Document Whitefish_doc_52f8e09b56

APPENDIX A PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 1. Kick-off Open House 2. Visioning Workshop 3. Online Survey ---PAGE BREAK--- KICK-OFF OPEN HOUSE ---PAGE BREAK--- Highway 93 South Corridor Plan Public Kick-Off Meeting City Staff and Steering Committee Members will be present to show maps and discuss the ongoing Highway Corridor Plan from 6th Street to Blanchard Lake Road, including purpose, timeline, scope, and other issues, including: *Land Use * Transportation *Aesthetics *Opportunities and Improvements *Your Ideas Wednesday, September 5th, 2018 Open House 5 to 7 p.m. National Parks Realty—Downstairs Meeting Room 601 Spokane Avenue ---PAGE BREAK--- -FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- August 27, 2018 Whitefish Highway 93 South Corridor Plan Public Kick-Off Meeting September 5th The City of Whitefish invites the public to attend an Open House for the public kick-off of the Highway 93 South Corridor Plan on Wednesday, September 5th, 2018. The Open House is an opportunity for the public to provide input on the organization, land use and character of the highway corridor. The Open House will be at National Parks Realty’s downstairs meeting rooms, 601 Spokane Avenue, and the public can stop by anytime between 5 and 7 p.m. City Planning Staff and Highway 93 South Corridor Steering Committee members will be available to discuss the plan and answer questions. Refreshments will be provided. The corridor plan will be focusing on future land use for Highway 93 South from 6th Street to Blanchard Lake Road south of Highway 40. The corridor is the gateway entrance into Whitefish from the south and is primarily zoned Secondary Business with some mixed use and residential land uses included. “We are very excited to be beginning a comprehensive corridor plan for Highway 93 South,” stated Dave Taylor, City of Whitefish Planning and Building Director. “This is the public’s opportunity to get more information on the planning process, give input on what they think the big issues are with the corridor, and find out how to stay involved.” The public kick-off Open House is part of an ongoing public process that will include two additional public involvement meetings, including a public visioning meeting held in late November or early December. For more information, please visit the City of Whitefish website at www.cityofwhitefish.org Project specific information can be found by clicking on “Planning and Building” and selecting “Long Range Planning”. Comments concerning the project may be mailed to: Hilary Lindh, City of Whitefish, Planning & Building, P.O. Box 158, Whitefish, MT 59937. Comments may also be submitted by email to [EMAIL REDACTED] . Participants attending the public open house are welcome to submit comments at that time. ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- 9.5.18 Open House – Issues and Opportunities Identified by Corridor Segment Issue Opportunity South of Hwy 40 • Speed is too high approaching Hwy 40/93 intersection • No more commercial at Hwy 40/93 intersection • Blanchard Lk Rd intersection is dangerous for left turns onto highway • Reduce speed from south before Hwy 40 intersection • Commercial “nodes” at Hwy 40/93 intersection and Blanchard Lk Rd • Improve access from Blanchard Lk Rd • Develop an infill policy in the corridor before further expansion of strip to the south • Some landowners south of Hwy 40 would like City services extended; would be good to protect water quality • Open a dialog with County (with someone not rooted in past problems) to cooperatively solve planning issues south of Hwy 40 Hwy 40 to 13th St. • Congestion & noise • Water quality of river below wastewater treatment plant • Too much multi-family here already • No improvements/widening of Karrow Ave • Add roundabout with tree/landscaping at JP Rd intersection • Eliminate stop lights and replace with roundabouts • Add frontage/backage roads; limit highway access with landscaped median • Add median and bike path • Eliminate suicide lane • Add bridge to connect Greenwood to Monegan • Extend Baker all the way south to Hwy 40 to provide alternative entry/exit to and from town • Realign old hospital entrance with W. 15th • Develop an infill policy in the corridor before further expansion of strip to the south • Roundabout with tree/landscaping in center at JP Rd • Landscaped median • Allow residential in the WB-2 by right • Allow multi-family residential by right; if >20% affordable housing provided, expedite the approval process • Between Greenwood and 13th: develop affordable residential or church in vacant lot north of Greenwood • Increase single-family/small lot residential at Old Hospital site ---PAGE BREAK--- 9.5.18 Open House – Issues and Opportunities Identified by Corridor Segment Issue Opportunity 13th to 6th St. • Replace river culverts with bridge • Add bike path under highway at river crossing (replace culverts with bridge) • Convert W. 10th between Baker and highway into a bike/ped path to connect to river trail • Entrance enhancements to 13th St. intersection – landscaping and lane narrowing • Add roundabout at 13th and Baker Throughout Corridor • Suicide lane • Density of development – do we need to develop every speck of land? • No improvements/widening of Karrow Ave • What open space can we retain? • No commercial nodes! • Maps should show existing and proposed bike/ped paths • Lower speed limit overall and add protected bikeway • Open space and wildlife corridors- preserve and maintain • Need a tree retention ordinance in City and County • Put realistic funding strategy in place for transportation improvements (street extensions) and timeline for completion so people know when projects will happen • Landscaping should be comprised of native coniferous trees, NOT all deciduous shade trees – make it look like NW MT, not New England ---PAGE BREAK--- VISIONING WORKSHOP ---PAGE BREAK--- How should the Corridor look and function in 10 years? Come help define a vision for the Corridor Plan. Join us for a short presentation and small-group exercises covering: Land Use Transportation Aesthetics Tuesday, January 8, 2019 Workshop 5:30—8:00 pm Whitefish Highway 93 South Corridor Plan Snacks and refreshments will be provided Hampton Inn & Suites 6340 Highway 93 South ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Highway 93 South Corridor Plan – Visioning Workshop Notes The workshop was held from 5:30-8:30pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. Approximately 65 citizens participated. Forty participants indicated where they lived in the Whitefish area. Of those, 15 lived within the City of Whitefish and the remainder lived in the County. Only five lived in the Corridor (two in City limits and three in the County). Of the 25 participants living outside City limits, one lived north of the City, eight lived west of the City, six lived east of the City, and 10 lived south of the City. Fifteen participants selected the image of a median they most liked from a photo board. Six preferred this median landscaped with grass, small trees and shrubs: Four preferred this median landscaped with drought resistant vegetation: Three preferred this median landscaped with small trees and shrubs (exists on Hwy 93 West) One preferred this grass median: ---PAGE BREAK--- One preferred the existing two-way left turn lane median Two other images of medians were not selected by any participants; one was a median with pavers (no vegetation) and one was a mix of raised median with grass and a two- way left turn lane. Seventeen participants selected their preferred streetscape image from a group of six images. Thirteen preferred this streetscape with a mix of raised landscaped median and two-way left turn lanes, landscaped boulevards, bike lanes and on-street parking. Two preferred the streetscape with landscaped boulevards and buildings oriented toward the front of the lots with parking hidden behind. Two preferred the streetscape with buildings oriented toward the road with outside dining options on the sidewalk. The three images that were not selected depicted streetscapes with more commercial strip development; low building heights, abundant parking in front of the buildings, and wide roadways. Sixteen participants selected their preferred images of bike lanes from six images. ---PAGE BREAK--- Eleven people preferred a bike lane separated from traffic by an elevated curb plus pavers. Two people like the bike lane protected by a double stripe with chevrons. Two people preferred the bike lane protected by a single painted line. One person selected the bike lane buffered by flexible bollards. The two images not selected showed a bike lane painted green with a double stripe and chevron as a buffer, and a curb protected, elevated bike lane without any additional separation between the curb and the lane. WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES OR FEATURES OF THE CORRIDOR? Participants were asked to locate or identify their favorite places or features on a map of the Corridor. After all the places and features were identified, each group was asked to list ---PAGE BREAK--- their top three favorite features or places. Top three places or features identified by each group are listed below, followed by other places/features, if identified. Group 1: • View from Highway 40 to the north • Landscaping (boulevard on the north end and along the southern part with sidewalks • No franchise architecture Group 2: • Visual of Big Mountain and town coming down hill into Whitefish (perspective) • Mix of residential and commercial with varied residential types – visual break- ups, access, highway setbacks • River, landscaping (more mature trees), open and green spaces, bike paths and sidewalks • Smaller signage (good sign regulations, no neon, has character) • Different sizes of buildings, breaking up larger buildings, height restrictions to maintain views Group 3: • River/building heights/viewshed • Greenway/forests/open spaces • Traffic flow/signage/dark skies Group 4: • Whitefish River/access • Intersection at Hwy 40 as a gateway/open space • Bike trail along river • View of Big Mountain • Mature trees on Spokane • Local serving businesses with plenty of parking Group 5: • Viewsheds/open space • Variation in structures and setbacks/frontage and backage roads • Meandering sidewalks/landscaping/some streetscapes pleasant • Natural vegetation • Limited fast food restaurants ---PAGE BREAK--- WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF EACH CORRIDOR SEGMENT? Segment A • Culverts replaced with bridge • River culverts replaced by bridge; bridge is another gateway/greeting area to enter town • Bridge with river access, lighting, pedestrian friendly • Remove culverts • Pedestrian bridge across river • A trail under Spokane Ave • Continuous trail and park along river • Connected river trail, view of and access to river • Separated bike lane/path • Bike path is extended • Separated bike path extended south with safe crossing over Spokane Ave • Sidewalks separated from highway with green boulevards • Pedestrian friendly • Opportunities for using alternative modes of transportation (not just vehicles) • Mass transit stops • Public greenspace to the river • Natural wetland areas used for seasonal public recreation • Pull out area for water craft – small park/open space • Mature trees • Enhanced river views • Buffer between road and sidewalk • Greenways/open spaces/landscaping • Landscaped median, setbacks/boulevard • Has downtown charm with emphasis on river access • An entry into Whitefish – small scale architecture, small town personality, extended further south than where it is now • Older buildings have character • Transition between residential and commercial; single and 2+ story buildings • Community art sculpture as a landmark • Old town character maintained: livable, professional office, unique architecture that serves to differentiate between downtown core and WB-2 commercial (transition) • Mixed uses – commercial with residential • Small-scale buildings ---PAGE BREAK--- • Community first • Truck route • Efficient traffic Segment B • Landscaping/trees • Lots of green space, public parks to serve residential • Landscaped median/boulevards • Enhanced landscaping on edges of highway • Continuity of viewsheds, greenways, open spaces intermixed • Parking is behind buildings • Parking areas pushed back, buildings pulled forward (parking not on highway frontage) • Pedestrian emphasis • Whitefish Trail is completed • Enhanced walkability between neighborhoods – pedestrian bridges, reduced roadway widths at specific crossings, more centralized pedestrian crossings • Bike lane/mass transit/alternative modes of transportation/pedestrian friendly/crossings over highway • Separated bike paths connect to river trail • Lighting at pedestrian/bike scale • A transportation hub for mass transit (like Apgar) – Eagle Transit, Snow Bus, car park & ride • Use of and access to river • Smaller pocket parks – keep kids closer to home with amenities • Slower speed limit, slower speeds • Whitefish Ave and Baker Ave extensions are completed • There are more east-west routes • ROW designed to slow down traffic – reduced setbacks and median, opportunities for multi-modal transportation • Reduced highway accesses and more backage road connections • Medians, controlled access, frontage roads • Roundabout/gateway to announce arrival in Whitefish • Gateway/you’ve arrived • Easy transition into Whitefish- gateway • Softer, more appealing approach to town • Dedicated lanes and reduced highway approaches ---PAGE BREAK--- • There is a mix of land uses: commercial with residential in back • Mix of residential and commercial with more green space • Whitefish architecture: mountain modern, historical design, no franchise architecture • Variety of building architecture and scales • Architectural standards specific to this area • Height restrictions close to highway to maintain viewsheds • Mixed uses, more active pedestrian streets • Transition from pure commercial to residential, includes uses that residents need close by • Zoning – blending/transitions north-south and east-west; focus commercial on highway, then higher density residential to E/W of highway, then lower density residential further out; same transition in bulk/scale of commercial from S to N approaching Segment A • Pocket neighborhoods • Modest signage • Personality of Segment A is extended southward • Infill – multiple types of residential • Overhead lights redesigned • Signage and dark skies ordinances Segment C • Slower speed limit • Traffic calming • Remains a high-speed highway • Frontage roads with reduced speed limit • Shared accesses to highway with backage roads • Natural features • Green as possible – better buffer, welcome to WF • Green/landscaped setbacks • Welcome Pocket Park at Hwy 40 intersection • Consistent Wayfinding signs (welcoming/experiences) • Bike trail (highway – Blanchard Lake Road – Karrow) • Bike path in MDOT ROW • Separated bike lane off the highway • Bike path all the way to Kalispell • Mass transit opportunities/ park & ride • Second transportation hub – park & ride into town ---PAGE BREAK--- • Any opportunity for affordable housing • Small-scale, attractive architecture, landscaping • Key entrance – “gateway” zoning (Billings, Bozeman, Kalispell) • Mix of uses • Continuation of Segment B south through Segment C • Commercial redevelopment possible • Less sprawl • Commercial uses further back off highway, mixed with mature trees so not visible from hwy • Office park developments with open spaces • Mix of building heights • Higher density towards the back of properties with backage roads/ hidden with tree buffers • More residential looking design guidelines for commercial buildings to mirror Segment A (classic/western) • Remains rural residential/not commercial • No sewer extension – keep it small scale commercial • Keep it rural, but annex into City if continues to be commercially developed • Joint, cooperative planning and zoning with county WHERE AND WHAT TYPE OF RESIDENTIAL UNITS SHOULD GO IN SEGMENT B? With the clarification that the question was not about whether this should or should not happen, participants were asked how 500 new residential homes and apartments could be built in Segment B of the corridor in a way that maintains the values they described through the visioning exercise. Each group was given 20 stickers, each representing 25 housing units and a map of Segment B showing undeveloped or underdeveloped areas that could potentially be used for housing. The groups placed the stickers on the map where they thought housing could go and indicated the type of housing that would be appropriate there. ---PAGE BREAK--- Group 1 indicated 175 units could go on the east side of the highway at the old hospital site and north of Greenwood Avenue; 100 units on the east side of the highway north of Lenna Joy, 100 units on the west side of the highway north of JP Road but south of the Baptist Church, 25 units directly west of the highway as infill between the Baptist and Mormon churches, 25 units far west of the highway with substantial parklands between the highway and housing, and 75 units directly south of the Great Northern subdivision on the west side of the highway. The group indicated several large areas that should be retained as park spaces. ---PAGE BREAK--- Group 2 indicated where 575 units could go in the Segment. They also located 175 units on the old hospital site and north of Greenwood Avenue; the group specified that units closest to the highway should be mixed use with commercial, and on the river side the units would be high and medium density residential units. The group indicated that 125 units could go north of Lenna Joy and another 50 units of mixed use residential could go adjacent to the highway at the now vacant location of De Pratu Ford. One the west side of the highway, the group thought that 25 units could be located near The Wave recreation facility, 25 units to the west of Baker Avenue, and another 25 units northwest of the Whitefish Crossing apartments. South of the Mormon church, the group indicated 50 mixed use residential units be constructed behind commercial along the highway, and 75 single family homes could be located further to the west. Twenty-five units could also be located just south of the Great Northern subdivision. ---PAGE BREAK--- Group 3 put most of their density on the north end of Segment B with 325 units spread out over the old hospital site and north of Greenwood Avenue. Multi-family apartments would be located closest to the highway, with single-family homes along the river and townhouses in between. Likewise, 150 units were depicted north of Lenna Joy, with multi-family apartments closer to the highway, and single-family homes and townhouses nearer to the river. The group also thought putting 50 multi-family apartments on the current hospital site would be good, although North Valley Hospital has its own approved neighborhood plan that does not include residential at this time. On the west side of the highway, the group put 50 mixed units at the northwest corner of the 13th Street intersection, currently the location of a vacant casino. Twenty-five mixed-use units were also located along Baker just south of 18th Avenue. Finally, the group put 100 units on the parcel between the Baptist and Mormon churches; 75 multi-family apartments near the highway and 25 single-family homes further from the highway. ---PAGE BREAK--- Group 4 placed enough stickers for 600 units, although 75 of those extra units were placed in a location along Shiloh Avenue that has already been approved for townhouses. Most residential density was again thought to be most appropriate at the old hospital site and north of Greenwood Avenue with 225 units put in that location. Another 75 units could be located north of Lenna Joy, along with the 75 units along Shiloh Avenue described above. On the west side of the highway, the group thought 50 units just north of the existing Whitefish Crossing apartments would be appropriate. Additionally, 75 units could go between the Baptist and Mormon churches, and 75 units could be located south of the Baptist church. A final 25 units were placed south of the existing Great Northern subdivision. ---PAGE BREAK--- Group 5 put 250 units on the old hospital property and 25 more units just to the south, north of Greenwood Avenue. It also placed 50 units south of the Mountain Mall on property that has already been approved for residential uses through the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process; the development was approved when the zoning allowed short-term rentals in this district. The group put another 50 units north of Lenna Joy. On the west side of the highway, the group put 25 units to the northwest of the Whitefish Crossing apartments, and 100 units on the properties north of JP Road. ---PAGE BREAK--- ONLINE SURVEY COMPLETE RESPONSES ---PAGE BREAK--- 49.67% 225 25.61% 116 2.87% 13 0.88% 4 16.11% 73 4.86% 22 Q1 I am a (choose one): Answered: 453 Skipped: 4 TOTAL 453 Year round Whitefish... Year round Whitefish ar... Part time Whitefish ar... Visitor to Whitefish Flathead Valley resid... Other (please specify) 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Year round Whitefish resident within City limits Year round Whitefish area resident (outside City, within the 59937 zip code) Part time Whitefish area resident/Second home owner Visitor to Whitefish Flathead Valley resident outside of Whitefish (59937 zip code) area Other (please specify) 1 / 1 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 19.82% 90 24.67% 112 7.93% 36 13.22% 60 75.11% 341 92.95% 422 1.54% 7 56.61% 257 3.74% 17 Q2 I experience or use the Corridor in the following ways (check all that apply): Answered: 454 Skipped: 3 Total Respondents: 454 # OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY) DATE 1 tourism industry 2/6/2019 2:25 PM Live in Corridor Work in Corridor Own Business in Corridor Own Property in Corridor Shop or Use Services in... Drive personal vehicle in... Drive Delivery Truck, Bus, Walk or Bike in the Corridor Other (please specify) 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Live in Corridor Work in Corridor Own Business in Corridor Own Property in Corridor Shop or Use Services in Corridor Drive personal vehicle in Corridor Drive Delivery Truck, Bus, or Big Rig in Corridor Walk or Bike in the Corridor Other (please specify) 1 / 2 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 Commute to school 2/3/2019 10:30 AM 3 Work right outside Corridor area - <1/4 mile 2/1/2019 2:34 PM 4 kids are in WF schools 1/31/2019 8:41 AM 5 Know folks who live and work or use corridor... my thoughts must consider them as well. 1/30/2019 4:06 PM 6 Have a teen that bikes/walks part of corridor 1/30/2019 3:54 PM 7 recreate in the river 1/30/2019 11:37 AM 8 if there was better recreation and less traffic in the corridor 1/30/2019 10:42 AM 9 County Planning Staff member 1/29/2019 8:50 AM 10 I own land just outside the district described. My lot is in Emerald Heights 1/20/2019 8:20 PM 11 I live on west 9th so I have to drive on Baker to get home 1/11/2019 3:03 PM 12 I own a business that is affected by traffic from the corridor-between 4th and 5th on Spokane 1/9/2019 9:13 AM 13 Live just outside Corridor 1/8/2019 2:33 PM 14 am in Park Knoll Estates which is scheduled to be annexed 04 Feb 2019 1/8/2019 2:10 PM 15 sell Real Estate in the area 1/8/2019 9:21 AM 16 Live in Kal, manage commerical prop. in area,drive daily 1/7/2019 10:38 AM 17 Previously lived in WF for 17 years. Moved to Kalispell for less crowded downtown. 1/3/2019 12:37 PM 2 / 2 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 0.00% 0 1.10% 5 13.22% 60 28.63% 130 23.79% 108 19.60% 89 13.66% 62 Q3 I am (choose one): Answered: 454 Skipped: 3 TOTAL 454 Under 18 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Under 18 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ 1 / 1 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- Q4 Rate the following features and functions of the Highway 93 South Corridor. Answered: 449 Skipped: 8 50.79% 226 34.83% 155 9.89% 44 4.04% 18 0.45% 2 445 4.3 13.54% 60 44.92% 199 18.51% 82 17.83% 79 5.19% 23 443 3.4 8.33% 37 34.23% 152 22.97% 102 27.03% 120 7.43% 33 444 3.0 6.74% 30 18.88% 84 17.08% 76 41.12% 183 16.18% 72 445 2.5 29.80% 132 39.05% 173 11.29% 50 18.74% 83 1.13% 5 443 3.7 Views of Big Mountain and... Center left turn lane Landscaping along highway Pedestrian crossing... Trails along Whitefish River Access to trails along... Size, number or look of... Open spaces and fields Commercial building... Overhead utility lines 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 BEST FEATURE OR CHARACTERISTIC GOOD FEATURE OR CHARACTERISTIC NEUTRAL FEATURE OR CHARACTERISTIC NEEDS IMPROVEMENT WORST FEATURE OR CHARACTERISTIC TOTAL WEIGHTED AVERAGE Views of Big Mountain and other mountains Center left turn lane Landscaping along highway Pedestrian crossing opportunities Trails along Whitefish River 1 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 23.64% 104 37.50% 165 12.95% 57 24.32% 107 1.59% 7 440 3.5 4.30% 19 14.03% 62 37.56% 166 32.58% 144 11.54% 51 442 2.6 20.32% 90 31.83% 141 28.67% 127 16.70% 74 2.48% 11 443 3.5 6.19% 27 21.56% 94 32.34% 141 30.96% 135 8.94% 39 436 2.8 0.45% 2 2.73% 12 48.18% 212 33.64% 148 15.00% 66 440 2.4 # OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY) DATE 1 T.R.A.F.F.I.C F.L.O.W. 2/15/2019 6:47 PM 2 it is unfortunate that the really bad signs were grandfathered 2/15/2019 2:07 PM 3 The commercial buildings along the road are an eyesore (new boat storage and the car dealership)... light pollution form car dealership (so much for living near Glacier National Park where we can see the Northern Lights, the Milky Way, and millions of stars; that'll all be gone along 93S) 2/14/2019 2:31 PM 4 Main hospital entrance is directly across from exit/entrance to Western Building Center. Traffic safety issue, and poor engineer planning to begin with. 2/5/2019 12:05 PM 5 I wish the river trail didn't just fade out across Baker heading SE...either continued, or connected back to 93 2/4/2019 2:22 PM 6 Need to preserve open spaces 2/4/2019 1:04 PM 7 Obvious bike lane please! It's scary as hell to ride a bike on the south corridor. 2/3/2019 10:30 AM 8 Thank you for sending this, however the answer choices are quite a confusing, hard to understand what my answers are saying as the relate to questions. 2/2/2019 8:46 AM 9 Pedestrian crossings should not disrupt traffic flow 1/31/2019 10:48 AM 10 Sidewalks all the way thru would be nice. Deer crossing need help desperately ie Post warning signs or fence/tunnel- 1 lay sitting up in mid lane w guts out & another lay sitting in traffic could have possibly gotten up if traffic would have stopped- such courage; she slowly was gruesomely turned into hamburger...AND SCHOOL BUS STOP EFFORTS ARE DANGEROUS W DUMP TRUCKS NEARLY REAR ENDING CARS ETC> good luck slowing people down. 1/30/2019 4:06 PM 11 Keeping the views is incredibly important to me. 1/30/2019 2:56 PM 12 This question is confusing. I am not sure I answered it correctly 1/30/2019 11:37 AM 13 it is already somewhat difficult to ride bike along hwy93 when you think of letting your kids bike because of the amount of traffic. It has greatly improved since we first moved here 1/30/2019 10:42 AM 14 the corridor and the the city of whitefish needs more crosswalk!!! I almost get hit weekly at the 3rd street, hwy 93 spot... 1/29/2019 4:30 PM 15 New builds are attractive but old buildings are 1/29/2019 2:19 PM 16 Speed of vehicles further south of city limits can be dangerous. 1/28/2019 4:49 PM 17 Please do not allow for more commercial signs/billboards. Please do not zone for more commercial businesses along Hwy 93, especially between Whitefish and Kalispell. Please address light pollution issues for current existing businesses on the Corridor: preserve the dark sky. 1/26/2019 10:32 AM 18 no more commercial. no cutting of trees 1/19/2019 1:19 PM Access to trails along Whitefish River Size, number or look of commercial signs Open spaces and fields Commercial building architecture and design Overhead utility lines 2 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 19 We need better pedestrian crossings and change the left turn option lane on 13th. So many near misses it's ridiculous 1/16/2019 12:19 PM 20 I am not aware there is trail access along the corridor 1/13/2019 8:27 AM 21 Want a good representation of business along the corridors 1/11/2019 4:16 PM 22 Center turn lane must be extended into segment C. Very dangerous condition as is. Please, do NOT put roundabouts on 93. They seem to be the latest fad in urban planning. But as we’ve learned on the bypass, they don’t belong on a Hwy... 1/11/2019 12:05 PM 23 Hospital needs it's own light/turn lane Southbound on 93 and better lighting and signage for that access point. 1/10/2019 2:04 PM 24 Need consistent sign bylaw through a&b 1/10/2019 11:46 AM 25 This is a terrible, terrible idea for people who live in Whitefish! Remember the like “pave paradise, put up a parking lot” ? Think about that 1/10/2019 8:08 AM 26 lack of chain restaurants and big box stores is GOOD! 1/9/2019 7:39 PM 27 should have landscaped divided median to calm traffic 1/9/2019 1:34 PM 28 Commuting as a biker or walker is terrible. It would be great to improve bike path connectivity, landscape more trees, preserve green and open space, and remove overhead power lines. It's the first thing people see when driving into our community and it needs to reflect our small-town charm. 