I’he vision and goals will not heachie ed in the short term (next I to 2 sears htit will help guide the long term (15 to 20 \ears development patterns for this- rea. ‘I’he Kalispell (‘it (‘ouncil and many properR owners within the district ha e asked that recommendations for the future re de elopment of this area he shown graphical l. In other words put the ision to paper and show what the future could look like, To that end, the cit for pi’ol’essional services and hi red (‘I’A Architects Engineers to work with the (ore Area Steering Committee and city staff to identif key concept plans sites in the plan area and potential street designs representing future use of’ lands within the (‘ore Area Revitalization Plan. FA will produce a series of prel i minarv concept plans si milan to that pictured to the right. 1hesc concept plans w ill ‘ isual l demonstrate the t\ pc. scale and potential design of I uwre development in this’ rea to carry out the ‘ ision statement. AUGUST CHAMBER LUNCHEON On ‘I uesday. August 28th the Kalispell (‘hamber of (‘otumerce. as part of their regular program, is hosting a luncheon at the Red [ion Hotel. 20 Main Street. from 11:45 am to 1:30 pm. C IA wil I he presenting “a first look” at the conceptual plans completed to date. City staff will he in attendance to answer an questions. Ihis will he the first of se eral public meetings to get the word out about future plans for the area. l’he chamber program will also feature some of the major real estate and husi less projects in the planning stages and under construction in the greater Kalispell area. Cost to attend the luncheon is $18 per pel’son or $135 for a table of 8. More can he fbund at the Kalispel I Chamber’s wehsite: www.kalispellchamhcr.com. OPEN HOUSE MEETINGS In addition IL) the August Chamher luncheon the cit will he hosting another round of public open house meetings soliciting your input to determine if the plan and concept draw ings are on tai’get. l’he open house meetings will he held at the Kalispell (‘its Hail. 201 First Aventie East on Itiesda. August 28th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 fl1 and on Wednesday. August 29th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. ‘l’he concept plans presented by (“IA at the Chamber Luncheon will he on displa for your review, We look f’or aid to seeing ou there and appreciate sour comments and suggestions. Please Note— If tile open hotise meeting times are incon enient. the Kal ispel I staff can provide a presentation to you at our home or business. The presentation will update you on the progress made on the draft plan to date including the concept development plans drafted by (‘TA. Please contact either Sean (‘oni’ad or Katharine Thompson to schedtile a meeting time. NEXT STEPS Following the next round of open house meetings. August 28th and 29th. comments i’ecei’ ed will be brought to the (‘ore Area Steering Committee’s September nieeti ng for discussion. l’he Planning Department has tentativeR scheduled a work session and public hearing hel’ore the planning hoard in Octohei’. You will he noti lied hy mail prior to the planning board ic heani ig. ‘I’he draft set of goals and policies based Oil input received from the public. propert and business ow ners in the area w ill he made a ailable on tile cit\ ‘s w ehsite. We anticipate a portion of the draft plan to he a’ ailable in late on the cit\ ‘s vehsite at the fbi iovi ng address: {±OJLIiIZ,(/eIeIQ2ifleflt//Qt(’!U1e/d pro ç’ram .j?hj.. Contacts: DRAFT CONCEPT PLANS BY CTA Kat ha ni ne hom pson Coin lllLIIlit\ l)evelopment Manager [EMAIL REDACTED] 758-7713 Sean (‘onrad Senior Planner sconradkaI i spell .com 758-794(1 ---PAGE BREAK--- NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD This is the sixth newsletter providing you an update on recent events as we plan for the future of Kalispell’s former industrial core. This newsletter includes discussion on the draft Core Area Plan, the Core Area Steering Committee’s recommendation on the draft plan, the public hearing date on the Core Area Plan, an update on CTA’s conceptual drawings that are included in the draft Core Area Plan and information on a market and feasibility study being conducted within the Core Area. CORE AREA DRAFT PLAN PREPARED The planning and community development department staff have taken all the public comments received to date and prepared a draft Core Area Plan. The plan includes an executive summary and four supporting chapters. Chapter one contains the vision for the core area and includes concept drawings prepared by CTA. Chapter 2 contains the goals prepai’ed by the Core Area Steering Committee (CAST). Chapter 3 expands on the goal statements giving direction for future growth and activity. Chapter 4 provides a series of “first steps” in the