1/9/2019 12:11 PM 29 Trails are a great feature, but access from the corridor isn’t great. 1/9/2019 10:36 AM 30 There is no unifying aesthetic currently and the corridor has become unsafe for traffic-people cross in the middle of the street-wearing black-dangerous. Also the plan should include funding for maintenance of all sidewalks with snow and ice removal done very early in am -daily-to encourage pedestrian traffic, more bus stops, more garbage cans and doggy pickup bag stations. I love pocket parks for these reasons 1/9/2019 9:13 AM 31 Entrance to our community, reflecting our values: consumption? recreation? open space? 1/9/2019 7:39 AM 32 Do you mean the existing features in place now? 1/9/2019 7:39 AM 33 Must maintain a good view shed 1/8/2019 6:13 PM 34 The new marina is an eye-sore with all the boats all over. 1/8/2019 2:33 PM 35 Traffic Congestion 1/8/2019 2:30 PM 36 Hospital needs an access point, light and better signage heading S from town on 93. Traffic patterns/flow with future development needs analysis. Potential one way N on 93 and One Way S on Baker was a former idea of flow... 1/8/2019 1:28 PM 37 This is a commercial area. There are nice parks in Whitefish already and access to acres of Forest Service land plus a huge park not far to the northeast (Glacier National Park) 1/7/2019 11:29 AM 38 Too many large trucks and too much traffic 1/5/2019 10:42 AM 39 I like the small parks 1/4/2019 7:09 PM 40 Crossing 90 in zone B past Super 1 is really tough for pedestrians and the bike path/side walk is often not well maintained (full of gravel, totally drenched in sun in hot summer, and a whole lot of places have their sprinklers going over the sidewalk which makes my kid either get drenched or I have to bring him onto 93 to bypass them. 1/3/2019 3:26 PM 41 Zone B definitely needs more pedestrian crossing opportunities across 93 and in order to make walking along 93 more pleasant landscaping should be improved and the sidewalk and trails maintained better. I would love to walk or bike all along 93 more frequently but it's just not pleasant once you get south of the super 1. 1/3/2019 12:18 PM 42 REPAINT THE LINES! I can't see what lane I'm supposed to be in a night. Other states have little pop up reflectors for when it rains so you can see your lane. Meanwhile, you can barely see the lane lines in the day time on 93. 1/3/2019 11:47 AM 43 Over commercialization without attention to astetics is a problem. Pedestrians crossing highway 40 is difficult at Emeral Drive and Hostipat Way is very difficult. Connecting the Whitefish River Trail all the way to town would be amazing. 1/3/2019 9:46 AM 44 Unsure if this survey is asking for opinion on current condition of features or desired features. I answered with current condition. 1/3/2019 7:30 AM 3 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 45 You need a Bypass 1/3/2019 12:10 AM 46 Cohesiveness of building, landscaping, and signageshould be of utmost importance. 1/2/2019 10:04 PM 47 natural links for wildlife crossing highway..under or over 1/2/2019 5:54 PM 48 Trails are not well maintained 1/2/2019 10:31 AM 49 Vehicle speeds in southern section too high 12/29/2018 12:22 PM 4 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- Q5 Choose the ending that best applies to each statement about goods you purchase for use in your house. Answered: 452 Skipped: 5 25.56% 115 39.56% 178 25.78% 116 6.00% 27 3.11% 14 450 3.78 6.92% 31 32.81% 147 34.15% 153 21.88% 98 4.24% 19 448 3.16 20.18% 91 41.02% 185 31.49% 142 6.87% 31 0.44% 2 451 3.74 6.05% 27 29.60% 132 41.03% 183 16.59% 74 6.73% 30 446 3.12 # WHAT NEW SERVICES, PRODUCTS OR ACTIVITIES WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE ABLE TO PURCHASE OR EXPERIENCE IN THE CORRIDOR? DATE 1 Good dining, theatre 2/15/2019 7:21 PM 2 G.R.E.E.N. S.P.A.C.E. No new buildings! 2/15/2019 6:47 PM 3 General merchandise, clothes etc. IN TOWN. 2/15/2019 6:01 PM 4 More local businesses ready for expansion opportunities, businesses that cater to local interest and draw tourism, businesses that would provide more year round recreational opportunities ie indoor/outdoor parkour facility, expansion and improvement of Softball/baseball fields, etc. The only reason we currently visit Kalispell for shopping is because of convenience and availability of products at box stores. We would hate to see them in The corridor unless they are well camouflaged and conform to aesthetics of downtown core. Don K is an eye sore and very noisy. No more of the like. 2/15/2019 5:37 PM 5 There's more than enough of everything. Including ugliness 2/15/2019 2:48 PM 6 too bad we are losing Shopko 2/15/2019 2:07 PM I purchase household go... I purchase household go... I purchase household go... I purchase household go... 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 MOST OF THE TIME OFTEN OCCASIONALLY RARELY NEVER TOTAL WEIGHTED AVERAGE I purchase household goods in the Corridor I purchase household goods in downtown Whitefish I purchase household goods in Kalispell or other community outside Whitefish I purchase household goods online. 1 / 5 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 I would like to see more commercial uses and commercial vibrancy. In the past this important area and the entrance to the city, has been treated by the City like a step-child to the downtown. We need more options to do our business here in Whitefish and more opportunities for businesses to locate here rather than outside the city. 2/15/2019 12:25 PM 8 Affordable clothing for families, better AND affordable restaurants 2/15/2019 8:43 AM 9 More dining opportunities and neighborhood types of business 2/14/2019 9:35 PM 10 Updated restuarants 2/7/2019 10:58 AM 11 Drive in 2/6/2019 2:25 PM 12 I would like to be able to safely walk and bike along both west and east sides of the corridor. Perhaps consider reducing the speed to 35 miles per hour. 2/5/2019 12:05 PM 13 Lunch grab and go (burritos, etc.) 2/4/2019 2:22 PM 14 Maybe a few restaurants, otherwise low impact development, preserve the green/open spaces. 2/4/2019 1:04 PM 15 More family type restaurants. 2/4/2019 12:20 PM 16 Sales tax needs to be waived for residents that live in this area 2/4/2019 12:01 PM 17 Affordable local shops that aren't boutiques or too high-priced. 2/3/2019 10:30 AM 18 Would love a Trader Joe's or possibly something like an Olive Garden. As long as it is in the Commercial area north of Hwy 40! 2/2/2019 10:02 PM 19 electronics 2/2/2019 8:05 PM 20 electronics, home fashion and organization (organizing tubs, frames, lamps), household supplies (tissues, soaps etc) 2/2/2019 12:20 AM 21 daycare, after school activities area, restaurants 2/1/2019 2:34 PM 22 Overhead garage door services. Gasoline. 2/1/2019 11:10 AM 23 An upscale grocery store. 2/1/2019 10:54 AM 24 None 1/31/2019 9:43 PM 25 I don’t think we should have any additional services. There are pleanty within minutes of each other. 1/31/2019 8:31 PM 26 Adaptive Traffic Light System. Controls traffic in real time to prevent from inefficient light circulation. It helps to cut emissions, improve traffic flow, and not change lights after only car turns right in the mornings. 1/31/2019 3:51 PM 27 Eateries, privately owned shops, AFFORDABLE housing, no more car dealerships or banks, 1/31/2019 2:39 PM 28 It would be nice to have some faster, cheaper food choices in town without them being cheap fast food joints 1/31/2019 1:54 PM 29 None 1/31/2019 10:48 AM 30 Keep the corridor for practical goods and services. Avoid boutique goods and services that cater primarily to out-of-towners. 1/30/2019 5:10 PM 31 activities for teens or family, food, trails for dogs/people/bikes, frisbee golf 1/30/2019 3:54 PM 32 Trader Joe's!! 1/30/2019 3:40 PM 33 I think it is fine just the way it is. I do not want it to get built up at all! I do think the addition of Nelson's Hardware is fine. 1/30/2019 2:56 PM 34 More parks and cohesive feeling; the park is lovely, but there is nothing to unify the space. 1/30/2019 2:18 PM 2 / 5 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 35 Not sure which businesses need to go in...but I'd like to see the dilapidated buildings either torn down or fixed up. I have lived here since 1980 and hate the building next to the Northern (I realize not the area in question)...the building that use to be Dos Amigos (next to Safeway) welcoming sign would be nice on the corner of Hwy 93 and Hwy 40...rather than by walgreens.....Perhaps a bike path along Hwy 93 people don't have to ride on the side of the Hwy (plus I've seen people running on the side of the road that do Crossfit).....People ride from Happy Valley into town.... I don't know if this is too far...but I live on Hodgson and it is terrifying to turn onto and off of. People driving north sometimes need to turn left to go to the storage units or Stolte's ...at the same time traffic going south go in the middle to turn onto Hodgson...It is not safe! In the mornings it is almost impossible to take a left from Hodgson....It is also difficult to take a right, as people do not move over to the left lane to allow us out. With this being a tourist town..perhaps we could have a place where tourist can park, rent a bicycle and ride through town...therefore being able to see and visit all we have to offer. Seattle has those bikes that you can pick up and leave it at various locations around town.. 1/30/2019 1:36 PM 36 audi cars 1/30/2019 1:26 PM 37 Recreation 1/30/2019 12:21 PM 38 would rather it be left alone 1/30/2019 11:54 AM 39 Park with a splash pad for kids 1/30/2019 11:24 AM 40 I do not think we need more cheap knockoff stores (Great Clips, Little Ceasars, Shopko). We need stores that keep Whitefish reasonable, yet unique and luxury Trader Joe's, Rack, Orange Theory, iMax theatre, modern movie theatre. 1/30/2019 11:18 AM 41 NO Chains or Box stores. I would prefer to purchase from local any day support local those big box stores come in a build very large building and then abandon them or are so large that you can't get anything out of them. Then no mom and pop local business can afford to buy or even use this extra large space. look at the car dealership bid empty abandoned lot that will probable get some type of chain store in there. 1/30/2019 10:42 AM 42 Safer pedestrian crosswalks, perhaps reducing speedlimits in the area also. 1/30/2019 10:26 AM 43 let medical marijuana dispensaries in this area. its fine if you want to keep them out of downtown, but they are legal in the state, well regulated and it would be nice to have one in town. 1/30/2019 10:22 AM 44 I don't need any more art galleries or interior design options! 1/30/2019 10:17 AM 45 A park, community garden, locally owned (non chain) restaurants, brewery, bike/walking path separated from road, extend down highway as far as possible ultimately connected to Kalispell. 1/30/2019 10:15 AM 46 A wellness center, upscale restaurant, good foods store plz!! 1/29/2019 4:30 PM 47 Less congestion and more open space 1/28/2019 4:49 PM 48 None. Everything we need is already here. And in fact, there is an excess in redundant vendors (Ex: Lowes and Home Depot. Pet Smart and Pet Co. Walmart and Costco). 1/26/2019 10:32 AM 49 No more big chains! If you need that, you can go down to Kalispell. It’s not that far of a drive. 1/25/2019 10:56 AM 50 Nice restaurant, walk-in coffee shop, book store. Excited for Nelson's Hardware to open soon. 1/25/2019 9:28 AM 51 I’m a fan of open space, personally. 1/25/2019 8:44 AM 52 More dining options (quick) - not necessarily fast food, but something that has takeout or a deli or something for those of us who work. Markus has good lunches, but you have to drive into town. 1/25/2019 8:27 AM 53 Keep it local! Look what happened with Pizza Hut and Little Caesers. People want to support other small businesses! 1/24/2019 10:50 PM 54 Connect The trail across the highway that ends at the river. 1/23/2019 7:33 AM 55 Would like to see something constructive done with the old Ford dealership (self service auto repair) and the old trailer park (affordable housing). 1/21/2019 9:53 AM 56 None 1/20/2019 8:20 PM 57 When it is convenient and there is not a large price difference, I shop locally. For bulk products, Costco. 1/17/2019 10:58 AM 58 Would rather purchase goods in downtown than on strip. Bring back a pharmacy and grocery stores etc. to downtown . 1/17/2019 10:16 AM 3 / 5 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 59 Would love to have Starbucks, more bakeries and good food/restaurants, better home rental opportunities 1/16/2019 2:02 PM 60 More restaurants and lounge options. Lots of hotels but few places to go. Walking into downtown in the winter is not very user friendly 1/16/2019 12:19 PM 61 I would like service oriented business in the corridor with also living areas above commercial or retail. We can't have all retail on main levels 1/11/2019 4:16 PM 62 I'm most interested in walking / biking paths, safe areas for children and the community in general to enjoy, and an aesthetic that focuses on nature. 1/11/2019 3:03 PM 63 art studios, cultural learning centers, music venues, entertainment, 1/10/2019 5:31 PM 64 A really good bakery which includes bread, pastries, cakes. 1/10/2019 4:43 PM 65 I think there is a good mix right now, what I don't want to see is fast food chains, billboards etc. 1/10/2019 12:49 PM 66 I would see more traffic in the quiet and peaceful area that I live. Purchasing isn’t the issue here! 1/10/2019 8:08 AM 67 There just are not enough shopping options in this corridor 1/9/2019 8:53 PM 68 less is more - don't overbuild whitefish 1/9/2019 7:39 PM 69 Local products 1/9/2019 5:43 PM 70 Children’s museum! 1/9/2019 5:25 PM 71 None come to mind. I would prefer to be able to purchase more products, like pharmacy products and groceries downtown, as in the past. Would prefer to not have to make a car trip to purchase basic goods. 1/9/2019 1:34 PM 72 I shop at Super 1, WBC, and Nelsons most of the time but also shop online and at Home Depot in Kalispell for things that are cheaper. 1/9/2019 12:11 PM 73 None, it is great how it is. No new car dealerships. 1/9/2019 10:36 AM 74 None. I would prefer to be able to purchase more products downtown, like pharmacy or larger grocery store. 1/9/2019 10:21 AM 75 More restaurants (not chain ones)! 1/9/2019 9:13 AM 76 I think we need more food options out on the strip-McDonald’s, pizza, Chinese, subway are fast food options but a cowboy bar and healthy food and cafes would be nice-a draw and for people who live there 1/9/2019 9:13 AM 77 Better parking 1/9/2019 8:37 AM 78 More locally owned businesses. 1/9/2019 8:36 AM 79 Community commercial business incubator kitchen. Affordable housing. Public transportation. Bike paths. Habitat for wildlife. 1/9/2019 7:39 AM 80 My family recently wondered why we don’t have an entertainment business near the mall like mini golf and arcade. 1/8/2019 9:28 PM 81 Nothing that isn't already supplied with the exception of an office supply store 1/8/2019 6:13 PM 82 Large Ticket recreational items. The resort tax structure prevents the sale of these items being competitive in the valley. 1/8/2019 4:44 PM 83 Authentic English, Irish, Scottish pub 1/8/2019 4:16 PM 84 The items I have to drive to Kalispell to get 1/8/2019 2:41 PM 85 Restaurants, event space, nice home goods, light manufacturing and production with front shop. 1/8/2019 2:30 PM 86 Need Mexican fast food and more burger options other then McDonalds. 1/8/2019 2:10 PM 87 Children's museum/activity center, Toy Library, Recycling facility (as in we figure out how to process our own recyclables and compost), Sauna/Bath House with saline pools, Senior Living Center with Gardens, wellness, art, community integration, outdoor education center /with Ravenwood potentially...Preserve/maximize existing pristine natural corridors to protect watershed, wildlife migration corridors, preserve scenic views of mountains. 1/8/2019 1:28 PM 88 more restaurants south of downtown 1/8/2019 12:11 PM 4 / 5 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 89 please no chains- keep it local unique small businesses, I would much rather drive to kalispell than have it here 1/7/2019 2:27 PM 90 1/7/2019 2:12 PM 91 Better taxi service, delivery for restaurants, better bike parking. Much better signage needed to direct people to River trail. Kayak/paddleboard put-in/take-out signage too. 1/7/2019 12:46 PM 92 improved movie theatre experience 1/7/2019 12:32 PM 93 retail, restaurants, brewery 1/7/2019 11:52 AM 94 Affordable clothing. 1/7/2019 11:29 AM 95 Children’s museum 1/6/2019 2:24 PM 96 Large pet store like petsmart 1/6/2019 6:48 AM 97 More access to bike paths and walking paths. 1/5/2019 4:18 PM 98 I would like to see a full serve car wash, where people vacuum the car and wipe the dash, etc and I can get an expresso while I wait. 1/5/2019 10:42 AM 99 More household goods stores. 1/5/2019 9:42 AM 100 I live out of town and do not have an easy way to bring my bike into town. It would be nice to have locking bike stations like they do in big cities so that I could ride around town and put my stuff in a basket and not have to park more than once. The hotels could participate for visitors too. Maybe it would help the traffic congestion at the lights downtown, which is terrible. 1/4/2019 7:09 PM 101 The City counsel has screwed up a great community already and is now wanting to spread out to insure everyone who was actually born and raised in this area leaves. 1/4/2019 5:08 PM 102 More food varieties. 1/4/2019 9:56 AM 103 Maybe an alternative to shopko and more restaurants. Although the resort tax is sometimes a consideration to shop in kalispell. Like I’ll go to sweet peaks, sportsman’s, etc purposely in kali. 1/3/2019 10:50 PM 104 An upscale restaurant and more inviting business in the Mall. The outside of the mall being more align to beauty 1/3/2019 4:23 PM 105 I'd love a non-resale, non-super expensive children's clothing option (like old navy quality). Maybe something dedicated to cooking--nice spices, gadgets. 1/3/2019 3:26 PM 106 It would be nice to have some food establishments that are not high end (expensive) for locals. 1/3/2019 1:23 PM 107 None. I prefer the view and open space 1/3/2019 12:37 PM 108 I would like the mall to have retail stores, not business offices. Learn the definition of a mall. 1/3/2019 12:36 PM 109 More affordable children's clothing that isn't high-end. But nicer than Shopko. Something like a Carter's or even an old Navy? And maybe something like a specialty kitchen store. There is a nice shop in bigfork that carries a variety of interesting and helpful kitchen gadgets. Nicer than bed bath & beyond. 1/3/2019 12:18 PM 110 Strip club... Seriously, that's not a joke. 1/3/2019 11:47 AM 111 The Climbing Gym was a great addition. I wasn't happy to see Shopko go into the mall and push out other small businesses like Taco Del Sol, etc. I'd like to see smaller business development and less industrial/commercial or "big box" stores moving in. 1/3/2019 9:46 AM 112 Cell phone repair, high quality deli, art supplies, car wash, NO more storage units 1/3/2019 7:30 AM 113 The current situation needs a bypass to reroute semis away from downtown. 1/3/2019 12:10 AM 114 Indoor skate park at the old Depratu car dealership 1/2/2019 11:18 PM 115 Leave it alone 1/2/2019 10:50 PM 116 Improved pedestrian/bike access. And/or connections to WF River trail, safer feeling and improved safety for pedestrians along highway, less strip mall/box store development 1/2/2019 12:31 PM 117 Professional buildings 12/30/2018 10:09 AM 118 Accommodations, restaurants, financial institutions, and residences 12/29/2018 12:22 PM 5 / 5 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 7.11% 32 52.00% 234 33.56% 151 7.33% 33 Q6 How much does the appearance or aesthetics of the highway corridor or specific segments need to be improved? Choose one. Answered: 450 Skipped: 7 TOTAL 450 # ANY COMMENTS ABOUT OR SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE AESTHETICS IN THE CORRIDOR OR SPECIFIC SEGMENTS? DATE 1 Leave the trees. Outlaw gaudy, no mini-storage 2/15/2019 7:21 PM 2 Minimize the plethora of signage. Increase green space on both sides. 2/15/2019 6:47 PM 3 Landscaping buffers between commercial businesses and roadways. Shrubs or planter boxes periodically on triailway, sections A and B should conform more to downtown core section C should celebrate agricultural designation and open space dedication. Large billboards and business signage should be restricted or better regulated. Let our mountain welcome visitors not our advertising. 2/15/2019 5:37 PM 4 This is already a very attractive corridor for its purposes, with landscaping and winding bike trail/sidewalks. We have to be realistic about what is appropriate for these uses. It's past time to back off on things that raise taxes or property owner costs, Whitefish is already too high in this respect--we need to learn to live with what is fine, not always wanting more. 2/15/2019 3:34 PM 5 Buildings back off corridor, more landscaping. Regulate ALL buildings to reflect the 'character' of this area. Too many steel buildings and storage units! 2/15/2019 2:48 PM 6 get rid of the illegal billboard. It is not in compliance with the sign code. Annex more properties so you can landscape 2/15/2019 2:07 PM No aesthetic improvement Some aesthetic improvement A lot of aesthetic... Complete aesthetic... 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES No aesthetic improvement Some aesthetic improvement A lot of aesthetic improvement Complete aesthetic overhaul 1 / 6 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 The city does not do a good job of maintaining the existing landscaping. 2/15/2019 12:25 PM 8 Staying within zoning regulations and creating some sort of theme to follow and strictly adhere to them. 2/15/2019 8:43 AM 9 Less apartment / condo types of housing - makes it look over used or claustrophobic. Better ascetics for business 2/14/2019 9:35 PM 10 Please keep the commercial buildings 2 or less stories and keep the signs/advertising to a minimum. 2/14/2019 9:34 PM 11 Please don't overbuild the area. Rural Residential is understandable, but do we really need more businesses there; isn't there enough commercial growth in Kalispell with all the Big Box stores? 2/14/2019 2:31 PM 12 A lot people enter our town from the south. It is a pretty anti-climatic and nothing special (except the view of big in the distance) when you are approaching from the south. The improvements to the north end of Hwy 93 have really made a difference in my opinion. 2/13/2019 8:22 AM 13 Important to keep lighted signs in compliance 2/12/2019 11:45 AM 14 Could use a facelift, but don't necessarily want it to look like the changes that have been made downtown. We don't need to be fancy or have pink neon glowing out shop display windows. 2/7/2019 2:11 PM 15 There is no real enterance to town 2/7/2019 1:53 PM 16 Improve green spaces. 2/6/2019 7:46 AM 17 Plant trees, shrubs, and grass lined parking strips. Install low safety lights at each intersection/cross walks and along the parking strips; the entire corridor needs street lights. Like in downtown Kalispell which has low lighting at each corner, the fixtures are attractive and more importantly provides safety for pedestrians and drivers. While driving you can see the sides of the street and corners are designated. 2/5/2019 12:05 PM 18 Green spaces, less development, open spaces, parks 2/4/2019 1:04 PM 19 I don't care about looks as much as traffic flow and safety. I'd like to be able to ride a bike to work in the summer with better safe spaces. 2/3/2019 10:30 AM 20 Some areas are nicer than others, but mostly we are looking for goods and services and not looking so much at the appearance of the area. 2/2/2019 10:02 PM 21 Most people's first view of Whitefish is from the hill on 93 south of highway 40. They see the mountains, yes, but also traffic, the expanse of pavement, and box stores. On my first time, my first thought was, "how did they let this happen?!?!" and that was 1979! 2/2/2019 8:05 PM 22 A lot of folks are talking about a landscaped median. Not good idea IMO; MDT can dictate poor design like they did in Great Falls. Better to create streetscapes using the parkways on either side of highway. 2/2/2019 10:56 AM 23 abandon lots, empty buildings 2/2/2019 12:20 AM 24 Ideally frontage roads with a bit of greenery between Hwy. 93 and frontage road to businesses. 2/1/2019 11:10 AM 25 The City does not need a heavy handed approach to signage. They have been cumbersome in the past. 2/1/2019 9:23 AM 26 Lots of ugly storage places, lots of empty businesses now vacant. Places like that hideous new Ford Dealership are not pleasing. 1/31/2019 9:43 PM 27 We need to seriously pick up the trash on the sides of the road weekly, it is out of control. Needs to be as natural and open as possible. We are turning our town into not a nice looking tourist area anymore. Far too commercialized. People come here to see nature. We are on our way to ruin that very quickly and that cannot be erased once it is done. 1/31/2019 8:31 PM 28 We don't want to be Vail or Breckenridge, etc... Keep the small town feel. 1/31/2019 6:07 PM 29 Too many run-down buildings 1/31/2019 3:38 PM 30 Better landscaping, nicer direction signs for DT Whitefish, Big Mountain, etc. Regulations for current businesses on fencing signs, etc 1/31/2019 2:39 PM 31 More green with tall grasses or flowers. junky buildings are detracting for tourists and residents alike. Congestion makes turning left very difficult. need better signage or wider road for a turn lane. Road also needs to be repaved. 1/31/2019 1:33 PM 2 / 6 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 32 More trees along the corridor would be nice. Maybe evergreen trees for their year-round greenery and lack of need for maintenance. 1/31/2019 11:28 AM 33 More trees 1/31/2019 10:48 AM 34 I would really love to keep big box stores and more corporate hotels out of the corridor. WF has character that is lacking in most other places. 1/31/2019 8:41 AM 35 Parks or green space ie. Buy Morris acres and church to use for family community And/Or Ford. Dust (which hazardous control). The future needs open lands and centers/parks for good healthy habits. 1/30/2019 4:06 PM 36 I like the undeveloped look as much as possible and prefer the developed to look as NON lighted/signed or commercial as is possible. I think any new lighting should be warm/non "light pollution" color not bright white 1/30/2019 3:54 PM 37 Green space and mountain views are THE MOST important consideration for any future development along the corridor!!! There is no way to recover this once it is lost, and those doing the developing don't give a rip!!! It is entirely up to the planners!!! 1/30/2019 3:50 PM 38 Empty vacant lot north of Super 1 is ugly without trees. Parts of old hospital look rundown. 1/30/2019 2:18 PM 39 underground utilities, open spaces/parks should be created/maintained, less traffic, less speed (dust in winter) 1/30/2019 1:52 PM 40 run down old buildings are an eye sore! 1/30/2019 1:26 PM 41 The north End of Segment B could use some work- especially the sidewalks- maybe widened? 1/30/2019 1:16 PM 42 Clean up the crappy looking old houses. Old buildings need refresh. Business should have aesthetically pleasing signage/exterior. A consistent theme/feel/look is great. Some buildings look good Sportsman, Safeway, Walgreens, new hotel, dentist office, etc.). Some look awful (China Wall/Subway, Grizzly Den, Bowling Alley, etc.). The movie theatre could use a refresh, especially the sign. 1/30/2019 11:18 AM 43 it seems to me what you are trying to do to attract businesses is it just looks like a big hwy with chain building on both sides 1/30/2019 10:42 AM 44 it looks like an airport runway when you come in at night. not pleasant at all to look at 1/30/2019 10:22 AM 45 This should be top of mind in allowing new businesses to move in. A coherent look in keeping with the feel of downtown Whitefish, great landscaping, views of Big Mountain. No need to be like every other suburban corridor in America. We don't need any big box stores available in Kalispell. 1/30/2019 10:17 AM 46 Warehouses, abandoned car lot, strip malls are all aesthetic detractors 1/30/2019 10:15 AM 47 Do not allow too many large commercial and apartment buildings to enclose the entire area. Stick to appropriate densities and open sight lines for the Whitefish community. 1/29/2019 2:19 PM 48 A landscaped median from Highway 40 north to 13th Street with limited controlled intersections and greatly reduced approaches would greatly enhance the aesthetics of the corridor. 1/29/2019 8:50 AM 49 Please eliminate billboards completely. 1/28/2019 4:49 PM 50 We need a landscaped median with distinct turn lanes, not the suicide lane we have now (which we fought way back when it was added) 1/27/2019 2:00 PM 51 The light pollution from the Ford dealership is a nuisance and I would be sad to see more of it. 1/26/2019 5:08 PM 52 The only thing erroding the aesthetics of the Corridor is the presence of manman buildings and billboards. It could be a simple pathway between towns but now development is blocking the views of the mountains, affecting landing opportunties for flocks of birds, and providing massive amounts of light pollution for things we do not need. For example, the Ford location could have utilized other unused land in nearby areas. Now, instead, we have an abandoned lot with no plan and an eyesore that destroyed a beautiful pasture field and landscape. 1/26/2019 10:32 AM 53 Bike lanes!! More trees. 1/25/2019 10:56 AM 54 It looks like the commercial -semi-industrial outskirts. Would like to see vacant businesses overhauled to a cohesive look similar to Safeway and Walgreens. 1/25/2019 9:28 AM 55 Perhaps do away with the eyesore, unused buildings and make that open and green space. 1/25/2019 8:44 AM 3 / 6 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 56 I like planted medians, and I think they add to the small town feel of Whitefish and make youforget you’re on a highway 1/24/2019 11:49 PM 57 Billboards should be done away with north of hwy 40 intersection. 1/24/2019 10:50 PM 58 Though safety is more important - add a median 1/24/2019 7:26 PM 59 underground powerlines. 1/24/2019 2:16 PM 60 Gosh, where to start? This can have tremendous improvement and immediate and long term value to the City and to the downtown core. I would put in a boulevard with street lights and trees along the boulevard, reduce the speed limit to 40 mph, have designated turn lanes. Then start to improve the building frontage. There are so many poorly designed buildings. It is really sad that the main entry into Whitefish looks like this (and even worse just a mile or two south on 93S with the garbage trucks and ridiculous fencing along the increasing population of storage yards). I could go on, but I think you understand. 1/24/2019 12:10 PM 61 It looks too much like other cities as opposed to a small, quaint Western town 1/23/2019 8:26 PM 62 No car lots! I know that is unreasonable, But being welcomed into the city with car lots is really unbecoming. 1/23/2019 7:33 AM 63 Just guiding the growth to fit with town and downtown (as an extension) and not just look industrial or too blocky and overwhelming 1/22/2019 11:02 PM 64 Commercial business fronts and sprawl looks "dirty" as you are driving into town in segments B and C on the diagram. It looks like the outskirts of town. 1/22/2019 9:43 AM 65 Segment B of the corridor is anywhere USA. In other words, there is no consistency to the architecture. 1/21/2019 9:53 AM 66 I wish that my Emerald Heights subdivision was included in the plan. My lot was downzoned from R-1 to SAG-5 by the Whitefish zoning director and I lost value on my property. 1/20/2019 8:20 PM 67 Trees landscaping 1/20/2019 2:36 AM 68 plant trees everywhere. too many have been cut 1/19/2019 1:19 PM 69 It would be great if we added a median with landscaping that had breaks for turns. This would give a clear indication of where it is safe to turn while improving aesthetics. 1/17/2019 10:58 AM 70 Stop cutting trees down and please leave some open land. 1/16/2019 4:21 PM 71 Overhead power lines appear to be the biggest distraction.. Overhead Mercury vapor lights are terrible... 1/16/2019 12:36 PM 72 Please stop ok'ing ugly architecture. That review board needs to get out of bed with the developers they are supposed to regulate 1/12/2019 7:28 PM 73 Nelson’s will be great addition! The old dos amigos/casino building and addition buildings in that area need to be improved. Designated parking lot for snow bus pickup and shuttle to downtown 1/12/2019 1:20 PM 74 On corridor C I like the trees and general lack of commerce. I would hate to see commercial development that direction. I think the other two could do with a Whitefish face lift geared toward appreciating our tourists and the beauty of our town as well as improving general accessibility via non-vehicle transportation. 1/11/2019 3:03 PM 75 More landscaping as a traffic calming device north of Walgreens. 1/11/2019 12:14 PM 76 What’s done is done and should be grandfathered in until remodeled/rebuilt. But the look/feel of downtown should be extended all the way throug segments B and C now so that as we grow our “brand” will grow and expand rather than become another example of urban sprawl. Growth is coming as Whitefish continues to be discovered, it’s important to set the ground rules now. 1/11/2019 12:05 PM 77 keep green space, prevent urban sprawl, keep residential development close to town to support business in town, 1/10/2019 5:31 PM 78 minimize or restrict billboards 1/10/2019 2:04 PM 79 Native landscaping 1/10/2019 1:22 PM 80 I think for the most part there is nice landscaping and sidewalks. Power lines are in the way of the great views but is not an easy or cheap one to fix. 1/10/2019 12:49 PM 81 Stop allowing development and cutting down trees 1/10/2019 9:12 AM 4 / 6 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 82 Just don’t do it! 1/10/2019 8:08 AM 83 Everything looks tossed together, there are few aesthetics that are pleasing. 1/9/2019 8:53 PM 84 landscaping, trees, flowers 1/9/2019 7:39 PM 85 Buildings seem disconnected, out of character. lights at night are bright. 1/9/2019 5:54 PM 86 Less billboards, more greenery. 1/9/2019 5:25 PM 87 Remove overhead powerlines, limits signs and billboards, plant some trees like a boulevard. 1/9/2019 12:11 PM 88 The southern B area and northern C area definitely have some junky looking parts that are at odds with Whitefish's overall appearance and outdoorsy "vibe". 1/9/2019 11:25 AM 89 Keep the signage simple. 1/9/2019 10:36 AM 90 The landscaping and sidewalk that are there now are good. 1/9/2019 10:21 AM 91 A planner I know suggested making the trees divide each separate use so as you drive the strip it breaks up one long gaze into individual experiences-the dividers go east to west. Wish we’d gone with a divided strip that could’ve been landscaped in the median. Would love a bike path that is protected on both sides. Some pocket parks. And consistent plantings-downtown unifies their space with Xmas lughts and trees in winter, flowers in summer-could the strip do something like that with more durability-nothing with words but a visual trail of belonging? And again-we need a new machine that is narrow and won’t destroy sprinkler heads and a designated snow clearing person to keep the snow and ice off of the sidewalks and trash picked up otherwise all year round 1/9/2019 9:13 AM 92 I prefer the visual character of downtown Whitefish over Kalispell's "Box Store Land," and hope that this corridor more closely resembles the former, with varied architecture, unique storefronts, and accommodation for pedestrians/cyclists. I would not recommend homogenous-looking development, 1/9/2019 8:36 AM 93 wildlife corridor. less signage. dark skies. 1/9/2019 7:39 AM 94 No billboards. Small business signage. Architectural guidelines so it doesn't turn into a row of industrial warehouses like the south end of Kalispell. 1/9/2019 7:39 AM 95 Hate the scary turn lane!! 1/8/2019 10:23 PM 96 The new Nelson’s is going to be great. Surprised the former trailer court hasn’t been developed. 1/8/2019 9:28 PM 97 The entrance to Whitefish is at risk and maintaining the direction chosen with the zoning in place protecting the downtown. 1/8/2019 6:13 PM 98 Aesthetic improvements are great as long as they do not degrade the businesses in the cooridor 1/8/2019 4:44 PM 99 center landscaping median 1/8/2019 2:41 PM 100 Looking at other resort towns, they have a much more inviting entrance to their town. The landscaping, trees and berms are esthetically appealing. 1/8/2019 2:33 PM 101 Using architectural features, setbacks and street friendly features the corridor can be made to be a positive gateway to Whitefish 1/8/2019 2:10 PM 102 more landscaping, trees 1/7/2019 2:27 PM 103 UBER SERVICES 1/7/2019 2:12 PM 104 Development will continue to happen and that is a good thing. Allow it to happen naturally. DO NOT put in a bunch of round-abouts and start putting a divider full of plants and landscaping junk the center of traffic. 1/6/2019 1:49 PM 105 Rentals, equipment and donations should be behind nice fencing or garaged. Don’t allow inflatables for attention-getters at business. Don’t allow large trucks with advertising on sides to be parked along road as billboards. Keep business signage low and landscaped and nicely lit (no blaring spotlights. Plant more trees - need tree-lined streets. Create aesthetic walking paths with landscaping where missing. 1/6/2019 6:48 AM 106 No new billboards PLEASE 1/5/2019 11:09 AM 107 The empty buildings or urban blight needs help. Glad Nelson's tore down the old ArmyNavy building 1/5/2019 10:42 AM 5 / 6 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 108 Larger greenbelts between highway and businesses, and, vehicle access on backside of property, aka, collector roads routed to stoplights at Hwy 40, Blanchard Lake Road, and JP Road. 1/5/2019 9:42 AM 109 Don't let it turn into more of a strip mall atmosphere. 1/4/2019 7:09 PM 110 Making it all yuppy kinda sucks. 1/3/2019 10:50 PM 111 The mall building and landscaping. More trees on both sides of corridor. Buildings that fit a more mountain rustic architecture 1/3/2019 4:23 PM 112 Zones B and C need lots of improvement. It gets so so so hot on the sidewalk in the summer and that plus the sound from traffic makes biking and walking between home and downtown really undesirable. 1/3/2019 3:26 PM 113 Need trail system, landscaping, paint the lines on the roadway. 1/3/2019 1:23 PM 114 The building of large storage facilities could be more off the highway with moderate signage to show the way. Additional buildings such as these, casinos, box stores contribute to the corridor looking like 'any town USA'. Our view shed and open spaces do not detract form tourism or money making ventures. 1/3/2019 12:37 PM 115 The old dumpy buildings and new franchise stores detract from the quaint mountain town. 1/3/2019 12:36 PM 116 Mostly along 93 and the bike path. Would be wonderful to make it more pleasant to walk and bike along such a busy road. Right now there is no shade in the summer months and when traffic is high the noise of the vehicles really takes away any of the pleasure of being out along that path. 1/3/2019 12:18 PM 117 Aesthetics in Segment A are wonderful. They are ok in Segment B. But in Segment C they need improvement. It would be wonderful if there was a continuous corridor/trail along the Whitefish River from downtown to the bridge at J P Road. I live at 215 Emerald Drive and I like to ride my bike to town. Riding along hwy 93 is not enjoyable and probably never could be, but having a complete corridor along the river would be ideal. The aesthetics in Segment C are in danger of becoming too commercial or industrial unless landscape/building conditions are put in place for new development. 1/3/2019 9:46 AM 118 The corridor should frame/compliment the views, not compete with the views. 1/3/2019 7:30 AM 119 Its a highway to convey traffic...if you got your head out of your ass 10 years ago, this would not be a problem now 1/3/2019 12:10 AM 120 Aesthetics can differ, and I fear guiding the development too much because then an area loses its character. Some spontaneous order brings surprising wonders. Better gutters, driveways, bike lanes, and pedestrian access would make this stretch more functional but not too antiseptic. 1/2/2019 11:53 PM 121 It’s o k the way it is so don’t mess with it and keep the strip malls , subdivisions billboards out and keep open space in 1/2/2019 10:37 PM 122 Cohesiveness in design of buildings, landscape and signage (including franchises) throughout the corridor. 1/2/2019 10:04 PM 123 consistent architectural standards for new buildings. 1/2/2019 7:01 PM 124 No overhead power lines, aesthetically pleasing lighting. 1/2/2019 12:31 PM 125 Large billboard signs need to be eliminated 1/2/2019 11:31 AM 126 Street trees, maybe elevated, landscaped center median, iconic sculpture near Highway 40 intersection, building facade and landscaping improvements as new structures are built and old ones upgraded. 12/29/2018 12:22 PM 6 / 6 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- Q7 Given that Segment A has the same highway commercial zoning as much of the corridor to the south but the lots are considerably smaller and the road right-of-way is narrower, what existing or future land uses are most appropriate for Segment A? Answered: 418 Skipped: 39 28.11% 113 37.56% 151 14.68% 59 12.19% 49 7.46% 30 402 3.67 13.97% 56 32.92% 132 28.93% 116 14.96% 60 9.23% 37 401 3.27 37.97% 153 31.27% 126 14.39% 58 13.15% 53 3.23% 13 403 3.88 14.90% 59 27.02% 107 24.49% 97 23.48% 93 10.10% 40 396 3.13 28.68% 117 42.16% 172 17.16% 70 8.09% 33 3.92% 16 408 3.84 18.77% 76 41.23% 167 22.96% 93 8.64% 35 8.40% 34 405 3.53 # OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY) DATE Commercial development... More medical/prof... Public parks/open... More residential... Local-serving retail Personal services... 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 MOST APPROPRIATE SOMEWHAT APPROPRIATE NEUTRAL NOT VERY APPROPRIATE LEAST APPROPRIATE TOTAL WEIGHTED AVERAGE Commercial development appropriate for the smaller lot sizes More medical/professional offices Public parks/open space More residential options Local-serving retail Personal services (massage, hair or nail salon, tattoo parlor, etc.) 1 / 3 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 Make it green on both sides. Require greater setbacks on the properties between 6th and Walgreens. 2/15/2019 6:52 PM 2 Mixed use residential/commercial with commercial spaces dedicated to most appropriate uses from above options. Parking is an obstacle. 2/15/2019 5:41 PM 3 The city should also look at the 2-3 blocks further north on Spokane and come up with approved commercial uses that do not require the expensive and cumbersome Conditional Use Permit process. Years ago you could pay $25, fill out a short form and have a Conditional Use Permit for that section. It is no longer a great residential area due to traffic and the business use process needs to be streamlined and much more simple. It's a natural transition area to the WB-2 zoning just south. 2/15/2019 12:31 PM 4 Provide a center turn lane and sufficient off street parking. 2/5/2019 12:16 PM 5 Parking could be an issue in this zone, so a place should have ample parking and getting back onto 93 could be difficult during some months. 2/2/2019 10:10 PM 6 most appropriate: natural areas along riverbank, trails, and access to river. 2/2/2019 8:11 PM 7 Love the idea of more residential, but too much traffic for people to be expected to reside. Parking needs to be taken into consideration with the various options. 2/2/2019 12:24 AM 8 We have plenty of open space. 2/1/2019 9:25 AM 9 putting any business here is difficult to access unless you widen the road. But, with a wider road comes less parking. Keeping it greener such as a park allows not only the homey feel we love, but also adds an attraction factor. Making it into a picnic/family area would allow less bottle necking congestion of vehicles along this narrow road. 1/31/2019 1:43 PM 10 / weekly rental (air bnb, etc.) 1/30/2019 4:26 PM 11 Lights, ped crossing & bike trails- How could this ever be widened?? As it will need be. LOGGING TRUCKS & TOURISTS bad mix. 1/30/2019 4:16 PM 12 I would like to see it remain having varied building styles so it looks like it happened more organically over time than "bam. developed." 1/30/2019 4:07 PM 13 Widen the roads, add middle turning lane 1/30/2019 3:46 PM 14 This is the most congested and frustrating section in terms of parking and accessing left hand turns. Address left hand turns and the options above will be more credible. 1/30/2019 1:42 PM 15 appropriate placement....but concerned about parking (where the houses are) 1/30/2019 1:39 PM 16 I think it is appropriate how it is I think the lot sizes need to stay the same and small/local business need to open up 1/30/2019 10:47 AM 17 wellness center 1/29/2019 4:30 PM 18 Better bike lane and pedestrian opps only appropriate here. Improve existing, abandoned, and unused structures before building anything new. Keep the speed limit 25 mph 1/26/2019 10:38 AM 19 AFFORDABLE HOUSING!!!!! 1/25/2019 8:49 AM 20 This area is ok actually, just needs nicer buildings fronts. 1/24/2019 12:13 PM 21 Parks aren't very attractive in this area because it is loud and has lots of road noise. It is also dangerous to cross the street because it's so busy 1/22/2019 9:45 AM 22 Parking and safe foot travel are issues for this segment. Additionally, two way vehicle traffic in this segment is not appropriate. It's too narrow. 1/21/2019 9:57 AM 23 concentrate on downtown. existing commercial is sufficient 1/19/2019 1:22 PM 24 Street access and connectivity to secondary roads is important for commercial uses. 1/16/2019 12:40 PM 25 Since there is no center turn lane, adding additional services in this area will only worsen traffic congestion. 1/12/2019 1:24 PM 26 we are a resort town and need service business along Spokane Ave 1/11/2019 4:20 PM 27 as far as commercial development, not sure what this entails 1/10/2019 2:07 PM 28 Parking an issue 1/10/2019 11:50 AM 2 / 3 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 29 Not enough lot space for parking 1/9/2019 8:54 PM 30 parking is an issue - don't overbuild 1/9/2019 7:41 PM 31 first question - commercial development similar to those across the street from the Pine Lodge, but this commercial should not compete with WB-3 uses downtown. third question - parks and open spaces along the river are most appropriate. local-serving retail would not be appropriate in this segment as it would compete directly with, and harm the downtown core businesses. 1/9/2019 1:42 PM 32 This area should be small business and mixed use buildings with better access to the City's river trail, NO franchises. 1/9/2019 12:15 PM 33 A park along the river section between 6th and 8th would be a big improvement. Offices, like the ones on the old used car lot, maybe with apartments above, are the most appropriate. This is a bad location for retail, which should be concentrated in the center of town with all the other retail. 1/9/2019 10:34 AM 34 It would be nice to keep the riverside open space if we could afford to buy it as a city. We need more places to launch boats but not sure how access and parking would go. We need to keep this corridor clear of ice/snow because people who take the train drag their suitcases to the hotels near here. High traffic speeds are of concern-would like things to slow down from Safeway into this corridor-difficult to cross the streets even with signs and lights due to poor visibility 1/9/2019 9:20 AM 35 A mixture of my "most-appropriate" selections. 1/9/2019 8:38 AM 36 Ack! Your job is hard. Thanks for doing it. 1/9/2019 7:45 AM 37 I don't think the Riverbank side should be built on. 1/8/2019 6:33 PM 38 Not sure how to answer but should h e nice local feel. This is the entrance to the cute downtown and should “set the stage”. 1/6/2019 6:59 AM 39 If business, keep it small along here as traffic and parking is a problem 1/5/2019 10:48 AM 40 A park and ride lot for the snow bus. There is lots of parking at McDonalds but not anywhere else downtown. 1/4/2019 7:14 PM 41 Leave it alone 1/4/2019 5:11 PM 42 doesn't commercial include medical, retail, and personal services? 1/3/2019 5:13 PM 43 keep the green space green, but make it usable for walkers and bikers. 1/3/2019 1:27 PM 44 More crosswalks needed in this area. 1/3/2019 7:37 AM 45 What you have there is fine, what you have is an out fo date traffic situation that was bad in 2009, but it 10 times worse now because you werent wanting to upset the apple cart, and now we are up to our necks in traffic 1/3/2019 12:17 AM 46 landscape corridor critical for co2 and heat island affect. 1/2/2019 5:58 PM 47 I think parking,front setback, height and drainage requirements on the smaller lots will significantly limit the uses. I suggest allowing all types of land uses here, also increasing building heights to provide greater density of residential development. 12/29/2018 12:34 PM 3 / 3 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 55.18% 229 31.81% 132 13.01% 54 Q8 The 2009 Whitefish Transportation Plan calls for the removal of three large culverts that convey the Whitefish River under Highway 93 South, and replacement with a bridge; this would improve aquatic and fish habitat in the river and enable connection of the Whitefish River Trail under the highway. How important is replacement of the culverts to you? Answered: 415 Skipped: 42 TOTAL 415 # DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER COMMENTS RELATED TO REPLACING THE CULVERTS WITH A BRIDGE? DATE 1 Not at all important. This is a needless expense and we need to start thinking about moderation. 2/15/2019 3:36 PM 2 Not worth the money. 2/15/2019 8:55 AM 3 Please leave it as it is! 2/14/2019 9:38 PM 4 Usage of the bridge by visitors. Fishing off bridge,sitting etc. 2/6/2019 2:33 PM 5 Two lanes going both north and south bound; four lanes total 2/5/2019 12:16 PM 6 I guess I don't understand this question - isn't there already a bridge over the culverts? As long as there is still ample area to float and paddleboard this section, it sounds fine. 2/4/2019 10:47 AM 7 Construction would be tough logistically, but I believe it's important to protect our river's health. 2/3/2019 10:33 AM 8 I did not know what was there, but if it helps with the health of the river it would be good. 2/2/2019 10:10 PM 9 also good for boaters' enjoyment and safety. Friends had a serious mishap because of culvert. 2/2/2019 8:11 PM 10 If you really havethe available road money, spend it re-bedding the current road with good drain material and re-asphalt it or do concrete road surfaces. 2/1/2019 11:14 AM 11 Awesome to connect up the trail! 1/31/2019 3:40 PM Very important Somewhat important Not very important 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Very important Somewhat important Not very important 1 / 3 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 12 Anytime we can maintain or return natural habitat while maintaining functionality is crucial. If you were to replace the bridge, expand the bike trail you create an inviting and engaging feature to the uniqness of the town. Not only that, but perhaps there could be some fishing access as well. This would be a boon for families. 1/31/2019 1:43 PM 13 When I was a kid, we traveled through the culverts, so the improvement to the aquatic and fish habitat is more important to me. The river trail is trivial - just an excuse 1/31/2019 10:23 AM 14 Only if tourism tax or state funding is available to support the change. 1/30/2019 4:26 PM 15 Good for flooding in the future. More eye impressive with proper habitat greenery cooling river... 1/30/2019 4:16 PM 16 It probably needs to happen eventually regardless. I am worried, however, about the impacts to habitat and traffic flow during construction. 1/30/2019 3:55 PM 17 car free, intersection free bike lanes should be a priority 1/30/2019 1:55 PM 18 I am confused about if this is really true if we have more pollution how does this benefit the aquatic and fish habitat. Also if there are more people then there will be more pollution. 1/30/2019 10:47 AM 19 I applaud the effort to improve wildlife habitat and recreational uses 1/27/2019 2:06 PM 20 I support the efforts to improve/respect aquatic and fish habitat, but I think a small pedestrian/biker lane/light would be more cost effective. I have seen the area down on the water and don't really see a broken area. Speaking of bikes, about Question 9: I have lived in cities with the elevated curb options and the flexible bollards: both were nightmares: cars and bikes hated them. 1/26/2019 10:38 AM 21 The culverts don’t matter as much as the bridge. Sorry, fish are important too - just want That trail to connect! 1/22/2019 11:05 PM 22 If it is most beneficial for aquatic and fish habitat however, how would the removal of the culverts and new bridge construction impact wildlife? Surely this would have a negative impact over the duration of construction 1/18/2019 2:25 PM 23 Also improved recreation opportunities on the river, boating etc 1/13/2019 7:46 AM 24 It’s critical that it be well planned and closely managed to minimize the impact on local businesses. A long closure or even open roads in terrible/narrow condition can kill more local shops that make us special than one would expect. At the same time, the bridge should be a Whitefish feature not just an ugly utilitarian design. It’s sort of the gateway to Whitefish and it will set that tone to some degree. 1/11/2019 12:15 PM 25 The new bridge should not lower the river level upstream. If it does, there would be problems for the landowners and our city parks. 1/11/2019 10:56 AM 26 Effect on property taxes? 1/11/2019 9:30 AM 27 I think this is a great idea. A continuous path along the river would be great. 1/10/2019 1:01 PM 28 An attractive bridge with landscaping would be an excellent gateway to downtown Whitefish. 1/9/2019 1:42 PM 29 I think the culverts preset a significant safetly hazard for people recreating in the Whitefish River. They can become clogged with debris and someone could drown. The new bridge could allow for the river trail to connect also. 1/9/2019 12:15 PM 30 Not only are the culverts a desecration to the river, the culvert s are a hazard to human life. I know several people who have almost drowned. Currently the culverts prohibit river travel back an forth on the river 1/9/2019 10:34 AM 31 Would allow kayaks, jet skis, and small boats to continue upstream. 1/9/2019 7:48 AM 32 Improving aquatic and fish habitat is a great goal. 1/9/2019 7:45 AM 33 Question. Will this lower the level of the river up stream. How does that affect the property owners? 1/8/2019 10:28 PM 34 The removal of the culverts should not 'de-water' the upper half of the river. Recreation of the upper portion of the River is a valuable asset. 1/8/2019 2:42 PM 35 bridges are cost effetive in this situation 1/8/2019 2:14 PM 36 Concern on cost and impact on River during construction 1/8/2019 1:33 PM 37 Not a wise use of public funding money. Leave it alone to remain as is. 1/6/2019 1:52 PM 2 / 3 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 38 Sooner the better!! 1/6/2019 6:59 AM 39 It'd be incredibly useful to connect to the river trail. 1/3/2019 3:28 PM 40 bridge should have architectural elements that enable view of the river as you pass over 1/3/2019 9:52 AM 41 Anythign that helps the fish habitat and aids connecting the trail system is acceptable. 1/3/2019 9:50 AM 42 This would encourage the city to develop a “canoe” park on its property on Riverside 1/3/2019 7:37 AM 43 If this study was done in 2009, why hasnt it been done....you had enough money to do 93 north of Lupfer Street 1/3/2019 12:17 AM 44 Anything we can do to make healthier aquatic habitat will increase recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. 1/2/2019 11:56 PM 45 Not important 1/2/2019 10:41 PM 46 Yes, river trail will be easier to navigate and more scenic 1/2/2019 7:05 PM 47 disruption of the river corridor would occur during removal and replacement. 1/2/2019 5:58 PM 48 While navigating the WF River, my daughter had a near drawing experience with a tree blocking the culver. 1/2/2019 5:33 PM 49 If you have a bridge there, wouldn't that leave gas and oil (from the autos on the bridge) nowhere else to go but IN THE RIVER? 1/2/2019 12:52 PM 50 This is a key component to finishing the River Trail from City Beach to Smith Fields 1/2/2019 11:23 AM 51 also depends on cost estimates. If costs unreasonable based on City design requirements, then status quo. 1/2/2019 9:12 AM 3 / 3 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 24.24% 96 19.95% 79 9.85% 39 12.63% 50 33.33% 132 Q9 Review the images of bike lanes below and, assuming all are viable options, select the one you think would be most appropriate in Segment A of the Highway 93 South Corridor. Click for Bike Lane information. Answered: 396 Skipped: 61 TOTAL 396 Existing Condition:... Double-Stripe/C hevron Flexible Bollards Curb-Elevated Curb-Elevated Plus Pavers 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Existing Condition: Single-Stripe Double-Stripe/Chevron Flexible Bollards (Can be Removed) Curb-Elevated Curb-Elevated Plus Pavers 1 / 1 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- Q10 What type of future improvements would be most important to improve the ability of different people to move (mobility) through Segment B of the Corridor? Answered: 389 Skipped: 68 46.21% 177 34.46% 132 11.49% 44 6.01% 23 1.83% 7 383 4.17 46.51% 180 35.92% 139 11.11% 43 4.65% 18 1.81% 7 387 4.21 24.35% 93 38.74% 148 28.27% 108 6.02% 23 2.62% 10 382 3.76 6.04% 23 13.39% 51 16.54% 63 18.90% 72 45.14% 172 381 2.16 19.27% 74 24.48% 94 19.01% 73 19.01% 73 18.23% 70 384 3.08 31.95% 123 37.66% 145 14.03% 54 7.53% 29 8.83% 34 385 3.76 # WHAT OTHER FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS MIGHT BE IMPORTANT FOR MOBILITY? DATE 1 Widen '93 to 3 lanes each way, plus a dedicated suicide lane and put signals at Baker & the south mall entrance, Park Knoll Lane and what will be developed in the former DePratu Ford property..Line each side with sidewalks and green space.. 2/15/2019 7:09 PM New or better connected bi... Improved pedestrian... Better transit service Consider replacing... Replace two-way cent... Alternative parallel rou... 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 MOST IMPORTANT SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT NEUTRAL NOT VERY IMPORTANT LEAST IMPORTANT TOTAL WEIGHTED AVERAGE New or better connected bike lanes & routes Improved pedestrian crossings and sidewalks Better transit service Consider replacing select signalized intersections with roundabouts Replace two-way center turn lane with raised median and dedicated left turn lanes Alternative parallel routes to downtown (eg. extend Baker and Whitefish Avenues) 1 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 There is no easy solution to this. Those of us that live in this section and are not served by JP Road need better, safer, quicker access on and off 93 as do the businesses not already served by lights. Harder for these businesses to get traffic if accessing is complicated or difficult from the highway. 