form of a work program outlining things that can be done immediately to begin bringing the core area plan to life. CORE AREA STEERING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION The Core Area Steering Committee (CAST) met on Tuesday, October 23rd and discussed the draft plan. CAST made minor word changes and felt that the draft plan addressed the major issues and goals the committee has discussed over the last several months. With the recommended changes the draft plan has been scheduled for a public hearing before the planning board on November 13th. PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CORE AREA PLAN The Kalispell Planning Board will be holding a public hearing on the draft Core Area Plan on Tuesday, November i starting at 7:00 p.m. in the city council chambers. The planning board will accept public comments and make a recommendation to the city council on the draft Core Area Plan. The major goals contained in the draft Core Area Plan include the following: • Remove the railroad track . Compatible mix of commercial and residential uses Linear park development and green space replacing and/or . Pedestrian/bicycle trail development in addition to the railroad track • Sidewalk development and improvements • Development of higher density housing • Street improvements and increased north/south street connections A copy of the draft Core Area Plan can be found at the city’s website: .kjisell.cni/jrmin. A printed version is also available for review during normal office hours (8 am. to p.m.) Monday through Friday at the Kalispell Planning Department, 201 First Avenue East, Kalispell. If you would like to view the document hut are unable to visit the planning office or view it on-line, please contact the Kalispell Planning Department at (406) 758-7940 to make other arrangements. DRAFT CONCEPT PLANS BY CTA TRANTRo•In VIEW 4 CTA Architects Engineers has been working closely with city staff and the Core Area Steering Committee to identify key concept plan sites in the plan area and potential street designs repre senting future use of lands within the Core Area Revitalization Plan. CTA has produced a series of preliminary concept draw ings, three of which are included in this newsletter. These con cept drawings visually demonstrate the type, scale and potential design of future development in this area to carry out the vision statement. These concept drawings make up the first chapter in the draft Core Area Plan which will be presented to the planning board at its November i 3 th meeting. FUTURE VISION. VIEW MAIN MONTANA hooking south) tiTV OF MOJvi. FUTURE VISION. 2ND AVE RAM I IDAHO ISooktng SOUth) VIEW ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Kalispell Post Office Box 1997 • Kalispell, Montana 59903 Telephone (406) 758-7940 • Fax (406) 758-7739 Flathead County Fairgrounds PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID KALISPELL, MT PERMIT NO. 87 WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES TO CONDUCT MARKET AND FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS IN THE CORE AREA On October i 5 th the Kalispell City Council awarded a contract to Willdan Financial Services. With the contract in place Willdan will de velop a comprehensive feasibility study that incorporates an evaluation of current weaknesses and opportunities for develop ment within the Core Area while addressing the needs of the existing businesses and property owners. Based on the results of the field work, stakeholder interviews, and other primary market research, Willdan will prepare a financial feasibility analysis of the proposed Core Area redevelopment including costs associated with railroad track removal, business relocation, community amenities (linear park). and development scenarios. The final analysis work completed by Willdan will he incorporated into the Core Area Plan to provide city staff with direction and potential financial sources to consider to achieve the stated goals of the Core Area Plan. The Willdan team was in town the week of October 22nd meeting with key community leaders and rail business users and will return in December. NEXT STEPS The Kalispell Planning Board will be holding a public hearing on the draft Core Area Plan on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 starting at 7:00 p.m. in the city council chambers. 201 First Avenue East, Kalispell. The planning board will make a recommendation to the city council who will hold a public hearing, tentatively set for December or january, and take final action on the Core Area Plan. The city’s financial consulting team, Willdan, will be presenting their findings to the city in late February. CONTACTS: SEAN CONRAD Senior Planner sconradakalispell.com KATHARINE THOMPSON Community Development Manager 758-7713 738-7942