2/15/2019 5:53 PM 3 There is no way roundabouts would work efficiently in this area--high cost of construction, maintenance, and space requirements where properrty cost is high. Please--be practical! 2/15/2019 3:41 PM 4 Where is Whitefish Avenue.?? 2/15/2019 3:24 PM 5 Hate roundabouts. They seem to be the current fad in government planning. There may be some places where pre-planned circular intersections work well, but for the most part they are an annoying nuisance. Remember the brilliant one that was a big waste of money put in on Lupfer then later removed. 2/15/2019 12:46 PM 6 Left had turn lanes w/out raised medians 2/15/2019 9:28 AM 7 Alternate routes for heavy or large truck traffic 2/8/2019 7:17 AM 8 park and ride lots. 2/6/2019 2:44 PM 9 Baker should be one way heading south out to the wave 93 should be one way from 13 into town and out second to baker. 2/5/2019 1:39 PM 10 People don't know how to use roundabouts effectively, they stop and clog up traffic rather than keep traffic flowing. An example are the roundabouts on the 93 Bypass through Kalispell, the roundabouts are a disaster; the traffic in peak hours is horrible because people don't effectively use the roundabout. 2/5/2019 12:33 PM 11 With so many businesses having their own access, having specific left turns can make accessing difficult. I think this section of the road is nice and easy to navigate. Roundabouts are accident makers, so avoid them! 2/2/2019 10:15 PM 12 figuring out a better fix for the end of the lane going north transitioning from segment B to A. Lane just ends, backs up traffic that hasn't merged. 2/2/2019 12:33 AM 13 Fix confusing lanes at the light on 2nd and Spokane. So many accidents waiting to happen 2/1/2019 10:47 PM 14 new SNOW bus stop south of town. 2/1/2019 12:21 PM 15 Earlier signage indicating left turn lane onto Hwy. 40, when driving south on Hwy.93 S. 2/1/2019 11:22 AM 16 I like roundabouts, but it seems that few people do. Just think of the wasted money by taking the bypasses out along the 93 bypass in Kalispell. 2/1/2019 9:30 AM 17 Traffic flows well through here. Roundabouts are stupid and most drivers don't know how to manage them. 1/31/2019 9:52 PM 18 Roundabout between Wave and Safeway 1/31/2019 4:15 PM 19 Better entry/exit for Hospital 1/31/2019 2:43 PM 20 Sorry, I think they are all very important. 1/31/2019 1:29 PM 21 roundabouts are a terrible decision; people do not know how to use them correctly and they are not user friendly to larger vehicles 1/31/2019 11:11 AM 22 How does emergency equip get thru if center lane gone? City plough trucks... 1/30/2019 4:49 PM 23 reroute highway 2 through-traffic around downtown on Blanchard Lake/Karrow 1/30/2019 1:59 PM 24 NO ROUNDABOUTS..What a waste. 1/30/2019 1:23 PM 25 speed limit, large semi trucks no passing through downtown 1/30/2019 11:01 AM 26 Apply sticky light reflectors on middle lanes pavement 1/28/2019 4:59 PM 27 Roundabouts on Baker would be very useful for turning left, which is nearly impossible at times 1/27/2019 2:17 PM 28 Roundabouts are not a good method. Parking should be in the back of the business: imagine the asesthetics of neighborhoods where they design the curb appeal to be forward focused and keep the parking in the back. Raised medians are a bad idea considering the snow plows. Left hand turns are inefficient and dangerous. Consider back access roads via the alternative parallel routes mentioned. 1/26/2019 10:43 AM 2 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 29 Improve our City Council Members! Quit rubber stamping every large development project that adds to vehicle traffic without having the proper infrastructure in place first. Seems to many of us full-time residents that the Council is in the pocket of the developers! 1/25/2019 4:57 PM 30 NO ROUNDABOUTS!!!!!! 1/25/2019 8:54 AM 31 This is an area of tremendous improvement in aesthetics, welcoming attitude to whitefish, and in safety (the joint center turn lane is awful). 1/24/2019 12:20 PM 32 Please no roundabouts. Drivers in Montana don’t know how to use them properly 1/22/2019 10:02 PM 33 I have noticed many elderly folks who walk to get their groceries at super 1 and Safeway. It would be great if there was improved transit for the seniors in our community to get their groceries. 1/22/2019 9:55 AM 34 none. Americans sacrifice too much for mobility 1/19/2019 1:27 PM 35 NO Roundabouts Please 1/17/2019 11:40 AM 36 Median must be landscaped, Not rocks. 1/17/2019 10:21 AM 37 Baker Avenue!!!! 1/16/2019 2:09 PM 38 do NOT put in a roundabout. Remember Lupfer... 1/12/2019 7:32 PM 39 Encourage human powered transportation. The city and hotels could play a big part in this by installing a fleet of bikes, that could be purchased by the city. Large metropolitan areas do this… Many models and data available for research and consideration. 1/11/2019 12:32 PM 40 Please, PLEASE, NO ROUNDABOUTS!!!! 1/11/2019 12:29 PM 41 Do not expand the highway into residential streets! Development is only good for those who can pay to benefit from it 1/10/2019 8:14 AM 42 I feel like do one ways down baker and Spokane , there needs to be another access/bridge connecting the two maybe at 7th st or 8th. 1/9/2019 6:03 PM 43 Connecting Seventh Street from Kalispell Ave to Spokane would take pressure off of 13th Street. I am in favor of making this connection. Raised median should be landscaped, not gravel or mulch. 1/9/2019 1:58 PM 44 I want to know what the dedicated left turn lanes would look like 1/9/2019 11:38 AM 45 Frontage roads, or roads behind business so fewer access points are needed on highway. Median should be landscaped, not cement or gravel 1/9/2019 10:50 AM 46 Safety is key and encouraging pedestrian/bike traffic. We need to plan for an in-city bus system 1/9/2019 9:25 AM 47 Need to extend streets to Karrow Ave to bypass downtown gridlock at the downtown traffic lights. Most bicyclists use the sidewalks because of the traffic/truck hazards on the highway. Few pedestrians attempt to cross 5 lanes of traffic. Highway 93 is the trucking route from Missoula to Canada, semi trucks would be dangerous on a roundabout, that is why the Kalispell bypass is taking out roundabouts. Raised center medians would cause u-turns and more accidents to reach businesses without left turn access. It would lower the value of properties without left turn access. 1/9/2019 8:38 AM 48 Consider reducing high density developments that cause more traffic and congestion out of the corridor 1/8/2019 8:56 PM 49 Perhaps consider changing baker and highway 93 to 2 one way routes to enhance traffic flow. 1/8/2019 3:29 PM 50 No roundabouts 1/8/2019 10:53 AM 51 Emphasis on alt routes to downtown to alleviate congestion 1/7/2019 1:11 PM 52 Unfortunately, this is a US Highway that goes through Whitefish. I have always felt that a bypass was needed and suggested it many times back when the necessary properties were available and affordable. If tourists are going to other destinations such as Canada, Whitefish is an unavoidable obstruction in their trip. Roundabouts do not belong on the highway. That's why plans are in place to remove all of the roundabouts on the bypass south of Kalispell. 1/7/2019 11:42 AM 53 No more roundabouts-don't change the flow 1/7/2019 10:45 AM 54 Traffic congestion in sections A & B are unacceptable and are geting worse. A bypass of Whitefish for tansitting vehicles would be advisable! 1/5/2019 3:19 PM 55 Whitefish needs a bypass for all the pass thru traffic 1/5/2019 11:03 AM 3 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 56 More alternative parallel routes are needed - think big 1/5/2019 9:58 AM 57 Maybe I should have put this under the last segment but when school lets out the corner at Walgreens coming from the high school is a disaster. Alternative parallel routes might help route traffic more efficiently 1/4/2019 7:26 PM 58 Leave alone, Do not need any more damn bike paths. If you need bike paths move to Seattle. 1/4/2019 5:16 PM 59 Trail along river for as far as possible. A light at Baker south end. Definitely against roundabouts, already tried and took out in town on Lupfer, they suck. 1/3/2019 11:24 PM 60 My concern are the new routes mention will only turn into another 93 corridor but in residential areas. 1/3/2019 4:44 PM 61 extending Baker would be amazing and would be a huge help for hotels and residents of the apartments along the corridor--turning into the "suicide lane" in order to wait for the chance to turn into N bound traffic is always terrifying but without a light between Super 1 and JP road, it's necessary. Also, it's just unpleasant riding one's bike down there bike lanes and better landscaping (shade) along the sidewalks and a way to cross the street would be great. (Or connect Lenna Joy Rd/Circle/whatever down to the river trail and make a way for pedestriants to get from 93 over there easily (maybe an easement one to get from the currently empty car dealership back to that road). 1/3/2019 3:37 PM 62 Something needs to be done regarding the access to/from North Valley Hospital. There is no left turn from the hospital on 93. So the only recourse is to use Hwy 40. That access is becoming dangerous with high traffic volumns. Right turns are sometimes hard but left turns toward Columbia Falls are downright dangerous. Something needs to be done about this. Lower the sppe limit in that area and put in a right turn lane so people going West can turn into the hospital. 1/3/2019 1:45 PM 63 Specifically connecting the bike/pedestrian trail all the way to downtown is my priority. Continuation of any trail systems for pedestrians / biking in any other way is also highly supported. 1/3/2019 10:04 AM 64 roundabouts on Baker Ave could be beneficial 1/3/2019 10:03 AM 65 The center median and dedicated turn lanes work well north of town by the golf course, but in this segment, there are way too many business on both side of the road to make that realistic. Also, it would greatly prohibit people from turning left. If you add bike lanes, seriously consider eliminating the bump out curbs at intersections like downtown. They are ridiculous when you consider a bike lane. As a biker, you’re going along with the flow of traffic, and all of the sudden the bike lane is gone and there’s a curb in your way? That makes NO sense and is quite dangerous. Please don’t make that mistake with any future bike lanes. 1/3/2019 8:49 AM 66 Encouraging shuttle vans from hotels to downtown 1/3/2019 7:48 AM 67 Never...I repeat NEVER...put a damn roundabout in this town. 1/3/2019 12:27 AM 68 Upgrade River Lakes Parkway to Voerman Road as that side of town grows. 1/3/2019 12:02 AM 69 Improved access to and from Highway 40 from Hospital Way. Current access is dangerous and difficult to make the turns. The main hospital entrance on Highway 93 only allows right turns. This makes it difficult to access the highways to travel either east or south. 1/2/2019 10:19 PM 70 landscaped traffic islands w/ trees, low level lighting 1/2/2019 6:00 PM 71 I think this is the best opportunity for Whitefish to meet its existing and projected needs. This section of the corridor provides LOTS of opportunity for attractive multi-family residential and attractive businesses that could provide goods and services to residents. However, there must be alternative parallel routes into the downtown area. I think emphasizing open space here is a mistake, but local parks to serve future residential make sense too. 12/29/2018 12:45 PM 4 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 31.79% 117 18.48% 68 49.73% 183 Q11 Review images of medians below. Select the median type you most prefer given the costs and benefits of each (click for Median Information). Answered: 368 Skipped: 89 TOTAL 368 Existing: Center Turn... Raised Median Mix of Median/Cente... 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Existing: Center Turn Lane Raised Median Mix of Median/Center Turn Lane 1 / 1 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- Q12 Based on the Median Information above, do you have any comments on the use of raised medians in Segment B? Answered: 231 Skipped: 226 # RESPONSES DATE 1 Impossible during heavy snows 2/15/2019 7:09 PM 2 Raised medians may make drivers more cautious but could also create access issues for residents and businesses. 2/15/2019 5:53 PM 3 Cost of maintenance and plowing/landscaping need to be considered. We have people who are already struggling with taxes who are the community backbone of this town. If we truly do care about an affordable community, it starts with these kinds of decisions. 2/15/2019 3:41 PM 4 Considering the amount of traffic projected, raised medians such as at the Hwy 40 interesection and other high business areas would be safest for turning and for pedestrian, biker safety. 2/15/2019 3:39 PM 5 no 2/15/2019 3:13 PM 6 I hate the suicide lane in the middle 2/15/2019 2:11 PM 7 snow removal? 2/15/2019 1:32 PM 8 Back to the landscaping issue. While landscaped medians can seem like an attractive option, when they are not well maintained they become I have not seen evidence except in the favored downtown, where the city keeps landscaping well maintained. Mostly it's an mess. 2/15/2019 12:46 PM 9 No 2/15/2019 12:05 PM 10 Snow removal would be a nightmare, for what you achieve. This plan was addressed years ago and was overwhelmingly turned down. 2/15/2019 9:28 AM 11 get rid of the suicide lane. it's not a merge lane 2/15/2019 7:47 AM 12 Look must contribute to whitefish's appealing characteristics 2/15/2019 5:23 AM 13 I think they should not be used. 2/14/2019 9:43 PM 14 Like 93 west 2/14/2019 9:42 PM 15 I am all for making it easier and safer to walk or bike in this section of town. Raised medians could really spruce it up too. 2/13/2019 8:36 AM 16 It looks nice and they are good to use when we don't get a lot of snow. 2/11/2019 1:55 PM 17 Open medians currently work. 2/8/2019 11:32 AM 18 They are harder to make U turns but are a lot nicer then huge swaths of pavement. 2/8/2019 9:57 AM 19 They will only make more traffic. Slow down traffic, and back up traffic more. 2/8/2019 7:17 AM 20 More difficult access and snow removal 2/7/2019 9:00 PM 21 Only where absolutely necessary. Raised median should only be used in areas of frequent pedestrian use. 2/7/2019 11:05 AM 22 If used, placement of them minimized and thought out 2/6/2019 2:44 PM 23 STAND OUT MORE 2/6/2019 9:15 AM 24 Most appropriate for important turns and signals. 2/6/2019 7:54 AM 25 no 2/5/2019 2:51 PM 26 Traffic flow and safety should be priority... Because of existing development and river this is a bottle neck and congested area already 2/5/2019 1:39 PM 27 include low lighting for safety 2/5/2019 12:33 PM 1 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 28 no 2/4/2019 2:08 PM 29 no 2/4/2019 12:31 PM 30 Medians are difficult to maintain during winter 2/4/2019 12:29 PM 31 no 2/4/2019 12:08 PM 32 Raised medians can be nice for pedestrians crossing this very busy section of road. As a person that walks and drives equally in all parts of town, I appreciate the two-way center turn lane as a driver, and the idea of a raised median as a pedestrian. 2/4/2019 11:02 AM 33 Expensive to maintain. The turn lane is well used as it is right now - we shouldn't think about changing that. 2/4/2019 10:52 AM 34 No. 2/3/2019 11:39 AM 35 If it improves safety in the corridor, sounds good. 2/3/2019 10:40 AM 36 It will help with safety and aesthetics and reduce the concern as there are Center Turn Lanes strategically placed for businesses 2/3/2019 8:49 AM 37 Who will maintain? City have enough time? 2/3/2019 7:20 AM 38 They will limit turns to only select areas making access to certain locations difficult. 2/2/2019 10:15 PM 39 We need something that works well during the many times when painted lines are covered in snow. 2/2/2019 8:35 PM 40 VERY OPPOSED TO IT 2/2/2019 7:41 PM 41 See previous comment re medians. Median in GF near Meadowlark CC has always been a community problem. Vegetation stunted; irrigation water runs into street. 2/2/2019 11:14 AM 42 It seems to me that the 3 intersections projected above 28,000 VPD should have raised median with dedicated left hand turn lanes. 2/2/2019 9:46 AM 43 waste of space otherwise needed for traffic flow. looks nice though 2/2/2019 12:33 AM 44 There usually just in the way and hard to plow around in the winter 2/1/2019 10:47 PM 45 Leaving turn lanes where appropriate but adding median landscaping. 2/1/2019 12:21 PM 46 Obviously these cost more to maintain than the existing center turn lane. With it being winter a third of the year and major amounts of liquid de-icer or gravel being applied, these areas take a beating and need more of a manual cleaning in the spring, versus running a diesel powered street sweeper on by at 20 mph. 2/1/2019 11:22 AM 47 They will take up space along the corridor. How do you get it back...along the sides? 2/1/2019 9:30 AM 48 The current system works very well, a huge improvement from the state I came here from. The raised median would inhibit flow. 1/31/2019 9:52 PM 49 No 1/31/2019 8:41 PM 50 Raised medians will lessen the problem of head on collisions and near collisions. They are also pleasingly aesthetic. 2nd ave by the golf course is a nice section of road. 1/31/2019 6:18 PM 51 Hard to do U turn into 45 mph in traffic. Only in areas with least left hand turns will be used least such as between JP road and Rug Showroom. Also improvements of intersections and better direction to main intersections from Baker. 1/31/2019 4:15 PM 52 should be explored 1/31/2019 3:42 PM 53 Those are more expensive and leave less options for vehicle mobility. 1/31/2019 3:14 PM 54 That sounds like it would be expensive and wouldn't actually help anything. I would anticipate more problems. 1/31/2019 3:14 PM 55 I frequently use the center turn lane to make left hand turns out of businesses and into the busy highway (chicken lane use). Removing this option would make it much more difficult to make left hand turns. 1/31/2019 2:43 PM 56 No 1/31/2019 2:43 PM 2 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 57 I am not a fan of raised medians because they can block entrances to some businesses and cause people to try u-turns. Also if they are not kept up with plants or maintenance then they can look bad too 1/31/2019 2:04 PM 58 I greatly dislike these. 1/31/2019 1:56 PM 59 Lots of trees and landscaping for beautification, traffic calming, and designated turn lanes. 1/31/2019 1:29 PM 60 I've often had near-crashes because I'm trying to make a left turn using the center lane, and someone going to opposite direction is doing the same, so I think raised medians would improve safety and are 1/31/2019 11:46 AM 61 If this is the most appropriate use of tax payer money, by all means, create raised medians 1/31/2019 11:11 AM 62 no 1/31/2019 10:57 AM 63 Plowing might be more difficult in the winter. 1/31/2019 9:51 AM 64 I think an unbiased cost/benefit analysis would be in order to make an informed decision. 1/31/2019 8:50 AM 65 no 1/31/2019 8:22 AM 66 Leave it the way it is. 1/31/2019 7:31 AM 67 Seem to be a bad use of space. Speed limits are low enough to not need a raised median. Ease of snow removal? 1/31/2019 5:52 AM 68 Seems like a waste of money and will make it difficult to turn left in certain areas. There are a large number of along the road and blocking some of them with a raised median will cause an increase in the more dangerous U-turns. 1/30/2019 9:24 PM 69 It is nice not having raised medians so that you can enter the turn lane far in advance of making the turn, you can slow down over a longer distance. 1/30/2019 5:51 PM 70 It could create a hazard for everyone involved. 1/30/2019 4:57 PM 71 I would rather see education teaching passer thu to drive like it's their driveway with people, bikes, greenery, speed safety, fences etc. Leave early- slow down, car pool, walk, bike. 1/30/2019 4:49 PM 72 No 1/30/2019 4:32 PM 73 NO ROUND ABOUTS!!! 1/30/2019 3:49 PM 74 Bad for snow removal. 1/30/2019 3:39 PM 75 Personally, I don't like raised medians. 1/30/2019 3:19 PM 76 Raised medians are needed to protect pedestrians 1/30/2019 3:00 PM 77 It would better control traffic, but may require more stoplights. Therefore longer transit time. 1/30/2019 2:33 PM 78 Hard to maintain, reduced visibility, plowing issues 1/30/2019 2:06 PM 79 Don't waste money on making medians raised. 1/30/2019 2:05 PM 80 will be buried in Winter, leaking water when it melts, and making ice on the streets when it freezes again 1/30/2019 1:59 PM 81 Difficult for snow plows 1/30/2019 1:53 PM 82 like idea 1/30/2019 1:49 PM 83 Extra cost to maintain, not necessary. 1/30/2019 1:37 PM 84 Yes- There is so much need for center turn lanes to access retail/commercial. Raised medians would make it so much more difficult to access. 1/30/2019 1:23 PM 85 Preferred 1/30/2019 1:02 PM 86 no 1/30/2019 12:37 PM 87 Mixed 1/30/2019 12:17 PM 88 are the compromise between safety and business access and use. I find raised medians to be sufficient as long as ease of access to businesses are addressed adequately. 1/30/2019 11:44 AM 3 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 89 The goal should be to provide safe routes for pedestrians at reasonable distances along the corridor. 1/30/2019 11:42 AM 90 They seem dangerous and when it snows they make the roads too narrow 1/30/2019 11:32 AM 91 I believe they might be safer. 1/30/2019 11:14 AM 92 I like the raised with pedestrian crossing and stop light that they can push 1/30/2019 11:01 AM 93 don't like raised medians 1/30/2019 10:29 AM 94 Raised medians reduce the left-turn ability to certain places, could be better done with nice roundabouts. It also gives more of a 'highway' feel than a 'town' feel. 1/30/2019 10:26 AM 95 I don't believe it is at all necessary at this time. The existing turning lane works. 1/30/2019 10:08 AM 96 The raised, landscaped median would be best of the aesthetics of the corridor. 1/29/2019 9:01 AM 97 Raised medians are not necessary and would add an urban feel to a rural town. 1/29/2019 8:00 AM 98 I think it will clog up traffic and is expensive to build and maintain 1/28/2019 4:59 PM 99 Raised medians save lives. Suicide lanes are banned in other states for good reason. 1/27/2019 2:17 PM 100 No 1/26/2019 5:12 PM 101 Bad idea for bikes, snow plows, cars that can't see them, and its a waste of landscaping greenery dollars. 1/26/2019 10:43 AM 102 Might make it harder to turn into specific business, but will alleviate issues of people going into turn lane in opposite directions and inhibiting the motion of each other 1/26/2019 7:46 AM 103 Yes, check how well the raised median on Bowes Ave in Lakewood, Colorado works. This is how the gateway to our Community should work. As question 13 has no room for comment let me say. There should be NO BIKE LANES on Highway 93. There are great, safe sidewalks on both sides that provide passage for the few bikes that venture on this dangerous high volume stretch of road. 1/25/2019 4:57 PM 104 Makes for very difficult emergency vehicle traffic in raised medians. Raised median currently used near the golf course is very problematic for emergency traffic. 1/25/2019 11:49 AM 105 I think raised medians would cause more issues in the winter time as snow piles up in the middle creating less visibility. I mean look at Kalispell for example when they plow up everything in the middle, it turns into a wall and you can't see anything if you're trying to cross the highway at that point. The state does an excellent job of keeping 93 in Whitefish clear of snow currently. 1/25/2019 10:39 AM 106 nope 1/25/2019 10:07 AM 107 Not practical given number of businesses in this area 1/25/2019 9:57 AM 108 I have mixed feelings on raised medians. 1/25/2019 8:54 AM 109 I like them and they break up the road a lot more with greenery. 1/24/2019 11:55 PM 110 It may make pulling into businesses more difficult. Right now its somewhat of a free-for-all, which isn't the safest! But it's really easy to get to all of the businesses and parking lots 1/24/2019 11:08 PM 111 Leave it as is. It doesn’t pose a serious risk and is currently creating easy accessibility to all businesses. 1/24/2019 11:08 PM 112 I'm sure plowing would be tougher? 1/24/2019 4:21 PM 113 Yes, provide trees, shrubbery, lighting. 1/24/2019 12:20 PM 114 Use to live in Houston and this is what they did. It greatly reduced accidents, and helped traffic flow. 1/23/2019 9:21 PM 115 cuts down on head-on accident prevents people turning where they shouldn't gives people a safe place to stop when walk across this many lanes 1/23/2019 9:42 AM 116 No 1/23/2019 8:33 AM 117 No 1/22/2019 11:08 PM 118 Raised medians make cross lane traffic more challenging, and they must be maintained to look nice. The city landscaping crews can’t hardly keep up with the landscaping they have currently. Additionally, snow management is a huge hassle with landscaped medians. 1/22/2019 10:02 PM 4 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 119 It seems like using a median would provide more safety for pedestrians, which might encourage pedestrian/ bike traffic in this corridor more. Right now, there is little pedestrian/bike traffic in this corridor because it is loud and unsafe. Medians might also provide a feeling of being closer to town (right now, this area feels like this outskirts of town) so folks might be encouraged to bike if it feels like its closer to town / a part of town, instead of "biking all the way out to the outskirts of town". 1/22/2019 9:55 AM 120 no 1/21/2019 10:03 AM 121 Need to be able to do u turns 1/20/2019 3:02 AM 122 no 1/19/2019 1:27 PM 123 I feel it is safer. 1/19/2019 6:59 AM 124 no 1/18/2019 8:24 PM 125 If landscaped they could really improve the look of the corridor; they could also improve traffic flow and most importantly, make turning left a whole lot safer 1/18/2019 4:34 PM 126 They should not restrict the turning ability or require many cars to do U-turns as that increases congestion. 1/18/2019 2:26 PM 127 A mix would give us an opportunity to convert to all raised at a slower pace with safety in the areas that it is most needed now. 1/17/2019 11:40 AM 128 The example is filled with rocks, the Hwy 93 medians should be landscaped to match the landscaping along the road sides. 1/17/2019 10:21 AM 129 no round abouts 1/17/2019 9:03 AM 130 Seems like unnessecary spending and would actually take up more room than turning lanes 1/16/2019 4:53 PM 131 As long as convenient options for turning left were included I think they would look very nice 1/16/2019 3:28 PM 132 With a lot of businesses, I would not like to see limitations on access. Plus I assume easier snow removal with existing turn lanes. Gives most flexibility 1/16/2019 1:11 PM 133 Too many drivers use center turn lane for merging! 1/16/2019 12:48 PM 134 I like mixed median. 1/11/2019 3:12 PM 135 I chose option 3 because it might be the optical optical mix for visual and budget considerations. 1/11/2019 12:32 PM 136 Don’t see the need for them, but willing to learn more and consider that. 1/11/2019 12:29 PM 137 I would prefer medians with grass and trees, but they would have to be carefully maintained. 1/11/2019 11:04 AM 138 I like the raised median but if what we have now works why waste the money? 1/10/2019 11:40 PM 139 improve esthetics 1/10/2019 5:44 PM 140 for safety with pedestrian crossing, and aesthetics, i think this is a great choice. snow removal always a consideration too. 1/10/2019 2:15 PM 141 Native landscaping 1/10/2019 1:27 PM 142 no 1/10/2019 1:07 PM 143 Visibilty limited. 1/10/2019 11:24 AM 144 If raised medians are implemented, it is highly recommended to heavily research the trees that will be planted in said median. The medians near Whitefish State Park are ridiculous...non-native, grafted species....so sad looking! 1/10/2019 9:20 AM 145 No 1/10/2019 9:16 AM 146 Medians are a waist of money. 1/10/2019 9:11 AM 147 Expanding the roads will be an eyesore 1/10/2019 8:14 AM 148 No 1/10/2019 7:57 AM 149 No 1/9/2019 11:26 PM 150 Need better traffic control and pedestrian protection 1/9/2019 8:57 PM 5 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 151 Make it look nice 1/9/2019 7:50 PM 152 no 1/9/2019 7:44 PM 153 No 1/9/2019 7:06 PM 154 I think it would make greater problems for traffic 1/9/2019 5:22 PM 155 The medians should be landscaped with grass and other bushes, not with gravel and mulch. Frontage roads with fewer accesses onto the highway would complement the use of medians on the highway. 1/9/2019 1:58 PM 156 They always sound like a good idea but in this climate get dirty and seem to make smow removal more difficult. 1/9/2019 12:57 PM 157 With projected traffic flows increasing to 30k by 2030, I think we need raised medians to prevent an accident with pedestrians. 1/9/2019 12:21 PM 158 A raised median is by far the best- it should definitely have better landscaping than the example in the photo. 1/9/2019 10:50 AM 159 They need to work with snow in the winter 1/9/2019 9:25 AM 160 Raised median would like nice and may be safer...but seems like it would cause more traffic problems 1/9/2019 9:20 AM 161 Raised medians are a nightmare for snow plows. They are very annoying when trying to turn somewhere where a median is blocking your way to turn. This usually leads to unsafe u turns when someone can't turn where they want to turn. 1/9/2019 9:07 AM 162 The raised and planted median son Central Ave are just beautiful. 1/9/2019 9:01 AM 163 I am happy with the existing center turn lane, but based on the cost/benefit document, increasing traffic in Whitefish indicates that a raised median may be necessary for safety. 1/9/2019 8:46 AM 164 The raised medians end up looking dirty and shabby Look at kalispell near applebees to kmart. 1/9/2019 8:41 AM 165 Raised center medians would cause u-turns and more accidents to reach businesses without left turn access. It would lower the value of properties without left turn access. 1/9/2019 8:38 AM 166 Is the average daily use really going to be 30000 in 2030? 1/9/2019 8:16 AM 167 Too danderous for the Canadians!! 1/9/2019 7:25 AM 168 No 1/9/2019 1:19 AM 169 We need more green space and a visual buffer, as well as a landing spot for pedestrians and bicycles 1/9/2019 12:25 AM 170 I prefer green space in center lanes. 1/8/2019 10:33 PM 171 None or mixed medians might help with snow removal. When we visited Ketcham, ID we were shocked at snow piles on medians making roads more like tunnels. 1/8/2019 9:43 PM 172 I'm not an expert on this but however can be used for safety and have areas where pedestrians can safely cross the highway 1/8/2019 8:56 PM 173 Would make snow removal more difficult? 1/8/2019 7:57 PM 174 Keep medians to a minimum 1/8/2019 4:56 PM 175 They cost more and are likely difficult to maintain with snow plows 1/8/2019 3:29 PM 176 Just do it! Suicide lanes are a traffic hazard and median can be designed in a way to accommodate business access, traffic safety and ped/bike safety/access 1/8/2019 2:46 PM 177 Questions to most applicable for snow removal. 1/8/2019 2:35 PM 178 not a big fan of raised medians, think roundabouts are a better feature 1/8/2019 2:21 PM 179 It will take up valueable space needed for traffic lanes and probably improved bike lanes. I have never had any issue with turning. I think limiting the places you can turn with interfer with access to some of the business along that route 1/8/2019 11:04 AM 180 no 1/8/2019 10:53 AM 181 Make it safer for pedestrians 1/8/2019 10:13 AM 6 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 182 most safe but least convenient. 1/8/2019 9:53 AM 183 I like that crosswalks are incorporated with the median placement. Medians don't have to be grass, (expensive + have to be irrigated). 1/8/2019 9:40 AM 184 I don't think this is a good idea. 1/8/2019 9:31 AM 185 No 1/7/2019 6:42 PM 186 Is separating north- and southbound traffic currently that difficult? 1/7/2019 6:13 PM 187 consideration of expense 1/7/2019 2:43 PM 188 If they get installed, make them pretty. Would love to see the large pine trees that have been removed to be re-instated. 1/7/2019 1:11 PM 189 The right type of landscaping would need to be used and maintained well. Not left to look abandoned or unattended. 1/7/2019 12:58 PM 190 Planted medians are expensive and difficult to maintain. They make it difficult to identify properties on the other side, and they also hinder with snow removal. 1/7/2019 11:42 AM 191 I don't like them. Will cause a bunch of U-Turns on busy highway. 1/7/2019 10:45 AM 192 Again, not a very wise use of taxpayer dollars. No need to "fix" a problem that doesn't exist and waste millions of dollars on such. 1/6/2019 1:57 PM 193 Landscaped nicely 1/6/2019 7:23 AM 194 No 1/5/2019 9:07 PM 195 It is important to make sure that medians do not block turn access to businesses like some of them do in Kalispell. I have to go past my medical office, make a left turn, then turn around in a parking lot in order to turn back toward the medical office. It's not safe or functional. 1/5/2019 4:26 PM 196 Not needed and additionally the Montana Dept. of Transportation (who are financially responsible for Hwy 93) say that such median funds are not in their 10 year budget. 1/5/2019 3:19 PM 197 None. I just do not like center turn lane as it can become crazy when drivers are aggressive 1/5/2019 2:29 PM 198 Talk to public works on added costs of snow removal & concrete upkeep. Also factor running of water for irrigation, labor for mowing of grass, etc. 1/5/2019 11:27 AM 199 Access to businesses will be a problem unless there is a turn lane and folks who live on side streets can make a left turn onto Hwy 93. Currently, we have to go to the shopping center for the light. 1/5/2019 11:03 AM 200 Mix of median/ center lane turn 1/5/2019 10:43 AM 201 Use where possible to eliminate further business access. Vehicles using left turn lane vary from proper to suicide use. 1/5/2019 9:58 AM 202 Do not put raised segments. 1/5/2019 9:09 AM 203 No 1/4/2019 11:15 PM 204 Raised medians seem to be safer but also slow traffic down so don't use them in areas where traffic is already congested. 1/4/2019 7:26 PM 205 No need waist of tax dollars. 1/4/2019 5:16 PM 206 While raised medians can be aesthetically pleasing they can also make snow removal more difficult. If trees or tall shrubs are used they can also limit visibility of pedestrians who may be crossing the roadway. Raised medians in select areas not affecting businesses and without sight impeding vegetation may be a way to satisfy both sides of the argument. 1/4/2019 10:08 AM 207 I was somewhat surprised they went in west of town, don’t feel needed in this zone, feel they are restrictive. Also, traffic gets super backed up on baker/the wave stop signs are such a long wait, seems could be a light there. 1/3/2019 11:24 PM 208 They impede access to shopping 1/3/2019 5:18 PM 209 That if they cannot be landscape and kept up don't waste the citizens' money. 1/3/2019 4:44 PM 210 There needs to be at least one more traffic light between super 1 and JP road. 1/3/2019 3:37 PM 7 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 211 Snow removal is a big and it is important to get this done efficiently. Also we need to have something that is easy to maintain. So many of these projects look good for a few years and then quickly deteriorate. 1/3/2019 2:35 PM 212 I worry that raised medians will make it hard to access businesses. 1/3/2019 1:45 PM 213 Raised medians are a problem for snow removal and they become filled with weeds the rest of the year. They become an eyesore, a problem, and a greater expense for the city. I hope you do not install raised medians. 1/3/2019 12:49 PM 214 I approve and value the cost of improved safety as well as the ability to landscape/add small amounts of green space within the median 1/3/2019 12:44 PM 215 Difficulty in clearing snow in winter. 1/3/2019 11:39 AM 216 Raised medians would need to be used sparingly to preserve access. I'd be primarily concerned about access from HWY 93 to Commercial Drive and 19th street (or alternative route to downtown if so constructed). 1/3/2019 10:04 AM 217 Proper design will be critical to success 1/3/2019 10:03 AM 218 They will likely prohibit an easy flow of traffic in and out of the businesses along this corridor. Perhaps a few select places you could put a raised median, but let’s not let aesthetic win over function. If both can exist, wonderful, but please don’t shoot all of the businesses in the feet by making it hard to get in and out of them. 1/3/2019 8:49 AM 219 Keep the center turn lane! It helps traffic flow. 1/3/2019 8:01 AM 220 Uncertain how the left turn lanes function with this. Median is important for pedestrians. It’s a long way across the highways. 1/3/2019 7:48 AM 221 roads are to move traffic and in this antiquated system, you don't need asthetics, you need lanes 1/3/2019 12:27 AM 222 I think with existing traffic patterns it’s not a priority. Dedicated left turn lanes at the Walgreens intersection headed south is. 1/2/2019 11:27 PM 223 Raised Medians draw more wildlife only to be hit and killed 1/2/2019 10:56 PM 224 Only use raised medians where there would be no turns. 1/2/2019 10:19 PM 225 Looks nice but seems expensive. If budget is there to do this type of median, then I'm all for it 1/2/2019 5:39 PM 226 When I lived in Houston they had to do this to the 1960 a main road in north Houston. It illeviated many accidents and traffic congestion. 1/2/2019 3:34 PM 227 snow removal would be more difficult and the cost to maintain quite substantial 1/2/2019 12:57 PM 228 with the ice and often wet conditions, I see a safety hazard 1/2/2019 11:38 AM 229 Landscaping could help improve the look of the corridor and help with traffic calming 1/2/2019 11:20 AM 230 I don't like the idea 1/2/2019 10:42 AM 231 Attractive and durable materials for the median would be nice. Landscaping too. 12/29/2018 12:45 PM 8 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 19.06% 73 21.41% 82 10.70% 41 28.72% 110 20.10% 77 Q13 Which type of bike lane do you think is most appropriate in Segment B of the Highway 93 South Corridor? Choose one. Click for Bike Lane information. Answered: 383 Skipped: 74 TOTAL 383 Single-Stripe Double-Stripe/C hevron Flexible Bollards Elevated Curb Elevated Plus Curb 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Single-Stripe Double-Stripe/Chevron Flexible Bollards (Can be Removed) Elevated Curb Elevated Plus Curb 1 / 1 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- Q14 Assuming high quality design standards are required for any residential development in the corridor, what type of residential and where would it be best located in Segment B? Answered: 371 Skipped: 86 Property next to or within... Property next to or behind... Property next to existing... 1 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 54.64% 200 19.95% 73 12.57% 46 6.28% 23 3.28% 12 34.70% 127 366 Mixed Use (commercial or office with apartments above or behind) Multi-family apartments Single-family townhouses, condominiums, or duplexes Single-family houses, small lots Single-family houses, large lots Not a good location for residential Property next to existing... Property further from... 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% MIXED USE (COMMERCIAL OR OFFICE WITH APARTMENTS ABOVE OR BEHIND) MULTI- FAMILY APARTMENTS SINGLE-FAMILY TOWNHOUSES, CONDOMINIUMS, OR DUPLEXES SINGLE- FAMILY HOUSES, SMALL LOTS SINGLE- FAMILY HOUSES, LARGE LOTS NOT A GOOD LOCATION FOR RESIDENTIAL TOTAL RESPONDENTS Property next to or within 500 feet of the highway 2 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 36.71% 134 44.11% 161 38.63% 141 19.73% 72 9.04% 33 10.68% 39 365 15.62% 57 31.78% 116 61.10% 223 35.62% 130 14.52% 53 3.56% 13 365 8.77% 32 13.70% 50 33.97% 124 65.75% 240 33.70% 123 3.56% 13 365 5.71% 21 13.32% 49 21.47% 79 39.40% 145 68.75% 253 5.71% 21 368 # OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY) DATE 1 We all know how to spell 'assume'. No residential in section B, period. Gougen's high rises make sense in the old hospital site, as long as you can get the traffic flow figured out. Residential too clkse to the highway creates hazards. Put those residences south of Hwy. 40. 2/15/2019 7:09 PM 2 Adjacent agriculture or rural suburban could be mix of dedicated park/preserve space and very limited single family on large lots. People move here from cities for more space and to enjoy nature. We shouldn’t lose sight of that. 2/15/2019 5:53 PM 3 I have heard the City is considering making residential use an accepted use in all business zones and we believe that would be a positive addition to the zoning. Since affordable housing is an issue, why limit housing in any zone. Residential and business uses have co-existed compatibly together throughout history. We can't think of any reason why it should be unacceptable. 2/15/2019 12:46 PM 4 No apartment style houseing 2/14/2019 9:42 PM 5 Single family dwellings with an emphasis towards maintaining green space. We do not need more townhomes or condos. 2/4/2019 12:29 PM 6 We really don't need businesses everywhere, it is already hard to find employees. 2/2/2019 10:15 PM 7 Some cluster options could work farther from the highway. 2/2/2019 11:14 AM 8 Missoula boxed in their streets with buildings... dark, claustrophobic look and feel- I understand land is precious for use, but more precious when it is all gone and no sky or trees left to remember this is a planet not a box. Montana is huge- let's not cram WF. 1/30/2019 4:49 PM 9 Leave it rural! 1/30/2019 3:19 PM 10 No opinion 1/30/2019 1:37 PM 11 I think we need to limit apartments and townhomes there is plenty of apartments and town homes all over whitefish and their neighborhoods. This is not fair to property owners and residents. look at other towns. 1/30/2019 11:01 AM 12 Consider moving the amply parking lots to the back of commercial establishments. See the businesses instead of the cars parked at them. 1/30/2019 10:26 AM 13 This is hard to comment on without a map. But residences close to highways create more congestion. They will need back roads to access their properties. 1/26/2019 10:43 AM 14 How about a moratorium on developments until the City can get in place and fund an infrastructure plan that accommodates growth. 1/25/2019 4:57 PM 15 AFFORDABLE 1/25/2019 10:39 AM Property next to or behind existing commercial and/or hotels Property next to existing townhouses Property next to existing urban/suburban single-family homes Property further from highway, adjacent to agricultural or rural/suburban single-family homes 3 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 16 This would be the best segment for affordable housing. The city MUST address this issue if they are going to continue bringing in more businesses, workers need a place to live. My wife and I own a business in Whitefish. We employ 20-25 people. Only 9 of them live in Whitefish because there isn't affordable housing. 1/24/2019 11:08 PM 17 Include open space and parks in all designs and z oning to buffer different land uses and protect river 1/20/2019 3:02 AM 18 We need more small affordable homes and apartments! 1/16/2019 2:09 PM 19 Road connectivity to provide alternative routes off the highway. 1/16/2019 12:48 PM 20 Please do NOT OK the monstrosity, ugly and unneccesary housing development at the old hospital location. 1/12/2019 7:32 PM 21 difficult to visualize, depends on over-all / image/ look of the area 1/10/2019 5:44 PM 22 Don’t ! Expand ! The ! Highway ! 1/10/2019 8:14 AM 23 First questions - commercial that is part of mixed use should not be retail. Residential should be mixed with open space and parkland. All uses should be buffered by existing trees and new landscaping. Existing trees should be retained. 1/9/2019 1:58 PM 24 A mix of housing types is better than large developments of all large apartment buildings. There is a big need for more owner single family units. 1/9/2019 10:50 AM 25 I wish you had an open space or playground/ park line item here. 1/9/2019 9:01 AM 26 A mixture of housing options close to commerce and more removed from commerce would be appreciated. 1/9/2019 8:46 AM 27 Whitefish is turning into an alpine Disney World, all tourism and no housing for full-time residents. New housing is upscale condos and overnight rentals. Local residents live in Columbia Falls and Kalispell because the teachers, nurses, policemen, firemen, etc who create the community can not afford to live in Whitefish. 1/9/2019 8:38 AM 28 Whitefish May also benefit from pod-like living where bed/bath rooms share living/kitchen spaces. 1/8/2019 9:43 PM 29 Wish we could find a balance with all of the condos to develop more single family home development possibly clustered with open space 1/8/2019 8:56 PM 30 Higher density housing not a bad thing as long as it's affordable to support staff trying to live & work in Whitefish. 1/7/2019 1:11 PM 31 We should have cluster development adjacent to agricultural and rural homes to preserve some open space. If a developer wants to build there they should be required to do this. 1/4/2019 7:26 PM 32 Leave alone 1/4/2019 5:16 PM 33 Protect as much open space as possible. 1/3/2019 8:23 AM 34 Prohibition of vacation rentals away from the downtown area. Preferably owner-occupied. 1/2/2019 10:19 PM 35 I think some of these areas would be suited for Low Income housing as opposed the new subdivision off of Monegan Rd which is more Rural. 1/2/2019 5:39 PM 4 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 47.27% 182 11.69% 45 27.27% 105 13.77% 53 Q15 Should the City of Whitefish encourage or require the preservation of attractive looking open spaces or parkland in Segment B (or other segments), even if there may be an associated cost to City taxpayers to do so? Click for Open Space Preservation Information Answered: 385 Skipped: 72 TOTAL 385 # AFTER REVIEWING THE BACKGROUND INFORMATION, DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS ABOUT OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION IN SEGMENT B OR OTHER SEGMENTS? DATE 1 By allowing the proposed mega developments on Averill & properties in this area, you will be signaling the complete ignorance of the idea of preservation. 2/15/2019 7:09 PM 2 Extremely important. 2/15/2019 5:53 PM 3 This is private property and has a high cost. We cannot talk about affordable housing in one breath and then talk about costs like these in another. The City needs to "walk its talk" on managing costs and not always going for the Cadillac when a Ford will do, because this is the root of the housing/expense problem. We need to be practical and work from a standpoint of reasonable, not act as if we have an endless bankroll. 2/15/2019 3:41 PM 4 Maybe the Mountain Mall Pond area. Period 2/15/2019 1:32 PM 5 Please preserve as much open space as possible!! 2/14/2019 9:43 PM 6 bottom line is it has to make sense. fair compensation at market rate is mandatory. 2/5/2019 1:39 PM Yes No Yes, but prefer optio... Yes, but in Segment C al... 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Yes No Yes, but prefer options that do not result in increased cost to taxpayers Yes, but in Segment C also share cost with County taxpayers who own property in corridor. 1 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 No. 2/3/2019 11:39 AM 8 We need open spaces! Don't let it all be sold off to developers or our town will be just a big ugly mall. 2/3/2019 10:40 AM 9 open space and natural areas along the river are important. Otherwise, open spaces in quieter or ecologically significant areas should be a higher priority. 2/2/2019 8:35 PM 10 A south whitefish park would be splendid 2/1/2019 12:21 PM 11 There are view corridors everywhere. Any green space should be small with NO impact to taxpayers. 2/1/2019 9:30 AM 12 Open spaces are vital. The are quickly being depleted. 1/31/2019 8:41 PM 13 It's important. I live in Cfalls but would gladly contribute to this concept if the favor was returned in our community 1/31/2019 2:43 PM 14 Flathead county remains short of affordable housing. The existing lands could accommodate both goals if done properly. We do need more open space but also need to consider housing that won't cost $2000 or more per month. 1/31/2019 1:57 PM 15 Many communities in this country are interchangeable. They have the same corporate and franchised businesses and zero personality. WF isn't too far gone to try to maintain its unique personality, unique locally owned businesses and low population density. 1/31/2019 8:50 AM 16 We, as a city, do not seem to be setting aside any more open public spaces within city limits. Real hard to do after it has been developed. 1/31/2019 5:52 AM 17 Industrial or building must comply to clean air standards!! Whitefish Hills burnt TOXIC blackening sickening scary pile curiously while the guy in charge was on vacation. How low and there were no calls to stay inside and shut windows. Off Waverly somewhere between Idaho & Minnesota the storage guy SPRAY PAINTS VEHICLES smelt & felt across to Colorado Ave. Absolutely reprehensible. Before we continue decision making & developing past errors should be addressed. I have complained and never heard back... I group complained for others- never heard back... why should complaints be necessary? This should not be happening ie. disregard for health, welfare and safety to community for or name or clutches. Next time I will call the news video channels. 1/30/2019 4:49 PM 18 I think that the residential area should have green areas in their plans to contribute to the open recreation area and encourage community connection also they should be required to tie the property into the already existing whitefish trail system always figuring out how to make it better. We need to think about more beach are on the lake if we are planning on expanding down town are and all the way out to the south corridor. Also country tax payers should be included in the cost 1/30/2019 11:01 AM 19 The open spaces make Whitefish special and help retain the feel of a mountain resort town. I was disappointed when the corner lot on 93 and 40 was logged. It reduced the feel of arriving in a peaceful, mountain town. Keep the open space! More parks! 1/30/2019 10:26 AM 20 Couldn't resort tax revenue be used to offset tax increases? 1/29/2019 8:00 AM 21 at all times, open space is important 1/28/2019 4:59 PM 22 Is this a trick question? Currently, the City does not have any parkland South of the Park on Baker. Smith Fields is not funded or managed by the City. This is the only convenient park for many of us taxpayers living south of 13th Street. Also, as a comment to the $20,000 contribution by the City Council towards the fund rising efforts by a group of concerned citizens to provide safe playground equipment for smaller children utilizing Smith Fields was a slap in the south side community's face. The City should have stepped up and found the funds to provide all the equipment. Yep, keep taking the developers' "cash in lieu of" and not spend any of it on parkland for residents living on the south-side is irresponsible. 1/25/2019 4:57 PM 23 Yes. We are all for open spaces. Affordable housing and/or tiny home community would be great options as well. 1/24/2019 11:08 PM 24 NO MORE TAXES! 1/24/2019 2:35 PM 25 The more, the better. This is a resort town, and should have a resort feel to it. 1/24/2019 2:35 PM 2 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 26 It would be nice to require parkland, but let's let the open spaces be a "look and feel" by requiring attractive design and landscaping along the highway and along the routes. The developers can pay for this with the City providing some incentive maybe by relaxing some setbacks or sidewalk requirements. 1/24/2019 12:20 PM 27 No 1/22/2019 11:08 PM 28 Even if there is a cost to taxpayers, I would like to preserve open-space and agricultural lands that still in our town. This is part of our legacy and I don't want it all to be developed and turn into wal marts. 1/22/2019 9:55 AM 29 The open space needs are minimal perhaps providing access to the trail along the river. 1/21/2019 10:03 AM 30 Open space is important. City taxes are excessive! 1/16/2019 12:48 PM 31 The more the better. To me, this, along with pedestrian and bicycle routing, sublimely states: This is a place where human powered transportation is a priority. Park your car; get out and move your body on a trail or on a bike. 1/11/2019 12:32 PM 32 Open space/spaces are important but “out of town” parks do not seem warranted aside from in residential areas where the costs should be paid by the developers. 1/11/2019 12:29 PM 33 I’m in favor of adding any green space to this area if it is possible. 1/11/2019 11:04 AM 34 Why should county taxpayers have to pay for something Whitefish dreams up? If it's working don't try to fix it! 1/10/2019 11:40 PM 35 apply tourist tax income to aquisition 1/10/2019 5:44 PM 36 Open and public lands are a cornerstone of a good town! 1/10/2019 8:14 AM 37 This should be a requirement of development. 1/9/2019 1:58 PM 38 Of course there needs to be parkland and green buffer all along the segment! 1/9/2019 10:50 AM 39 Very important to people who actually live here. Would like pet issues to be addressed in all future planning-we need areas where dogs can poop and not destroy the river trails 1/9/2019 9:25 AM 40 Park space along a 5-lane semi truck highway is not aesthetically appealing. Develop walking trails along the Whitefish River. 1/9/2019 8:38 AM 41 Open space/wildlife corridors are important to me. I am willing to pay, but would also be interested in using grants and part of the resort tax to cover these expenses. 1/9/2019 8:16 AM 42 No 1/9/2019 1:19 AM 43 As long as open space is appropriately sized and maintained as a respite for travelers, employees, residents, wildlife. 1/9/2019 12:25 AM 44 As said previously I'd like to see more cluster developments with more open space, and green space along the corridor with development set back with landscaping and keeping our view sheds clear towards the mountains 1/8/2019 8:56 PM 45 I support open spaces but am opposed to any more taxes. 1/8/2019 3:29 PM 46 open along the Whitefish river is OK, open space along a major arterial is not an efficient use of land 1/8/2019 2:21 PM 47 No 1/7/2019 6:42 PM 48 space suitable to area no taxes added 1/7/2019 2:43 PM 49 The City should buy up what they want to preserve at City's expense. Whitefish can purchase land anywhere along the route to preserve it. 1/5/2019 9:58 AM 50 Use whatever means are needed. It would be great to keep a "greenway" like they have in Vancouver, WA. Many people enjoy this. 1/4/2019 7:26 PM 51 If you want more green space move. 1/4/2019 5:16 PM 52 As of what is already here or proposed to be build I really don't see much open space WF is becoming like other towns that are not inviting. 1/3/2019 4:44 PM 53 Once green space is gone we will never get it back. 1/3/2019 1:45 PM 3 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 54 Open space should be purchased/secured in order to advance public use and not just for its own sake. Hopefully the purchases will be made in a effective manner. 1/3/2019 10:04 AM 55 Absolutely. There is so much to lose if we give up our rural, scenic corridors. 1/3/2019 8:23 AM 56 With hotels allowing dogs and so many apartments we need parkland for people to walk their dogs in the area. Also people need to see green space. 1/3/2019 7:48 AM 57 I am tired of paying outrageous property taxes so Whitefish can get a higher rating on Social Media...put the parks where local people can use them instead of paying for prime property that only the tourist get to gawk at 1/3/2019 12:27 AM 58 A developed park or trail may be better than just untouched open space in this corridor. 1/2/2019 11:20 AM 59 I don't think Segment B is an area for 'open space' but there could be some parkland to serve residents. 12/29/2018 12:45 PM 4 / 4 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 21.96% 83 78.04% 295 Q16 Select the development scenario below that you prefer. Click Segment C Background Information to inform your selection. Answered: 378 Skipped: 79 TOTAL 378 # OTHER (PLEASE EXPLAIN) DATE 1 I can see the city limits stretching to Conn Road along Hwy 40 to the east and to Happy Valley to the south. The city needs to expand these areas into the the base in order to survive. 2/15/2019 7:19 PM 2 Prevent sprawl along the corridor 2/15/2019 2:12 PM 3 Please maintain the rural character! 2/14/2019 9:46 PM 4 Any construction beyond a single family dwelling should have to require permits. 2/11/2019 2:09 PM 5 do we have a voice in this section at all? The county recently changed zoning in this section at the request of the current land owners. 2/5/2019 1:50 PM 6 Develop existing lots, yet err on the side of maintaining rural character. Do not clear land; (corner of 93 & 40) by the hospital was a huge mistake, looks atrocious. 2/4/2019 1:21 PM 7 Lets not turn this part of the highway into something ugly! Let it remain more residential. 2/2/2019 10:19 PM 8 We should NOT allow further commercial/strip development in this segment. 2/2/2019 11:24 AM 9 Add a parking lot AND SNOW bus stop here for residents of Cfalls and Kalispell! 2/1/2019 12:26 PM 10 Commercial development along this corridor is a natural and convenient location. 2/1/2019 9:33 AM 11 This is Montana, we don't want to be strip mall capital of the world, we want trees, and meadow and a place for our wildlife to flourish. We don't need a zillion more businesses, as we can't find employees to work for the ones currently open. 1/31/2019 9:59 PM 12 Whitefish Needs more single family homes! We have plenty of Condos, Apartments, and Commercial properties 1/31/2019 4:25 PM 13 Please do not ruin this segment! Rural development and single family residence only. 1/31/2019 2:00 PM 14 Keep the municipalities separate please! Then they each have a character. Then you feel like you went from one to another instead of just one big town from the smaller ones merged together. 1/30/2019 6:02 PM The highway corridors... The rural character of... 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES The highway corridors outside City limits continue to develop for commercial uses between Whitefish and Kalispell and between Whitefish and Columbia Falls. The rural character of the highway corridors outside city limits is maintained and commercial development is instead focused in the municipalities. 1 / 3 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 15 It's a zoo back there in areas with hills and bars/peninsulas and when fire/flood comes it will be a mess... gut feeling nothing personal against any one. We once 30 years ago road horse back thru all of this into Whitefish years ago when you could ride across the highway because there was no traffic. Don't want to see any thing blow up with industry... The porta pot company on East side 93 whom is also a landscaping biz could grow cover or eye pleasing fence over his storage of pots, equip etc so it does not look like a barren open storage unit... I know he is busy but the homes he scapes are castles... why the contrast? Is that what we deserve? Eye sore is hard to forget whether tourist of local. Thanks 1/30/2019 5:27 PM 16 I don't want the three cities to blend together, such as Bozeman and Belgrade. 1/30/2019 2:38 PM 17 Allow a buffer between Kalispell and Whitefish of open land 1/30/2019 11:46 AM 18 I don't think this should be an either or but I do think that keep the hotels out of downtown there is plenty of space for parking and larger development. we don't need commercial development in downtown whitefish 1/30/2019 11:15 AM 19 outside city limits is already commerical along this corridor,I would like it limited. No big box stores or major commerical that would cause traffic congestion. Already coffee traders, medical, vet, boat store, etc. 1/30/2019 11:08 AM 20 This is an ideal location to welcome people into Whitefish from Kalispell and the airport... important strategic location... 1/30/2019 10:56 AM 21 The rural character is important to protect. Once it changes then Whitefish will have all the same junk big box stores in Kalispell. We don't need more of the same. 1/30/2019 10:36 AM 22 Some businesses ok, but regulated. No more car lots or storage units. 1/30/2019 10:25 AM 23 Commercial development outside the City of Whitefish could be a possibility with increased design standards for all new commercial development along with any expansion of existing development and any change of use. 1/29/2019 9:05 AM 24 We are losing farms and open space to development and that isn't what makes our city so attractive and unique. 1/28/2019 5:03 PM 25 Keep random access down to a minimum, already very busy in summer, especially and during bad weather(winter) 1/24/2019 2:41 PM 26 I don't like either of these options, it is currently not zoned for commercial, but there are some ugly uses popping up, and in place along the corridor. I don't know how the boat place has gotten access as the access point has been closed off. Also, all the storage places and the UGLY, ugly, ugly garbage/waste management place. Why is this allowed? They can clean their trucks, park in back, or provide some sort of screen. C Certainly some commercial along here is useful and even desirable, but should be coordinated. This stretch makes me grate every time I drive through it. A median would be nice along here too. 1/24/2019 12:33 PM 27 Please don’t allow too much development without at least frontage roads on the Highway under county jurisdiction. From experience in eagle/Boise Idaho, this highway could be developed the entire way with many stoplights and slower speed limits and it will take 1 hr to get to Kalispell. 1/22/2019 11:15 PM 28 I would like to see rural character and open space preserved in this area, rather than developed. I think Segment B is a more appropriate place for development 1) because it is closer to town and already has more development and 2) because it can be administered under City of Whitefish planning rules. 1/22/2019 10:00 AM 29 urban sprawl is ugly. We all lose if Whitefish is like any other place 1/19/2019 1:30 PM 30 Some businesses are better suited as a destination rather than walking distance of Depot Park. A perfect example is the Clock Tower on Hwy 40. 1/17/2019 1:05 PM 31 City has minimal impact on issues outside City Limits. 1/16/2019 12:53 PM 32 the sprawl outside Kalispell is horrible and we DON"T want the same thing here 1/12/2019 7:34 PM 33 require alle'es, trees planted between road and development, 1/10/2019 5:54 PM 34 I don't mind a little bit of commercial activity but I do not want to see the corridor between WF and Kalispell become a big long version of "Consumption Junction". I also do not believe that the county should have control of zoning in our town even though this area is not in city limits. It is still in WF and should be controlled by the city. 1/10/2019 1:18 PM 35 Open space contributes to our economic and tourism vitality. 1/9/2019 12:24 PM 2 / 3 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 36 This is a no-brainer. 1/9/2019 10:58 AM 37 I am ok with frontage development if landscaped buffering is enforced. Wish this area could’ve transitioned to small home, affordable housing but without water/sewer unlikely. Storage places should be heavily visually screened 1/9/2019 9:31 AM 38 This segment is privately owned parcels under County jurisdiction. The City of Whitefish has no zoning authority. 1/9/2019 8:59 AM 39 There are appropriate uses outside the city jurisdiction that serve the city residents 1/8/2019 5:03 PM 40 Considering that U.S. 93 South and Hwy 40 West are arterials and with U.S. 93 possible considered a major arterial the U.S. 93 South corridor is ripe for medium and high-density mixed- use development. 1/8/2019 2:28 PM 41 I prefer urban density. Urban sprawl lowers property values. 1/7/2019 6:49 PM 42 reasonable priced apartment might work 1/7/2019 2:52 PM 43 More commercial development within the City limits will only make traffic and parking a bigger problem in the absence of a bypass. With a bypass, develop the municipality. 1/5/2019 11:12 AM 44 The City should purchase development rights to limit and structure growth along the highway. If the city would extend water and sewer along the route they would then extend their authority by health codes. Dah why has the City not taken this approach? Continuing to bash the County is not the answer. Field of Dreams is the solution - build it and they will come. 1/5/2019 10:11 AM 45 I like the park complex by the hospital. Purchase the hay land to add to it. Buy the vacant lot on the SE corner of highway 40 and 93 and turn it into a park n ride. Provide a bypass from there over to Highway 93 west of town if possible or provide a bypass from there along Baker. We need to do something about the traffic congestion downtown. 1/4/2019 7:40 PM 46 Outside City Limits... Not under city counsel control. So mind your own business. 1/4/2019 5:21 PM 47 Just look at Ford, OMFG the lights...not that it’s in this section, but let’s not. 1/3/2019 11:42 PM 48 I'd be more inclined to have more commercial stuff in this area if there were still trails (especially some that connect WF with CFalls or Kalispell) and if it wasn't all car dealerships and banks. 1/3/2019 3:40 PM 49 This is a leading question. This is a nuanced issue and there should be more than two options. The 93 highway corridor is not great for residential due to the constant noise of traffic. Traffic speeds need to be moderated. The 93 south corridor is already mostly commercial so we need to moderate speeds and create safer conditions. 1/3/2019 10:24 AM 50 The rural character is of utmost importance. I live in Segment C and I would like to see this character preserved. Allowing industrial/commercial development would detract from this character, likely impact property values, and result in increased traffic and noise. 1/3/2019 10:17 AM 51 Please protect our open spaces and rural character. We do not want to just sprawl between Kalispell and Whitefish. There is already too much development as is. 1/3/2019 8:30 AM 52 Please let’s concentrate our business districts and not allow our communities to become indistinguishable from each other. Stop the sprawl 1/3/2019 7:54 AM 53 They will be developed. Hopefully with cohesive architecture and signage. Please no more storage unit businesses next to highways. 1/2/2019 10:29 PM 54 Seems like a "free for all" on anything South of Hwy 40 1/2/2019 5:46 PM 55 It is not an either-or scenario. We can have small scale, well designed light commercial and commercial requiring large areas along this segment of the corridor. If the city does not work with the landowners here to manage change, the county will. 12/29/2018 12:54 PM 3 / 3 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- Q17 In Segment C south of City limits are many undeveloped private properties. What types of future land uses would be most appropriate for this segment of the highway as it approaches Whitefish? Answered: 381 Skipped: 76 37.30% 138 37.84% 140 12.97% 48 2.97% 11 8.92% 33 370 3.92 26.43% 97 41.42% 152 14.71% 54 9.81% 36 7.63% 28 367 3.69 9.02% 33 37.16% 136 20.77% 76 14.48% 53 18.58% 68 366 3.04 5.96% 22 17.34% 64 12.47% 46 21.68% 80 42.55% 157 369 2.22 3.57% 13 20.60% 75 15.66% 57 25.00% 91 35.16% 128 364 2.32 61.50% 230 21.66% 81 12.03% 45 2.14% 8 2.67% 10 374 4.37 # OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY) DATE 1 As always easier said than done and a property rights issue. 2/15/2019 1:39 PM 2 No opinion. It is up to the County and the owners within the County. 2/15/2019 12:49 PM Public gateway park, rest... Residential Light commercial... Retail (hotels,... Light industrial Maintain rural/agricu... 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 MOST APPROPRIATE SOMEWHAT APPROPRIATE NEUTRAL SOMEWHAT INAPPROPRIATE NOT APPROPRIATE TOTAL WEIGHTED AVERAGE Public gateway park, rest area, visitor information kiosk Residential Light commercial (offices, personal services) Retail (hotels, stores) Light industrial Maintain rural/agricultural feel 1 / 3 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 see my previous comments for lighting, plant trees and shrubs, bike lanes 2/5/2019 12:42 PM 4 Please maintain rural character, green spaces, open spaces and certainly refrain from commercial development. 2/4/2019 1:21 PM 5 I don't want all of Whitefish to look like a city, I want it to look like Montana with views of the mountains and trees. 2/2/2019 10:19 PM 6 Some institutional uses seem appropriate; like The Bridge treatment center or the grange hall. 2/2/2019 11:24 AM 7 Add a parking lot AND SNOW bus stop here for residents of Cfalls and Kalispell! This area would also be a great place to park and bike or walk into town from! 2/1/2019 12:26 PM 8 My home is on E Blanchard right next to the border of the new zoning, and it will seriously impact my quality of life to turn it into something other than what it is now. 1/31/2019 9:59 PM 9 Let's not sprawl like Kalispell, please. 1/31/2019 6:23 PM 10 What ever organized for emergencies and cleanliness. Higher income areas should not get away with breaking rules or low income areas. Disregard punished and community of many encouraged. 1/30/2019 5:27 PM 11 I think development needs to go somewhere I think this would be a good place for it to be. 1/30/2019 11:15 AM 12 Neutral on residential as large lots are appropriate but opening up to developments and condo's is not appropriate. 1/30/2019 10:36 AM 13 Can we please get a new colorful and welocming.... Whitefish city sign.. the one now is boring and dark and low. If we want to promote toruism and the economy, i big WELCOME to Whitefish sign, by one our amazing local artists would be great! 1/29/2019 4:31 PM 14 We must do all we can to preserve the rural and agricultural features 1/28/2019 5:03 PM 15 its Booming enough south of the dump, let’s keep the ride into Whitefish nice and rural looking! 1/25/2019 8:57 AM 16 I don't believe a Rural/Agricultural feel" can be maintained. It does not feel that way to me now, and never has, and is getting worse. 1/24/2019 12:33 PM 17 By appropriate, I just Mean here if I personally like it or not, not whether I think It would be feasible. 1/22/2019 11:15 PM 18 plant trees. Protect the trees that are there now 1/19/2019 1:30 PM 19 I believe in private ownership being able to represent itself. 1/17/2019 1:05 PM 20 Gateway Park might be OK, but not rest area or visitor information. 1/17/2019 10:25 AM 21 Water, sewer, access to Highway should control growth... 1/16/2019 12:53 PM 22 My selections are fantasyland ones. Of course I want that part of the corridor to remain rural. It would maintain a beautiful entry into whitefish. But I understand the forces and power of the development-minded, especially in this county. 1/11/2019 12:43 PM 23 plan over-all look, feel, purpose, for the area/town/ use cad to show what it might look like, 1/10/2019 5:54 PM 24 People should have the right to do what they want with their property. 1/9/2019 6:51 PM 25 Gateway open space would be appropriate, but a visitor information kiosk and rest area would not be appropriate. People should be encouraged to drive into Whitefish, not to stop on the outskirts. Residential in this segment should be on larger, 5 - 10 acre parcels of land, not higher density. There are already designated light commercial areas along Baker Ave closer in to the core of town. There should not be commercial sprawl in this segment. 1/9/2019 2:10 PM 26 A gateway park would be good, but NOT visitor info and rest area. Visitor info should be available in the central core, not out on the strip. Rest area would be a maintenance nightmare. 1/9/2019 10:58 AM 27 Water and sewer to Happy Valley will need to be planned for. High ground water issues. The county is not protecting the entrance visually-try to clear up buffering standards now before it’s too late 1/9/2019 9:31 AM 28 If Whitefish is super restrictive and the County is too lenient, this area could become an gaudy series of strip malls with bright lighting. Multi-family housing and apartments would fit. 1/9/2019 8:59 AM 29 It’s mixed enough now I don’t feel comfortable limiting private property options. 1/8/2019 9:51 PM 30 We are seeing way too many steel building being constructed and mini storage units lining our corridors. 1/8/2019 9:06 PM 2 / 3 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 31 Automobile orientated retail as well as commercial and residential development. Most of the infrastructure is in place to support this type of development including collector streets particularly east of U.S. 93. This makes the area very accessible and with the medical center and Alta Views near by could offer opportunities for pedestrian and bicycle corridors. The SE corner of the intersection of U.S. 93 and Hwy 40 West is the perfect spot for a gas station/mini-mart. 1/8/2019 2:28 PM 32 I would like to reduce development but understand that it will come. 1/7/2019 6:49 PM 33 Keep industrial out of the Blanchard Lake Road area, this is rural residential & industrial noise is not appropriate. 1/5/2019 10:11 AM 34 Purchase easements or land for a bypass, park n ride, and expand on existing athletic fields and parks. 1/4/2019 7:40 PM 35 It doesn't have a rural/agricultural feel to maintain 1/3/2019 5:25 PM 36 Saying "maintain rural/agricultural" is misleading because this area near the highway is not dominantly rural/agricultural. 1/3/2019 10:24 AM 37 A park or other public property would have to be evaluated and vetted pretty thoroughly. It is expensive to just acquire property because we don't want it developed. Ending up with public property that doesn't have a good use simply to avoid development isn't a good policy. 1/3/2019 10:17 AM 38 Keep light industrial contained on Highway 2 south of Highway 40. 1/2/2019 10:29 PM 39 I believe that people who purchased private property should be able to decide how to use their own property. I think it would be lovely to have a beautiful entrance to WF but not at the expense of people's property rights. 1/2/2019 7:24 PM 40 Only larger scale commercial in the immediate vicinity of Hwy 40 intersection. Gateway treatments there too. 12/29/2018 12:54 PM 3 / 3 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 12.50% 48 13.80% 53 7.03% 27 19.01% 73 47.66% 183 Q18 Do you agree the use of roundabouts is worth considering for a signalized intersection such as the Highway 93/Highway 40 intersection? Select the best answer. Answered: 384 Skipped: 73 TOTAL 384 Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree 1 / 1 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- Q19 Are there other signalized intersections in the corridor that should be evaluated to determine if roundabouts are appropriate there? Answered: 235 Skipped: 222 # RESPONSES DATE 1 Should be considered 2/15/2019 10:11 PM 2 No roundabouts! Do you see what has happened to the bypass roundabouts in Kalispell?? 2/15/2019 7:19 PM 3 Yes 2/15/2019 6:08 PM 4 No 2/15/2019 4:05 PM 5 I'm not familiar enough with traffic congestion in the corridor south of the Whitefish River crossing. 2/15/2019 3:46 PM 6 No. I have worked with roundabouts. We do not have the space without severe impact to private property owners. Stick with what we have. 2/15/2019 3:43 PM 7 NO ROUNABOUTS.!!! 2/15/2019 3:28 PM 8 No, NO roundabouts please 2/15/2019 3:16 PM 9 no 2/15/2019 2:12 PM 10 93 and Columbia (13th?) 2/15/2019 12:51 PM 11 No 2/15/2019 12:49 PM 12 No 2/15/2019 12:08 PM 13 Absolutely NOT 2/15/2019 9:42 AM 14 No 2/15/2019 5:26 AM 15 maybe 2/14/2019 9:46 PM 16 No. 2/14/2019 9:46 PM 17 Intersection of 93 and 13th 2/13/2019 1:15 PM 18 no 2/11/2019 2:09 PM 19 no 2/8/2019 7:29 AM 20 n/a 2/7/2019 2:27 PM 21 No 2/7/2019 2:00 PM 22 no 2/7/2019 11:09 AM 23 yes 2/6/2019 2:51 PM 24 NO 2/6/2019 9:18 AM 25 No 2/6/2019 8:05 AM 26 no roundabouts are terrible 2/5/2019 2:54 PM 27 no not until a by pass is in place to drive 18 wheeled traffic out of the city and only allow shorter wheel based delivery vehicles into the city. 2/5/2019 1:50 PM 28 No. People around here don't know how to effectively drive/use roundabouts. they stop! 2/5/2019 12:42 PM 29 No 2/4/2019 6:56 PM 30 Yes, all other lighted intersections until you get to downtown. Side traffic is minimal, so makes more sense. 2/4/2019 2:37 PM 31 no 2/4/2019 2:10 PM 32 no 2/4/2019 12:33 PM 1 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 33 No roundabouts please! 2/4/2019 12:32 PM 34 no 2/4/2019 12:11 PM 35 Possibly 2/4/2019 11:07 AM 36 No. 2/3/2019 11:48 AM 37 Yes, if it's appropriate put them wherever it will improve traffic flow. 2/3/2019 10:43 AM 38 Highway 93 and Blanchard and other main roads where there is residential coming onto the highway. Also where school bus stops are so traffic is forced to slow down. 2/3/2019 9:22 AM 39 roundabouts suck 2/2/2019 10:19 PM 40 Without red lights to interrupt the steady stream of traffic, would a pedestrian be able to cross the highway? Could cars make a left turn? 2/2/2019 8:49 PM 41 NO 2/2/2019 7:46 PM 42 None come to mind. "Narrow roads, wide nodes" type of higway design is extremenly efficient, but Montanans will still complain about roundabouts. 2/2/2019 11:24 AM 43 n/a 2/2/2019 10:40 AM 44 Maybe at 13th in segment B? 2/2/2019 10:19 AM 45 no 2/2/2019 12:37 AM 46 No roundabouts! 2/1/2019 10:50 PM 47 No one understands a roundabout here. Please don’t install more 2/1/2019 8:42 PM 48 Corner of Baker and W 13th Street. 2/1/2019 12:26 PM 49 The intersection of 93 and Baker. I don't think a roundabout is the answer here (not enough room) but there should be a right turn lane by the American Bank, turning right (west) onto Hwy. 93 2/1/2019 11:28 AM 50 Roundabouts are never appropriate. You will find far more accidents in a roundabout than you will at a standard intersection with a light. 1/31/2019 9:59 PM 51 No - stop using roundabouts - no one likes them 1/31/2019 8:44 PM 52 unsure 1/31/2019 6:23 PM 53 No--roundabouts don't work for American culture. Remember, south 93 bypass will be phasing them out soon. Avoid at all costs. 1/31/2019 3:45 PM 54 No. I like roundabouts but I don't think they are appropriate on roads as busy as this section of Hwy. 1/31/2019 3:18 PM 55 We don't need roundabouts. They are already removing the ones on the 93 alternative!!! 1/31/2019 3:16 PM 56 There is not a light at the intersection in front of the Wave but a roundabout could be beneficial 1/31/2019 2:11 PM 57 Not that I can think of. 1/31/2019 2:00 PM 58 Yes, 13th and Baker for sure, but we should also analyze all other currently signalized intersections. 1/31/2019 1:29 PM 59 Any other intersection besides 93/40 1/31/2019 8:55 AM 60 absolutely not 1/31/2019 8:25 AM 61 No round abouts total waste of money 1/31/2019 7:34 AM 62 No. 1/31/2019 5:55 AM 63 Anything on baker ave would be great for a roundabout. If that horrible City Hall was not there that intersection would be great. 1/30/2019 9:29 PM 64 Always should be considered for any future intersections 1/30/2019 6:02 PM 65 No 1/30/2019 5:56 PM 2 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 66 I love roundabouts, but Kalispell is already proving the locals do not have the temperance for slowing yielding traffic.... wasting funds to destroy one roundabout for lighted intersection. They do not get the air quality changes, looks change, flow slows and is considerate paying attention not speeding thru. A big disappointment. I also do not have every fact so not in position to argue. 1/30/2019 5:27 PM 67 No. 1/30/2019 4:59 PM 68 NO ROUNDABOUTS 1/30/2019 3:51 PM 69 13th / baker, 13th / 93 1/30/2019 3:03 PM 70 all of them! 1/30/2019 2:33 PM 71 North of town, need roundabout for Big Mountain Road! 1/30/2019 2:29 PM 72 roundabouts are horrible! I can't imagine a logging truck going around that! 1/30/2019 2:12 PM 73 No - see bypass in kalispell and why they are removing them. People have no clue in how to use them. 1/30/2019 2:09 PM 74 all of them, helps check speed and reduce dust 1/30/2019 2:01 PM 75 No! 1/30/2019 1:59 PM 76 No 1/30/2019 1:55 PM 77 No 1/30/2019 1:40 PM 78 no the round abouts on the alt route in Kalispell are a joke and have heavy congestion at times 1/30/2019 1:29 PM 79 No- Traffic does not significantly back up at this intersection as it is. To change it at this point should not be a priority. 1/30/2019 1:26 PM 80 no 1/30/2019 12:40 PM 81 All of them! 1/30/2019 11:46 AM 82 The one by safeway/walgreens (not Segment C but wanted to note it here) 1/30/2019 11:46 AM 83 No 1/30/2019 11:36 AM 84 I like the roudabout idea but adding in a traffic light at each section operable at peak rush hours. 1/30/2019 11:25 AM 85 all of them should be evaluated for roundabouts 1/30/2019 11:15 AM 86 Intersection of Hwy 93 and 13th St E/W 1/30/2019 11:03 AM 87 no 1/30/2019 10:56 AM 88 no 1/30/2019 10:46 AM 89 The city of Bend, OR has done a fantastic job using roundabouts in and around the city limits. Landscaping and art are top notch and should be considered for any roundabouts in Whitefish. 1/30/2019 10:36 AM 90 No. Rundabouts are a terrible idea. 1/30/2019 10:10 AM 91 JP Road and 13th Street. 1/29/2019 9:05 AM 92 No 1/29/2019 8:49 AM 93 No 1/29/2019 8:02 AM 94 none 1/28/2019 5:03 PM 95 No 1/26/2019 5:14 PM 96 No one uses the roundabouts correctly. It has been years and behavior has not shifted to competence. Drivers still stop before entering a roundabout so the idea that roundabouts keep traffic moving has not proven to occur. Instead, as a driver, I dread the roundabouts because inevitably, a local person does not use them correctly. Also, out of towners find our roundabouts hard to use because they are not intuititve or userfriendly. There is confusion about the inner or outer circles and where one should aim to jump in at. Just don't worry about roundabouts please. 1/26/2019 11:08 AM 97 No, roundabouts in Kalispell have been shown to be illogical in this area due to the difficulty of snow removal and therefore safety in winter conditions 1/26/2019 7:50 AM 3 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 98 Are you nuts! Roundabouts are not appropriate for major roads! Chief Dial and the MHP will have to hire an Officer just to handle the fender benders. I also believe that the fire service views roundabouts as an obstruction to meeting NFPA Standard emergency response time. I strongly urge you to rely on Chief Page's council on this issue. 1/25/2019 5:13 PM 99 No. 1/25/2019 11:51 AM 100 Intersection of bypass/93 by Honda dealership 1/25/2019 11:06 AM 101 No, it's already congested enough in the Summer time turning east onto highway 40 from 93. A round about would back that all the way up to the mall stop light. 1/25/2019 10:43 AM 102 Walgreens intersection 1/25/2019 10:13 AM 103 no 1/25/2019 10:11 AM 104 JP Road and Hwy 93 1/25/2019 9:44 AM 105 Corner of Baker and W 13th 1/25/2019 9:21 AM 106 NO ROUNDABOUTS!!!!!!! 1/25/2019 8:57 AM 107 Baker and 13th by Safeway/Wave 1/25/2019 8:32 AM 108 No 1/24/2019 11:14 PM 109 No, but the intersection by the wave/Safeway gas station could benefit from one. Same with big mountain road intersection! 1/24/2019 11:13 PM 110 Americans, especially Montanans don't know how to drive and the engineers don't design them for real driving in all weather. Look at ALT 93. Some trucks don't fit! 1/24/2019 2:41 PM 111 Yes, up the street where JP Road comes in. It seems as there are many, many times that I'm unnecessarily stopping for one car at that intersection. 1/24/2019 12:33 PM 112 Nope 1/23/2019 9:22 PM 113 No 1/23/2019 8:36 PM 114 yes 1/23/2019 3:02 PM 115 NO-- roundabouts are stupid. 1/23/2019 6:38 AM 116 Any between the bypass and hwy 40 1/22/2019 11:15 PM 117 No 1/22/2019 10:04 PM 118 Columbia avenue and hwy 93 (by Walgreens / Safeway in segment B) - maybe it would also slow traffic down as they enter segment A / the downtown corridor. 1/22/2019 10:00 AM 119 Blanchard Lake Road / Hwy 93 intersection and Hodgson / Hwy 93 intersection 1/21/2019 10:07 AM 120 Happy Valley Hodgson Rd and US Highway 93 1/20/2019 8:27 PM 121 If extend Baker? 1/20/2019 3:09 AM 122 any with a light 1/19/2019 1:30 PM 123 No 1/19/2019 7:02 AM 124 no 1/18/2019 8:28 PM 125 neutral 1/18/2019 5:48 PM 126 JP Road, 13th Street 1/18/2019 4:35 PM 127 Stelle Lane 1/18/2019 2:28 PM 128 NO! 1/17/2019 1:05 PM 129 13th street. 7th street in future, maybe. JP road if it improves flow. 1/17/2019 10:25 AM 130 no 1/17/2019 9:05 AM 131 No 1/16/2019 4:56 PM 132 No 1/16/2019 3:48 PM 133 Need more information... 1/16/2019 12:53 PM 4 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 134 No 1/15/2019 8:16 AM 135 Other intersections in corridors a, b & c other than highway 40 1/13/2019 7:59 AM 136 No. We keep building these dumb roundabouts (lupfer,highway bypass) and then taking them out.. UGh.. enough with the roundabouts 1/12/2019 7:34 PM 137 No roundabouts are awful 1/12/2019 1:37 PM 138 There is the stop sign - so non-signalized - by the wave that I think would make a good roundabout. 1/11/2019 3:15 PM 139 JP road and 93 1/11/2019 3:01 PM 140 Absolutely not on open highways. They are fine in other areas. 1/11/2019 12:50 PM 141 While I love roundabouts — they keep traffic moving better than traffic lights – I always wonder how effective and safe they are in a high traffic areas, such as highways 40 and 93. 1/11/2019 12:43 PM 142 None 1/11/2019 11:08 AM 143 No! 1/10/2019 11:45 PM 144 Not at the present time. 1/10/2019 4:51 PM 145 13th/columbia and 93 and South Baker and 93 1/10/2019 2:22 PM 146 I grew up in NJ with round abouts. They are stupid and don't work. Most people these days do not know how to drive and therefore cannot navigate these structures. They are taking them out of the By Pass and WF already took the one out of 3rd street by Glacier Bank. 1/10/2019 1:18 PM 147 No 1/10/2019 11:58 AM 148 No roundabouts. 1/10/2019 11:28 AM 149 No 1/10/2019 9:24 AM 150 No 1/10/2019 9:18 AM 151 No! 1/10/2019 8:16 AM 152 No! 1/10/2019 8:00 AM 153 No 1/9/2019 11:29 PM 154 Hate roundabouts 1/9/2019 8:59 PM 155 Roundabouts were invented by Satan as a means to tick people off. 1/9/2019 7:52 PM 156 No 1/9/2019 7:09 PM 157 Yes! There should be a new light installed by the intersection of the holiday plaza and the new hotel across the street. The turn into the holiday plaza and army navy can be very difficult to get out of as there are basically two turn ins right next to each other. There needs to be a light especially in light of the new hotel across the street. In the summer it can take me ten minutes to turn left and often I am hoping I’m not going to get hit. 1/9/2019 6:51 PM 158 Blanchard lake and hwy 93 1/9/2019 6:01 PM 159 13th Street at Hwy 93 and maybe 13th and Baker Ave 1/9/2019 2:10 PM 160 Yes, they should all at least be evaluated. 1/9/2019 12:24 PM 161 I want to note that I am not inherently opposed to roundabouts but I think the ones on the HWY93 bypass are extremely poorly signed and therefore confusing. I only object to them if they're similarly designed. 1/9/2019 11:42 AM 162 Yes. Especially 13th. 1/9/2019 10:58 AM 163 other parts in more downtown areas of whitefish, but not in the corridor 1/9/2019 9:36 AM 164 DOT needs to tell you this-people don’t like roundabouts 1/9/2019 9:31 AM 165 no 1/9/2019 9:23 AM 166 Yes, at the Safeway intersection. 1/9/2019 9:03 AM 5 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 167 Highway 93 is the trucking route from Missoula to Canada. The Kalispell Bypass is removing roundabouts because the semi trucks avoide them.. 1/9/2019 8:59 AM 168 Hwy 93/13th Street, and Hwy 93/2nd Street 1/9/2019 8:50 AM 169 No 1/9/2019 8:22 AM 170 No round abouts 1/9/2019 7:29 AM 171 In front of the new car dealerships when that discussion arises. 1/9/2019 1:25 AM 172 Yes 1/9/2019 12:38 AM 173 No, I don’t care for them. I think the general population is confused by them and should be discouraged at smaller intersections. They’re used in Kalispell, but I see people drive over them, don’t know when to yield or stop, etc. minneapolis eliminated many in residential areas because of issues and maintenance. 1/9/2019 12:30 AM 174 By Walgreens is a strong contender. 1/8/2019 9:51 PM 175 yes 1/8/2019 9:36 PM 176 Need more data on them, I'm not sure they are the answer but would consider their usage 1/8/2019 9:06 PM 177 No 1/8/2019 5:03 PM 178 yes 1/8/2019 3:33 PM 179 JP/Hwy 93; Park Knoll/93; Akers Lane/93; Greenwood/93; 13th/93 1/8/2019 2:51 PM 180 Highway 93 and JP Road 1/8/2019 2:28 PM 181 NO 1/8/2019 11:08 AM 182 no 1/8/2019 10:55 AM 183 no 1/8/2019 10:16 AM 184 No 1/7/2019 6:49 PM 185 Montanans don't get roundabouts. Seriously. No one wants to wait 20 years for them to finally START to be understood. Traffic lights are good. 1/7/2019 6:17 PM 186 no totally dislike 1/7/2019 2:52 PM 187 No. 1/7/2019 1:57 PM 188 Spokane & Walgreens. And design of roundabout not like ones in Kalispell - those were ill- designed (inner lane raised, no one uses it properly). 1/7/2019 1:23 PM 189 No 1/7/2019 1:02 PM 190 none - the fact that they are fundraising to remove them in Kalispell should be a key indicator of how successful they are in the area. 1/7/2019 12:42 PM 191 The intersection by Safeway/The Wave 1/7/2019 11:53 AM 192 No, roundabouts do not belong on a highway 1/7/2019 11:44 AM 193 NO! 1/7/2019 10:49 AM 194 NO!!! Do not put in roudabouts please! 1/6/2019 2:02 PM 195 No 1/5/2019 9:29 PM 196 No, the ones tried were total failure. 1/5/2019 6:21 PM 197 No 1/5/2019 4:28 PM 198 Perhaps 1/5/2019 3:27 PM 199 I do not like roundabouts. They seem more unsafe in my past usage opinion 1/5/2019 2:35 PM 200 Hodgson 1/5/2019 11:40 AM 201 Montana folks do not use roundabouts very well and I have seen many near misses along the Kalispell bypass. 1/5/2019 11:12 AM 202 no 1/5/2019 10:11 AM 6 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 203 I didn’t see anything about how architectural design improvements would be modeled after. I would hope the committee has studied other small cities that have been able to preserve the character while also modernizing the amenities of its town? 1/5/2019 10:07 AM 204 I think the intersection is appropriate as is 1/4/2019 11:17 PM 205 It only makes sense to have a roundabout at 40 and 93 if you construct a bypass to the west. Otherwise you are just funneling people into one lane going into Whitefish at a faster rate. Since there is nowhere for them to go, this makes no sense. I don't see any other appropriate roundabout locations. 1/4/2019 7:40 PM 206 no 1/4/2019 5:21 PM 207 NO 1/4/2019 10:15 AM 208 I think not. 1/3/2019 11:42 PM 209 add a light at Blanchard Lake road if frontage roads are required 1/3/2019 5:25 PM 210 maybe by the whitefish crossing apartments? There are so many people coming out of there and they make left turns into the middle of 93 to wait for a break in traffic. 1/3/2019 3:40 PM 211 No 1/3/2019 2:39 PM 212 I am not against roundabouts but I don't see a need for one in the corridor. 1/3/2019 1:50 PM 213 NO, I do not approve of roundabouts. Traffic lights are better. 1/3/2019 12:53 PM 214 After seeing the impact of roundabouts (i.e. causing traffic backups during high travel times) I do not approve of roundabouts in this area. 1/3/2019 12:47 PM 215 no 1/3/2019 11:41 AM 216 Baker Ave and other secondary arterials 1/3/2019 10:24 AM 217 no 1/3/2019 10:17 AM 218 If you put in a rotary, for goodness sake do it right. Don’t make it so small that it doesn’t help at all. The one in the picture on the last page of this survey is good. The ones on the bypass in Kalispell are a joke. 1/3/2019 8:54 AM 219 No 1/3/2019 8:03 AM 220 THERE IS NO DAMN NEED FOR ROUNDABOUTS IN WHITEFISH...I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THAT ENOUGH 1/3/2019 12:36 AM 221 JP Road and 93; 13th & 93 1/3/2019 12:06 AM 222 The highway 93 and Columbia intersection by Walgreens 1/2/2019 11:31 PM 223 People are.confused enough coming here 1/2/2019 11:00 PM 224 Highway 93 and 13th. 1/2/2019 10:29 PM 225 No 1/2/2019 7:38 PM 226 Please, no roundabouts anywhere!!! 1/2/2019 7:24 PM 227 School traffic tends to significantly backup at the intersection of Walgreens and Hwy 93 and drivers can consistently expect to sit through several light changes before getting through that intersection. With the addition of more housing developments, this seems like an intersection that need attention. 1/2/2019 5:46 PM 228 Roundabouts are confusing and still cause accidents even though they reduce traffic congestion. 1/2/2019 3:36 PM 229 no 1/2/2019 1:01 PM 230 no 1/2/2019 11:41 AM 231 13th and 93 1/2/2019 11:31 AM 232 NO 1/2/2019 10:46 AM 233 Terrible idea that impacts commercial traffic negatively 1/2/2019 9:42 AM 234 Traffic isn’t enough of a problem to warrant the cost 12/30/2018 10:23 AM 7 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 235 Not sure 12/29/2018 12:54 PM 8 / 8 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 13.65% 52 33.60% 128 52.76% 201 Q20 The County adopted a corridor plan for Highway 93 south of Whitefish in 2017; the plan suggests that with increased commercial development, the 65 mph speed limit may need to be reduced to match the 45 mph speed limit in the City limits. Do you support this reduction? Click for Speed Limit information from Montana Department of Transportation. Answered: 381 Skipped: 76 TOTAL 381 # OTHER SPEED LIMIT COMMENTS IN CORRIDOR? DATE 1 Extend the 45mph to Whitefish Stage Road, too. 2/15/2019 7:19 PM 2 quit lining it with retail 2/15/2019 12:51 PM 3 More development is needed before reducing the speed limit 2/8/2019 11:33 AM 4 Is it possible to make a wider shoulder for people turning right? The center left turn is great for this area. 2/2/2019 10:19 PM 5 do not increase commercial development here. 2/2/2019 8:49 PM 6 Reduce the speed somewhat, but DO NOT lower the speed limit to justify more commercial development. 2/2/2019 11:24 AM 7 Do frontage roads to minimize traffic from entering 93 from all over the place and only minimize speeds if necessary. 2/1/2019 11:28 AM 8 I mostly say this because I live off of Blanchard Lake Rd and it is really hard to make a left hand turn into the highway when there are cars flying by at 65+ and I can't see too far over the hill. 1/31/2019 2:46 PM 9 This is not necessry. 1/31/2019 2:00 PM 10 People should be slowing down by the time they reach Blanchard Lake Rd anyway. 1/31/2019 1:29 PM Yes; consider reducing spe... Yes; consider reducing spe... No; reducing the speed li... 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Yes; consider reducing speed limit between Highway 40 and Russell Road Yes; consider reducing speed limit between highway 40 and Blanchard Lake Road No; reducing the speed limit south of City limits is not necessary at this time 1 / 2 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 11 There seem to be a high number of accidents at this intersection. Slowing northbound traffic heading downhill would be a good thing. 1/31/2019 8:55 AM 12 better have turning lanes left and right 1/30/2019 6:02 PM 13 Teach speed by seeing distance and stopping ability! I saw a wreck last year near Bowdish hill when everyone zoomed past my vehicle going 35mph. Top hill a tire on rim was laying in HWY, then a tire on rim came rolling by me, then I saw 5 cars jammed together in a puzzle piece in center green area with a police car being one of them I think... I see many wrecks like this for decades because people pass driving thinking any thing but prudent. PRUDENT (state law) is what Montanans were 35 years ago & that word needs to become a focal piece/peace. Again! I have lived it within this state (and others) and w others and it is a lot nicer... I was T-Boned here in WF by a young girl doing anything but prudent and I still have trouble walking- why can we be hurting each other for lack of big picture in road conditions? EDUCATION is where $ needs to go. Rewards incentive for folks who abide by seeing their needs are not the only needs. Thanks 1/30/2019 5:27 PM 14 not why it is a four lane hwy with no roundabouts 1/30/2019 11:15 AM 15 yes please reduce the speed!!! 1/29/2019 4:31 PM 16 For Alternative 93, a speed limit of 65 mph is appropriate. 1/26/2019 11:08 AM 17 The 45 mph speed limit in the City limits only seems to be a guideline as the majority of traffic travels 50+. City Police seem to ignore enforcement on 93. 1/25/2019 5:13 PM 18 North of Blanchard, yes, reduce to 50 maybe but not 45. 1/24/2019 12:33 PM 19 This is the beginning of a very slow commute between whitefish and a larger retail center, I think it sets a precedent that the speed limit could be set lower the entire way by housing developments etc 1/22/2019 11:15 PM 20 Would help prepare for light or roundabout 1/20/2019 3:09 AM 21 Depends on the type of development along this segment of the corridor 1/18/2019 5:48 PM 22 55mph between hwy 40 and Blanchard Lake Road 1/17/2019 1:05 PM 23 People drive too fast and it is so much busier in that area now. Traffice has increased a hell of a lot, as you know 1/16/2019 12:29 PM 24 What is in place seems to be working. 1/10/2019 11:28 AM 25 Increase speed to 70 1/9/2019 7:52 PM 26 Reducing the speed limit would encourage commercial development. This plan should discourage commercial development in this segment. 1/9/2019 2:10 PM 27 It feels dangerous to make a right turn off the highway in that section of road. A lower speed limit would help that issue. 1/9/2019 9:36 AM 28 Yes! 1/9/2019 9:31 AM 29 Do you mean Emerald Drive? 1/9/2019 8:59 AM 30 Consider reduction of speed limits with traffic circle evaluation 1/9/2019 8:50 AM 31 maybe with additional development or traffic 1/8/2019 12:20 PM 32 How about reducing to 55? Then assess later to reduce to 45? 1/7/2019 1:23 PM 33 55 is most it should be 1/5/2019 2:35 PM 34 We need a bypass 1/5/2019 11:12 AM 35 start the speed reduction south of Blanchard Lake Road, and, put in a stoplight at that intersection with intersection improvements 1/5/2019 10:11 AM 36 Leave it alone 1/4/2019 5:21 PM 37 55 seems more appropriate. 1/3/2019 11:42 PM 38 Hwy 40 toward Hwy 93 should have a reduced speed limit from Whitefish Stage to the intersection with Hwy 93. 1/3/2019 1:50 PM 39 Reduce the speed on Highway 40 east of Whitefish Stage Road to the intersection of Highway 93. Many accidents there. 1/2/2019 10:29 PM 2 / 2 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 63.99% 231 36.01% 130 Q21 The County's corridor plan also suggests the need to consolidate highway access for businesses to improve safety by building alternative roads parallel to the highway as commercial development continues in this area. Should development of frontage or backage roads be a requirement of all new commercial development in Segment C? Answered: 361 Skipped: 96 TOTAL 361 # WHY DO YOU FEEL THIS WAY? PLEASE EXPLAIN. DATE 1 It may not be a reasonable or feasible requirement in all cases and should be evaluated on a case by case basis rather than a blanket requirement. 2/15/2019 6:08 PM 2 I do not know. Typically I support open spaces. But if this is neede to keep traffic moving, etc. I would probably agree. 2/15/2019 3:49 PM 3 I don't agree with the county's corridor plan in the first place. I think the area should have remained an Ag classification. Frontage roads encourage more commercial development. But access on to Hwy 93 can be dangerous with the speed limit of traffic as it is now. 2/15/2019 3:46 PM 4 Needless expense. We need to think about cost first. Over time, if necessary, frontage roads will come to pass (plan with adequate setback space). 2/15/2019 3:43 PM 5 Required.?? Easier access. 2/15/2019 3:28 PM 6 There's too much traffic ON the corridor. Most of the commercial buildings are ugly and have no landscaping to disguise that fact. They are right on the road and a bad way to be approaching Whitefish 2/15/2019 3:16 PM 7 No opinion 2/15/2019 12:49 PM 8 Nothing commercial should NOT be built upon. 2/15/2019 11:11 AM 9 The MDOT indicated Baker Avenue extension would be a bottled neck nightmare in latest dealings with Morris’s land. 2/15/2019 9:42 AM 10 safety 2/15/2019 7:51 AM 11 Help with added congestion 2/15/2019 5:26 AM Yes No 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Yes No 1 / 6 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 12 Keep the flow of traffic moving on 93 2/14/2019 9:46 PM 13 I think there should be less commercial development. 2/14/2019 9:46 PM 14 Better than more stoplights. 2/13/2019 1:15 PM 15 it is nice the road b/w wf and kalispell has a higher speed limit and fewer "interruptions/distractions". If development should continue in this section, the turn off points should be consolidated. 2/13/2019 8:47 AM 16 The just add to congestion 2/12/2019 11:52 AM 17 Commercial development should remain downtown 2/8/2019 7:29 AM 18 Seems safer. 2/7/2019 2:27 PM 19 Reduced speed limit should be sufficient with dedicated right and left turn lanes. 2/7/2019 2:00 PM 20 Keep the roads safe, ease of access 2/7/2019 11:09 AM 21 Allows for reduced access point onto the highway which adds to safety 2/5/2019 1:50 PM 22 more roads/access creates alternative routes as well as reduces traffic congestion 2/5/2019 12:42 PM 23 Additional expense to owner 2/4/2019 6:56 PM 24 More options reduces the congestion. 2/4/2019 2:37 PM 25 Prefer not to see commercial development. I'd rather have green space and private homes. 2/4/2019 12:32 PM 26 I'm not sure how I feel about this, but it probably is safer to do it that way. 2/4/2019 10:54 AM 27 This would keep larger commercial vehicles such as log trucks, dump trucks and such off our city streets. And improve our road conditions within the city. 2/3/2019 11:48 AM 28 I don't have enough insight to answer this question. 2/3/2019 10:43 AM 29 Only if the speed limit is reduced. If the speed limit is not reduced they should be required. 2/3/2019 9:22 AM 30 It could easily interfere with a lot of residential homes/properties that were there first. 2/2/2019 10:19 PM 31 too much pavement. ugly, confusing, waste of land. 2/2/2019 8:49 PM 32 Absolutely not! Frontage roads isolate the highway thereby increasing speeds. Difficult to coordinate w/ bike/ped facilities and landscaping. 2/2/2019 11:24 AM 33 In order to keep the flow of traffic on the highway at speed and reduce accidents, I think frontage or backage roads are necessary. 2/2/2019 10:19 AM 34 This is the biggest problem / frustrating the congestion of thru traffic being funneled through town 2/2/2019 8:58 AM 35 Don't see the need, not even as congested as in town. 2/2/2019 12:37 AM 36 N/A 2/1/2019 12:26 PM 37 Frontage roads can minimize the number of individual intersections and the speed limit can remain higher on the 93 corridor. Have turn lanes to access the frontage roads. 2/1/2019 11:28 AM 38 A good idea where space allows. 2/1/2019 9:33 AM 39 There are a lot of residential houses that this will impact. 1/31/2019 9:59 PM 40 For safety and congestion, keep the traffic for businesses off the highway - ideally on backage roads, out of view for aesthetics. 1/31/2019 6:23 PM 41 More roads for the heavy traffic to flow to. Also could open an option for more housing and businesses in those areas once developed 1/31/2019 4:25 PM 42 That would immediately impact residential areas. There are a handful of neighborhoods in that area would see a huge decrease in property values as well as losing their privacy. 1/31/2019 3:16 PM 43 There need to be more alternate routes around Whitefish, anyways. It'd be amazing if semis didn't have to cruise through downtown. 1/31/2019 2:45 PM 44 It would be nice to get some of the commercial traffic off of the main highway if it is not something that is overly difficult to do 1/31/2019 2:11 PM 45 Utilizing the existing space is tolerable....stretching beyond robs character. 1/31/2019 2:00 PM 2 / 6 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 46 Safety, less pressure for motorists when they are looking for appropriate turn off 1/31/2019 11:49 AM 47 two-way middle turn lanes have potential for head-on collisions 1/31/2019 11:04 AM 48 We are a small community. Limit highway speeds and density of development so that these access points are not needed. 1/31/2019 8:55 AM 49 Free up the highway. 1/31/2019 7:34 AM 50 Too restrictive for businesses. 1/31/2019 5:55 AM 51 This will just increase the percentage of developed land. Keep the corridor between cities rural or all of 93 will end up being an ugly continuous line of steel buildings. 1/30/2019 9:29 PM 52 It eases congestion. Feels safer to have an option to get away from the big trucks. It keeps logging trucks and semi trucks separate from family/teen drivers if they choose. 1/30/2019 6:02 PM 53 More intersections more wrecks. Slower speed & education is better unless emergency crews need it... 1/30/2019 5:27 PM 54 There should not be commercial development there. But to the extent the County permits it, the County should require appropriate infrastructure to support it. 1/30/2019 4:59 PM 55 It allows for less congestion on the frontage roads and will not hinder traffic flow. 1/30/2019 4:36 PM 56 safety 1/30/2019 3:21 PM 57 Difficult to access highway / unsafe speeds for turning left. 1/30/2019 3:03 PM 58 We already have one majorly busy road, and Baker is only getting worse. We don't need more. Make 93 most efficient and keep the traffic there. Less is more. 1/30/2019 2:33 PM 59 one road is enough, there's 4 lanes and a center turning lane. 1/30/2019 2:01 PM 60 Maybe it will relieve congestion (especially truck) and increase safety 1/30/2019 1:59 PM 61 As long as it doesn't interfer with land owners then this has worked great in Texas and it would be safer then trying to get across highway 93 when coming from a business back onto the road. 1/30/2019 1:29 PM 62 It seems not necessary. Also where will the space come from for the frontage road? Many of the existing buildings are already very close to the highway. 1/30/2019 12:40 PM 63 Decreases traffic driving slow and creating hazards while looking for businesses-keeps traffic on the highway moving 1/30/2019 12:20 PM 64 Not required but considered an option, especially if the goal is to move the highway out of downtown Whitefish and create a bypass. 1/30/2019 11:46 AM 65 Safety should be paramount. 1/30/2019 11:25 AM 66 not sure if business should be required as it seems to me that may not turn out as well as we would like unless there is some parameters around it. I think it could have the potential to make the hwy look terrible 1/30/2019 11:15 AM 67 It depends on how it's done... this is a VERY complex question... 1/30/2019 10:56 AM 68 for safety 1/30/2019 10:46 AM 69 Frontage and backage roads provide those moving through the area greater mobility. One of the most congested areas in Kalispell is all the lights along the big box stores. The bypass now allows travelers to move through efficiently. 1/30/2019 10:36 AM 70 I don't have expertise in this area but anything that allows businesses to operate safer is good for all. 1/28/2019 5:03 PM 71 left hand turns from and onto Hwy 93 are dangerous and increasingly difficult. By having parallel roads, access would be consolidated to areas that could be regulated with traffic lights 1/27/2019 2:24 PM 72 I don't remember Segmenet C 1/26/2019 11:08 AM 73 I don’t have an opinion one way or the other 1/26/2019 7:50 AM 74 I think it will provide better access to businesses and soften the commercial feel of the entrance to the town. 1/25/2019 9:44 AM 75 Many or most, but not “All” 1/25/2019 9:21 AM 3 / 6 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 76 I say yes, but only if absolutely necessary. I still maintain that that area needs to remain rural. 1/25/2019 8:57 AM 77 With the proper turn lanes, I do not feel the highway is busy enough where this will cause an issue. 1/24/2019 11:58 PM 78 I would prefer there to not be any further commercial developments in that area, thus no need for alternative roadways. 1/24/2019 11:14 PM 79 I think this area should keep its rural feel. 1/24/2019 11:13 PM 80 Makes access more safe, slight inconvenience for greater safety 1/24/2019 2:41 PM 81 While it would be nice, if you want to reduce 93S to a beautiful four lane boulevard, I don't think this is feasible. Or, put the access roads behind the buildings 1/24/2019 12:33 PM 82 For safety reasons 1/23/2019 8:36 PM 83 As explained above; a critical part of maintaining high volume traffic flow for a common commute. 1/22/2019 11:15 PM 84 Yes and no. This is a tough one. Want to preserve the land, but recognize the congestion and need for growth. 1/22/2019 9:40 PM 85 No because I would like to see limited development in Segment C. I do think this makes sense for segment B though. 1/22/2019 10:00 AM 86 It is difficult getting to businesses on the highway 1/20/2019 8:27 PM 87 Keep residential..not commercial so do not need extra rds 1/20/2019 3:09 AM 88 I will take traffic from 93 and could create less turn-offs 1/18/2019 8:28 PM 89 Commercial development is not appropriate for this segment. If rural character is maintained there is no need for a frontage road. 1/18/2019 5:48 PM 90 It would be nice to have easier access to some of these businesses. I find myself choosing my shopping route to avoid LH turns onto the 93. 1/17/2019 1:05 PM 91 Dangerous with too many accesses, also slows down flow. 1/17/2019 10:25 AM 92 Would be helpful to keep everyone safe, especially in winter months 1/16/2019 3:48 PM 93 Yes, the highway crossings are already tough to navigate North to South..I live South of town and if I want to go North, I have to South first. We need more lights 1/16/2019 2:17 PM 94 I like the ability to have multiple access points to a business. 1/16/2019 1:14 PM 95 1) Merging into the center lane is common. 2) Every property cannot have individual access points. 1/16/2019 12:53 PM 96 I don’t understand the pros/cons very well 1/13/2019 7:59 AM 97 the suicide lane will cease to be useful, very soon 1/12/2019 7:34 PM 98 Costly and would require significant space. 1/11/2019 11:02 PM 99 Traffic problems caused by people entering and exiting the main road. 1/11/2019 3:15 PM 100 Getting on and off of 93 is getting more difficult 1/11/2019 3:01 PM 101 Should be considered on a case by case basis. Large industrial/commercial complexes will need to provide their own. 1/11/2019 12:50 PM 102 Generally, they are ugly. 1/11/2019 12:43 PM 103 safety, traffic flow, 1/10/2019 5:54 PM 104 I believe it would improve traffic flow and mitigate accidents, as well as people pulling out in front of high speed traffic. 1/10/2019 4:51 PM 105 uncertain. 1/10/2019 2:22 PM 106 I answered yes but honestly not too sure if it's necessary, I don't know enough about it. 1/10/2019 1:18 PM 107 Yes, and commercial developers should be responsible for the cost of highway access developments. NOT taxpayers! 1/10/2019 9:24 AM 108 Again, expanding roads will tear apart the land 1/10/2019 8:16 AM 4 / 6 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 109 Maybe a plan for this in the future, but not needed now. 1/10/2019 8:00 AM 110 This seems like a leading question to condone more commercial development in this segment. That is not appropriate. Frontage roads should be a tool to move traffic more efficiently without impacting current agricultural and rural residential uses. 1/9/2019 2:10 PM 111 I am hesitant to say yes or no to this because while I feel like it is necessary, I have had objections in the past to the way that city council proposed going about it. 1/9/2019 11:42 AM 112 But not doing commercial development would be more desirable. 1/9/2019 10:58 AM 113 This would improve safety and traffic flow 1/9/2019 9:23 AM 114 High speed limit, shared center left turn lane. 1/9/2019 8:59 AM 115 I do not wish to see enough commercial development that this would be required. 1/9/2019 8:50 AM 116 Lowered speed limits could adequately increase safety in this area. 1/9/2019 8:22 AM 117 The corridor is a fast paced lane making access a hazard especially in winter months. 1/9/2019 1:25 AM 118 I'm not sure. If the County allows any Commercial I would rather see them clustered as the one on Hwy40 and Dillon that has standards for landscaping internal roads etc., not strip commercial and not allowed everywhere only where appropriate. 1/8/2019 9:06 PM 119 Traffic is getting too congested and side roads would be beneficial for local short cuts. 1/8/2019 3:33 PM 120 Access to the highway should always be limited; medians in Segment C should also be considered 1/8/2019 2:51 PM 121 For community safety, access to the highway should be controlled and limited to select points. 1/8/2019 2:38 PM 122 Safety and traffic control/flow 1/8/2019 2:38 PM 123 Collector, frontage and backage roads are a common practice for development along arterials. 1/8/2019 2:28 PM 124 We need to be more prepared for the influx of addition future traffic - not reactive! 1/8/2019 11:08 AM 125 Too much like a big city 1/8/2019 10:16 AM 126 doesn't seem necessary 1/8/2019 9:57 AM 127 It is getting harder to turn left or right onto the highway. Too many people entering the highway from uncontrolled drive ways. 1/7/2019 6:49 PM 128 We have a two lane highway. That should (and does) allow for the proper flow of traffic to continue around vehicles slowing down to visit a business on the highway. 1/7/2019 6:17 PM 129 safety better access to business 1/7/2019 2:52 PM 130 I think commercial development along the highways in Segment C are fine and easy to access for trucks and easy to avoid for local traffic, but please figure out something for downtown whitefish, we should not have so much commercial traffic and semi trucks going right through downtown 1/7/2019 2:40 PM 131 It does if the commercial business requires access for slow-moving, large or specialty vehicles. 1/7/2019 1:23 PM 132 Not necessary to build a new road. 1/7/2019 10:49 AM 133 If the speed limit is lowered to 45 mph, then it can be similar to Segment B. There isn't a need for frontage or backage roads in Segment B and therefore wouldn't be necessary in Segment C. This allows the area to be developed and encourage growth but without the costly need for extra roads that have to be maintained or the need to try and get easements which can be next to impossible. 1/6/2019 2:02 PM 134 It is currently dangerous to enter and leave the highway 1/6/2019 7:29 AM 135 No. Business’ to close to road now. 1/5/2019 9:29 PM 136 Existing access to businesses is important for their businesses. Frontage road plans would be too disruptive to existing businesses and penalizing to shallow depth land parcels. 1/5/2019 3:27 PM 137 I seen that employed by other large cities and it makes getting around nearly impossible for tourists 1/5/2019 11:12 AM 138 ABSOLUTELY NO FRONTAGE ROADS, backage only!!!! Use the frontage area for decent greenbelt size and business signs. 1/5/2019 10:11 AM 5 / 6 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- 139 I support this but it only makes sense if the city and county work together to provide an alternative route to alleviate the congestion in Segment A. 1/4/2019 7:40 PM 140 County and Highway Dept. will make that call. 1/4/2019 5:21 PM 141 Reduce congestion and easier access. 1/4/2019 10:55 AM 142 Only appropriate if the development will greatly impact the daily traffic in that section. Apartments and the like that would also impact local schools. 1/4/2019 10:15 AM 143 It makes sense, safer, but there’s so many things along there already. Depends on where and what that would mean. 1/3/2019 11:42 PM 144 it's terrifying turning L across 93 for the people making the turn and the people heading towards them. 1/3/2019 3:40 PM 145 I like this as it reduces the amount of left turns from the main highway. Frontage roads also allow those looking for a business to drive at a lower speed. 1/3/2019 1:50 PM 146 I'm not sure about the impact or look of this. Would need more info. 1/3/2019 12:47 PM 147 There is probably a threshold of development where this will be appropriate. Reducing speed limits on 93 could be a first step that would help improve safety. 1/3/2019 10:24 AM 148 Frontage roads are a huge eyesore, but in order to maintain the speed limit at 65, accesses need to be consolidated somehow if commercial development proceeds. 1/3/2019 10:17 AM 149 Discourage commercial development. Save open space. Traffic is not our friend.Impervious surfaces will damage our natural environment, raise our temperatures and decrease our scenic landscape. 1/3/2019 8:30 AM 150 Safety. We need controlled entrances and exits. 1/3/2019 7:54 AM 151 You only need frontage roads if you increase shopping services in the area, if not you do not need them now. That stretch of road has changed little in 25 years, though I believe a lot of people would like for it to look like Hutton Ranch. I used to think better of people here, but they are like everyone else, just greedy instead of trying to preserve something worth preserving 1/3/2019 12:36 AM 152 With lower speed limits it should be easier to turn out of coffee traders. That’s my biggest challenge. 1/2/2019 11:31 PM 153 Please stop developing our town 1/2/2019 11:00 PM 154 There are too many access points with lack of turn lanes. Traffic illegally uses the shoulders for turning at all intersections. 1/2/2019 10:29 PM 155 It will eventually happen and so it should be done up front and paid for, at least in part, by the developer. 1/2/2019 11:41 AM 156 May end up increasing congestion. Lots should be large enough to have their own access or have perpendicular roads to highway to access businesses further back. 1/2/2019 11:24 AM 157 Unless speed limit is decreased it would be difficult to have many cars accessing the highway along that strip 12/30/2018 10:23 AM 158 There needs to be a well coordinated plan. Given the small lot sizes, one landowner should not be held hostage if neighbors do not participate. Surveying out some routes and requiring at least dedication of easements upon development would be a good start. 12/29/2018 12:54 PM 6 / 6 Highway 93 South Corridor Plan SurveyMonkey ---PAGE BREAK--- APPENDIX B ECONOMIC TABLES ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS ---PAGE BREAK--- ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS ---PAGE BREAK--- OVERVIEW AND INTRODUCTION Highway 93 South is the main highway entrance and gateway to Whitefish, Montana. Visitors arriving from the Kalispell Airport or other areas to the south first experience Whitefish on Highway 93 South. Uses within the planning area are larger format and focused on local residents rather than the City’s large tourism base (car dealerships, lumber yards, the community hospital, etc.) The tourist base is served primarily in downtown Whitefish and along the Wisconsin Avenue corridor. The study area extends from 6th Street in the north to Blanchard Lake Road south of the Highway 40 intersection and City limits. The economic performance of the planning study area is closely related to areas in Kalispell and unincorporated Flathead County providing goods and services to residents throughout the region. As downtown Whitefish continues to respond to tourist demand and the Wisconsin Avenue corridor adds restaurants and resources for visitors, the planning area will experience increasing pressure to provide opportunities for goods and services for local residents. As part of the planning process, we completed an economic performance analysis. The analysis identifies the current performance and economic position of the planning area within the context of Whitefish and Flathead County. The analysis then evaluates the impact of growth on the demographics and economic performance of the planning area if current trends continue. This analysis forms the basis for discussion and review of options to change zoning in the planning area to capture different types and intensities of development. City of Whitefish is located in Flathead County, Montana near the entrance to Glacier National Park. In addition to its proximity to the National Park, Whitefish is also the town at the base of Whitefish Mountain Resort for winter recreation and on the shore of Whitefish Lake for summer recreation. In 2018 Whitefish represented 7 percent of Flathead County’s estimated population, down from 8 percent in 2000. By contrast Whitefish represented 11 percent of total employment in Flathead County in 2015 (the latest data available) up from 10 percent in 2002. Within Whitefish, the study corridor has experienced an opposite trend. The study corridor represented 8 percent of total Whitefish population in 2018, up from 6 percent in 2000. Whitefish’s primary industries include tourism supportive categories such as retail trade, arts/entertainment/ recreation/accommodation/food services (41.7 percent of employment) and educational services/health care/social assistance (26.5 percent of employment). The study corridor is one of a limited number of areas within Whitefish with areas appropriate for new development or redevelopment. The purpose of this analysis is to gain an understanding of the opportunity along the corridor to guide and support future land use decisions. TO: Highway 93 South Plan Steering Committee FROM: Christine Richman, AICP RE: Planning area Economic Performance Analysis DATE: April 18, 2019 375 WEST 200 SOUTH SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84101 P [PHONE REDACTED] 7291 GLENVIEW DRIVE FORT WORTH, TX 76180 P [PHONE REDACTED] SUSTAINABILITY • PLANNING & ECONOMICS • HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL EDUCATION ---PAGE BREAK--- PLANNING AREA ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS / GSBS CONSULTING 2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS: Population & Housing Figure 1 compares the current estimated population and housing units within the planning area within City of Whitefish. The planning area currently represents 8% of Whitefish’s total population and housing units (586 people and 370 housing units.) This is an increase from the percentage of the population and housing units in the study area in the planning area in 2010. As seen in Figure 2 the planning area has increased in importance in meeting the need for housing in Whitefish. Figure 1 – 2018 Population and Housing Units. Source: 2018 (ESRI) The type of housing units located in the planning area is also important to the role of the planning area in City of Whitefish’s overall economic health and future growth. Figure 2 – 2010 Population & Housing: BAO - 2000, 2010 (Census) Planning Area Whitefish Planning Area Whitefish Planning Area City of Whitefish Planning Area City of Whitefish ---PAGE BREAK--- PLANNING AREA ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS / GSBS CONSULTING 3 City of Whitefish is a tourism center within the Glacier National Park visitation area. Because of the significant number of visitors to the area in both summer and winter, the community includes hotel, motel and camping facilities as well as housing units both in multi-family complexes and as individual units, dedicated to short term rental. The U.S. Census gathers data on vacant housing units, identifying units that are dedicated to seasonal occupation or rental. Figure 3 compares the percentage of total housing units in City of Whitefish designated for seasonal use and the percentage of units within the planning area with the same designation. The data in Figure 3 are for 2010, the most recent year for which data are available. The planning area has a significantly lower percentage of seasonal units than Whitefish as a whole. This reflects the focus of the planning area on local serving development, include the hospital and larger format retail such as a supermarket and lumber yard. The planning area has several lodging facilities including the new TownePlace Suites by Marriott, the Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge and the Hampton Inn & Suites. The lodging facilities in the planning area serve both the tourist trade and provide lodging associated with the hospital. As seen in Figure 4 the planning area houses 29 percent of the Whitefish market area’s guest rooms. The market area includes lodging outside of City of Whitefish boundaries including Whitefish Mountain Resort. The market area includes lodging outside of City of Whitefish boundaries including Whitefish Mountain Resort. Figure 3 – Seasonal Units as % of Whole. Source: BAO - 2000, 2010 (Census) Figure 4 – Lodging Units as % of Whole. Source: Whitefish Visitors Bureau % Seasonal Units % Year-Round Units % Seasonal Units % Year-Round Units Planning Area Whitefish Market Area ---PAGE BREAK--- PLANNING AREA ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS / GSBS CONSULTING 4 Employment Employment in Whitefish is concentrated in the sectors that support tourism. As seen in Table 1, 41.7 percent of total jobs are in the Accommodation and Food Services; Arts, Entertainment and Recreation; and Retail Trade sectors. Health Care and Social Assistance and Educational Services represent 26.5 percent of total employment the next largest jobs category represented. For comparison, 33.6 percent of all jobs in Flathead County are in the same tourism related categories, with a majority of those in retail trade indicating a broader retail base serving the region. Flathead County has a higher percentage of employment in manufacturing, wholesale trade, management of companies and administration and support businesses than Whitefish. WHITEFISH FLATHEAD COUNTY 2015 Count 2015 Share 2015 Count 2015 Share Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 18 0.4% 169 0.5% Construction 211 5.0% 3,039 8.4% Manufacturing 68 1.6% 2,620 7.2% Wholesale Trade 24 0.6% 1,056 2.9% Retail Trade 439 10.3% 6,071 16.8% Transportation and Warehousing 42 1.0% 801 2.2% Information 8 0.2% 560 1.5% Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate 359 6.1% 2,650 7.3% Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 252 5.9% 1,547 4.3% Management of Companies and Enterprises 4 0.1% 812 2.2% Administration & Support, Waste Management and Remediation 70 1.6% 2,692 7.4% Educational Services 307 7.2% 571 1.6% Health Care and Social Assistance 821 19.3% 6,200 17.1% Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 245 5.8% 1,172 3.2% Accommodation and Food Services 1,089 25.6% 4,910 13.6% Other Services (excluding Public Administration) 138 3.2% 1,350 3.7% Source: ESRI TABLE 1: JOBS BY INDUSTRY - WHITEFISH AND FLATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA - 2015 ---PAGE BREAK--- PLANNING AREA ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS / GSBS CONSULTING 5 However, Flathead County’s economy is highly reliant on the leisure and hospitality category as seen in Table 2 Private Sector Employment – Flathead County. This third quarter 2018 data indicates that the leisure and hospitality sector in Flathead County has a greater share of the county-wide economy than the leisure and hospitality sector nationwide. Location quotients (LQ) compare the concentration of an industry within a specific area compared to the concentration of the industry nationwide. An LQ greater than 1 indicates an industry with a greater share of the local area employment than is the case nationwide. INDUSTRY LOCATION QUOTIENT AVG. WEEKLY WAGE Construction 1.57 $919 Education/Health Services 1.08 $994 Financial Activities 1.04 $1,038 Information 0.43 $943 Leisure and Hospitality 1.58 $401 Manufacturing 0.73 $996 Natural Resources/Mining 1.20 $808 Other Services 1.17 $556 Professional/Business Services 0.62 $778 Services - Providing 1.03 $719 Trade, Transportation, Utilities 1.03 $699 Source: United State Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages TABLE 2: PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYMENT - FLATHEAD COUNTY - 2018 (Q3) As seen in Table 3, Whitefish total employment increased by an estimated 970 jobs, or almost 30 percent, over the thirteen-year period 2002 to 2015 (the latest year for which data is available.) Thirty-six percent of the growth in employment occurred in tourism related categories including Accommodation and Food Services, Arts, Entertainment and Recreation and Retail Trade. The study area has not experienced growth in jobs. Although Whitefish has 970 new jobs, only four of those jobs were in the study corridor. 2002 2010 2015 AAGR 2002-2015 Hwy 93 South Corridor 1,203 1,247 1,207 0.0% City of Whitefish 3,280 3,473 4,250 1.6% Flathead County 32,407 35,573 39,737 1.3% Study Corridor as % of Whitefish 36.7% 35.9% 28.4% Source: ESRI TABLE 3: CHANGE IN TOTAL EMPLOYMENT - STUDY CORRIDOR, CITY OF WHITEFISH, FLATHEAD COUNTY ---PAGE BREAK--- PLANNING AREA ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS / GSBS CONSULTING 6 Tourism As indicated above, tourism is the largest economic sector in Whitefish. The Whitefish Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates that overnight visitors to Whitefish grew by an average of 5.2 percent annual for the period 2010 through 2017 to almost 678,000 visitors. Table 4 provides the estimated number of overnight and drive through visitors for 2010 and 2017. Visitor spending is a key component of the overall economy. Table 5 provides estimated visitor spending by major category for visitors to Flathead County. 2010 2017 AAGR, 2010-2017 Stayed at least 1 Night 474,220 677,892 5.2% Drove Through 854,974 1,074,510 3.3% Source: Whitefish Convention & Visitors Bureau TABLE 4: CITY OF WHITEFISH NONRESIDENT VISITORS CATEGORY TOTAL EXPENDITURES AVG./ VISITOR % OF TOTAL Auto Rental/Repair $14,868,000 $6.39 3% Campground $8,174,000 $3.51 2% Farmers Market $1,041,000 $0.45 0% Gambling $1,144,000 $0.49 0% Gas, Diesel $39,187,000 $16.85 8% Grocery, Snacks $57,293,000 $24.63 11% Hotel, Motel, B&B $56,544,000 $24.31 11% License, Fees $28,630,000 $12.31 6% Made in Montana $12,661,000 $5.44 3% Outfitter, Guide $49,270,000 $21.18 10% Rental Cabin $25,623,000 $11.02 5% Restaurant Bar $119,555,000 $51.40 24% Retail $87,837,000 $37.77 17% Service $3,228,000 $1.39 1% Transportation Fares $433,000 $0.19 0% Total $505,488,000 $217.33 100% Source: University of Montana Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research TABLE 5: ESTIMATED NONRESIDENT VISITOR SPENDING - FLATHEAD COUNTY 2016 ---PAGE BREAK--- PLANNING AREA ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS / GSBS CONSULTING 7 Table 6 uses average per visitor spending for Flathead County to estimate visitor spending by category for Whitefish visitors. These are estimates based on the best information available at the time of the study. A Whitefish specific visitor spending survey would provide data that reflects the spending habits of Whitefish visitors. Retail Performance In addition to visitor spending local and regional residents also eat, shop and participate in activities in Whitefish. Table 7 measures the relationship between supply and demand for retail services in Whitefish. In Table 7 demand includes only average household spending for Whitefish households. Supply is an estimate of retail performance (retail sales) to consumers by type of establishment. CATEGORY TOTAL EXPENDITURES AVG./ VISITOR % OF TOTAL Auto Rental/Repair $4,333,422 $6.39 3% Campground $2,382,391 $3.51 2% Farmers Market $303,409 $0.45 0% Gambling $333,430 $0.49 0% Gas, Diesel $11,421,429 $16.85 8% Grocery, Snacks $16,698,597 $24.63 11% Hotel, Motel, B&B $16,480,294 $24.31 11% License, Fees $8,344,490 $12.31 6% Made in Montana $3,690,171 $5.44 3% Outfitter, Guide $14,360,217 $21.18 10% Rental Cabin $7,468,071 $11.02 5% Restaurant Bar $34,845,458 $51.40 24% Retail $25,600,941 $37.77 17% Service $940,832 $1.39 1% Transportation Fares $126,202 $0.19 0% Total $147,329,353 $217.33 100% Source: University of Montana Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research TABLE 6: ESTIMATED OVERNIGHT VISITOR SPENDING -CITY OF WHITEFISH 2017 CATEGORY RESIDENT MARKET CAPACITY ESTIMATED ACTUAL DIFFERENCE Motor Vehicle & Parts Dealers $20,425,189 $50,685,056 $30,259,867 Furniture & Home Furnishings Stores $3,006,417 $3,354,285 $347,868 Electronics & Appliance Stores $2,969,096 $3,086,754 $117,658 Bldg Materials, Garden Equip. & Sup- ply Stores $6,221,545 $3,042,905 -$3,178,640 Gasoline Stations $12,721,965 $17,796,750 $5,074,785 Retail Stores $52,774,504 $64,021,240 $11,246,736 Food Services & Drinking Places $10,002,109 $29,842,356 $19,840,247 Total $108,120,825 $171,829,346 $63,708,521 Source: ESRI TABLE 7: RETAIL LEAKAGE ANALYSIS - 2017 ---PAGE BREAK--- PLANNING AREA ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS / GSBS CONSULTING 8 In this table, a negative number (blue highlighted field) is referred to as “leakage.” Leakage indicates that residents are leaving Whitefish to shop at building materials and garden stores. The new Ace Hardware location within the study area is responding to this opportunity. Within the Retail Store category, the general merchandise stores subcategory is also negative as seen in Table 10. With the closure of the Shopko in the study area general merchandise store leakage is expected to increase. Most categories exceed estimated capacity. This is typical of a tourism-based economy. There are two sources of information to estimate tourist spending capacity. The first is based on the distribution of tourism spending in Flathead County estimated by the University of Montana Institute for Tourism & Recreation Spending applied to Whitefish visitation as seen in Table 6 above. The second is to compare estimated spending patterns to actual resort tax collections on the retail types subject to the tax. Table 8 provides the estimated tourism spending based on Flathead County tourist spending patterns and the estimated 2017 tourism spending based on resort tax collections. TABLE 8: ESTIMATED TOURIST SPENDING - 2017 RESORT TAX COLLECTIONS - 2.85 PERCENT CATEGORY ESTIMATED TOURISM SPENDING ACTUAL 2017 SPENDING NOTES Motor Vehicle & Parts Dealers $4,333,422 $0 Tax not imposed Furniture & Home Furnishings Stores $0 $0 Tax not imposed Electronics & Appliance Stores $0 $0 Tax not imposed Bldg Materials, Garden Equip. & Supply Stores $0 $0 Tax not imposed Gasoline Stations $11,421,429 $0 Tax not imposed Retail Stores $46,293,118 $54,318,667 Based on 2.85% resort tax reported revenue Food Services & Drinking Places $34,845,458 $51,791,579 Based on 2.85% resort tax reported revenue Total $96,893,428 $106,110,246 Based on 2.85% resort tax reported revenue Source: University of Montana Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research, City of Whitefish Treasurer Table 9 combines the resident and visitor spending capacity and compares total capacity to actual spending. Overall market performance changes to indicate that there is leakage in several more categories. CATEGORY RESIDENT/ TOURISM MARKET CAPACITY ESTIMATED ACTUAL SPENDING DIFFERENCE Motor Vehicle & Parts Dealers $24,758,611 $50,685,056 $25,926,445 Furniture & Home Furnishings Stores $3,006,417 $3,354,285 $347,868 Electronics & Appliance Stores $2,969,096 $3,086,754 $117,658 Bldg Materials, Garden Equip. & Sup- ply Stores $6,221,545 $3,042,905 -$3,178,640 Gasoline Stations $24,143,394 $17,796,750 -$6,346,644 Retail Stores $99,067,622 $64,021,240 -$35,046,382 Food Services & Drinking Places $44,847,567 $51,791,579 $6,944,012 Total $205,014,253 $193,778,569 -$11,235,684 Source: ESRI, University of Montana Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research, City of Whitefish Treasurer TABLE 9: ESTIMATED RETAIL LEAKAGE WITH ACTUAL 2017 RESORT TAX SPENDING ---PAGE BREAK--- PLANNING AREA ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS / GSBS CONSULTING 9 In addition to the building materials, garden equipment and supply stores category, the gasoline store and overall retail store categories show leakage. Table 10 provides detail to the retail store category. TABLE 10: RETAIL STORE DETAILED LEAKAGE ANALYSIS RESIDENT + NONRESIDENT VISITOR - 2017 CATEGORY RESIDENT + VISITOR MARKET CAPACITY ESTIMATED ACTUAL DIFFERENCE Food & Beverage Stores $30,954,692 $23,770,262 -$7,184,430 Health & Personal Care Stores $5,254,961 $12,756,258 $7,501,297 Clothing & Clothing Accessories Stores $3,905,986 $6,720,069 $2,814,083 Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book & Music Stores $5,898,315 $10,596,578 $4,698,263 General Merchandise Stores $19,796,155 $2,666,360 -$17,129,795 Misc Store Retailers $33,257,513 $7,511,713 -$25,745,800 Total $99,067,622 $64,021,240 -$35,046,382 Source: ESRI, University of Montana Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research, City of Whitefish Treasurer This analysis is based on estimates and assumptions relating to typical household and visitor spending patterns and average store performance. More specific actual spending for non-resort tax retail categories in Whitefish is not currently available. This analysis is an indicator that there is “leakage” in several categories that apply to resident shoppers, particularly in the general merchandise category and food & beverage categories. Capturing the “leaking” retail spending can occur in any of the areas and retail districts of Whitefish. The location of the stores that may help retain retail dollars within Whitefish is dependent on community policy decisions relating to development patterns. PRIOR PLANNING ACTIVITIES: 2002 Baker Avenue City Property Development Program The Baker Avenue City Property Development Program plan, completed In June 2002 by Jobs for Whitefish Taskforce and Tom Hudson Company identified a need to diversity the economy of Whitefish. The focus of the study was the future use of city-owned property on Baker Avenue, a parcel within the SR 93 S study area. The study found that the Baker Avenue property would be best used to fulfill City of Whitefish business development goals. The study established the following top priorities for future use of the Baker Avenue property: • More career-oriented, higher paying jobs • Supports growth of existing local businesses • Fits Whitefish character • Complements existing business • Supports diversification - Complements/exploits existing assets - Supports new business recruitment - Supports new business growth The team also established the following secondary business development priorities: • Provides goods/services to local/regional customers • Provides goods/services for export out of the region • Protects the environment ---PAGE BREAK--- PLANNING AREA ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS / GSBS CONSULTING 10 • Ensures business stability • Provides “career” jobs • Protects local values • Provides adequate number of jobs • Addresses need for public services • Considers Great Northern Industrial Park • Provides mixed use, including housing Overall the business development priorities were intended to build a diversified, healthy economy that enables local citizens to live, work and play in Whitefish year-round. 1 The key finding of the Baker Avenue report was that the Whitefish economy had weakened during the prior two decades as a result of the decline of the railroad industry and the rise of the tourism industry. The basis of the finding was that a lack of diversification in the local economy, whether railroad or tourism is not healthy and that tourism industry wages were inadequate for the cost of living in Whitefish. As seen in the Employment Data section of the Existing Conditions analysis, tourism continues to dominate the Whitefish economy and wages have not kept pace with the cost of living in Whitefish. 2017 Flathead County, Montana Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) The Flathead County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy guides the economic growth of Flathead County including the City of Whitefish. The purpose of the CEDS is to help “ . . . create jobs, foster more stable and diversified economies, and improve living conditions.” The CEDS resulted from a planning process that involved broad community participation to identify threat and opportunities in the region including within Whitefish in particular. The CEDS identified the following opportunities/issues for Whitefish: • Increase shoulder season tourism visitation and expenditures to continue building a robust year-round economy. • Attracting more retirees but not enough young entrepreneurs. • Housing needs assessment underway to address workforce housing issues. • Need to coordinate on land use issues with County • Lack of land zoned for industrial use to attract business. The CEDS also resulted in five goals: 1. Enhance and expand workforce development and educational opportunities for residents in order to provide a skilled workforce for local businesses and increase regional competitiveness. 2. Expand and diversify the economic base to create higher paying jobs through efforts to promote business start- ups and attract new business to the region. 3. Support the maintenance and enhancement of the physical infrastructure that is needed for sustainable economic growth in Flathead County. 4. Build on the region’s and assets to support, retain and grow existing businesses. 5. Develop and maintain a positive quality of life for citizens and visitors to ensure communities are appealing and healthy places to live, work and recreate and to conduct business. The 2017 CEDS reinforces the need and strategy identified in the 2002 study to diversify Whitefish’s economy to become less reliant on tourism. 1 Baker Avenue City Property Development Program: Phase 2A Report, June 17, 2002, Jobs for Whitefish Taskforce and Tom Hudson Company, Pages 1 – 3. ---PAGE BREAK--- PLANNING AREA ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS / GSBS CONSULTING 11 CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES There are several vacant and underutilized parcels in the study corridor. In Figure 5 vacant or underutilized parcels are identified as zoned either rural or urban. ¯ 0 0.5 0.25 Miles Whitefish Highway 93 Vacant Parcels City Limits Underutilized and Vacant Parcels Figure 5 – Study Corridor Vacant/Underdeveloped Parcels - 2018 There is an opportunity to create a “node” of activity at Baker Avenue. The node should support broader community gaols relating to employment opportunities to broaden Whitefish’s economic base. The node also acts as a gateway to Whitefish. Street scape and development design elements should reflect the node’s role in Whitefish. A higher level of design also adds overall value to the area and can attract additional private participation. ---PAGE BREAK--- PLANNING AREA ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS / GSBS CONSULTING 12 There are approximately four acres of developable property in the northern node. The approximately 94 acres of developable property in the remainder of the corridor should be developed as housing, additional employment and retail uses as consistent with the land use goals and objectives of the plan. At key locations along the corridor connectivity to the river should be enhanced as an amenity to attract additional private development value in the area. RECOMMENDED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ISSUES IDENTIFIED • Service industry wages and many professional salaries for public service jobs (teachers, police, fire, other government work) do not keep pace with the cost of living in Whitefish, meaning many employees live outside of the City and commute for work. • Many of the retail businesses in Whitefish serve visitors rather than residents; many residents obtain some proportion of their household goods outside of Whitefish. • The economy is dominated by the tourism/visitor sector and could be diversified to improve resiliency when regional and national circumstances change. • Small lease spaces for starter businesses and areas that permit light manufacturing are limited. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES GOAL: Help diversify the economy of Whitefish, increase employment, and encourage business types that provide higher wages and salaries. OBJECTIVE 1: Develop business incubator (small lease spaces); business assistance center. OBJECTIVE 2: Consider development incentives – tools to support business development (technical assistance, financial assistance, tax incentives). GOAL: Make it easier for starter businesses and light manufacturing or assembly to operate in the corridor. OBJECTIVE 1: Permit light manufacturing/assembly in WB-2 district of Segment B with appropriate development standards. OBJECTIVE 2: Foster development of smaller lease spaces at prices affordable to starter businesses . DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL SIZE (ACRES) Northern Node 4.01 Employment 7.26 Housing 39.17 Retail or Retail frontage + Housing 45.65 Open space/river connectivity 1.67 97.76 There are additional opportunities along the corridor, south of the node that are appropriate for development to implement the City’s recently completed housing plan as well as larger format retail to serve residents and visitors. Table 11 identifies vacant and underutilized properties along the corridor and potential future development potential. TABLE 11: DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL ---PAGE BREAK--- PLANNING AREA ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS / GSBS CONSULTING 13 GOAL: Encourage and allow retail and services in the corridor that will support existing and new housing and employment. OBJECTIVE 1: Permit under-served business types in the corridor that are difficult to serve in the downtown area due to traffic patterns, space needs, parking requirements, and cost of real estate. OBJECTIVE 2: Encourage amenities in the corridor to support employees and residents such as public spaces for gathering and visiting, resident-focused goods and services, and businesses that encourage public gatherings such as coffee shops. GOAL: Encourage and allow residential development in the corridor to support new and diverse businesses, provide visual relief from commercial facades lining the highway, and increase activity in the corridor. OBJECTIVE 1: Permit multi-family residential and mixed-uses in WB-2 district of Segment B with appropriate development standards. ---PAGE BREAK--- APPENDIX C TRAFFIC AND MEDIAN EVALUATION ---PAGE BREAK--- Whitefish Highway 93 South Traffic & Median Evaluation Whitefish, Montana Prepared For: The City of Whitefish 418 E Second St Whitefish, MT 59937 March, 2020 130 South Howie Street Helena, Montana 59601 [PHONE REDACTED] ---PAGE BREAK--- Whitefish Highway 93 South Traffic & Median Evaluation Whitefish, Montana Table of Contents Introduction 1 Traffic Data 1 Traffic Signal Spacing 7 Traffic Simulation 10 Benefits of Raised Island Medians 12 Recommendations 14 List of Figures Figure 1 – Historic Traffic Volume Trends 3 Figure 2 – Corridor Facility Size 6 Figure 3 – Alt Scenario 5 (Baker Avenue Extension) 7 Figure 4 – Recommended Traffic Control Locations 9 Figure 5 – Highway 93 Corridor Traffic Flow SimTraffic Simulation 12 List of Tables Table 1 – Highway 93 Peak Hour Traffic Count Locations 1 Table 2 – Highway 93 – Whitefish AADT Volumes 2003 – 2018 2 Table 3 – Seasonal Traffic Variation by Month in Flathead County 4 Table 4 – Highway 93 Signalized Intersection Level of Service Summary 11 ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 Whitefish Highway 93 South Traffic & Median Evaluation March, 2020 INTRODUCTION In July 2018 Abelin Traffic Services (ATS) contracted with the City of Whitefish to develop information regarding the current and future traffic operations along the Highway 93 corridor between Highway 40 and 6th Street. The intent of this study was to evaluate the current traffic loads and operational characteristics along the corridor, project future traffic demands, and develop recommendations for possible intersection traffic control modifications, traffic control spacing along the corridor, and options for potential median placements along the corridor. The study area for this project is a 1.9 mile section of Highway 93 in Whitefish between Highway 40 and 6th Street. This section of highway has a five-lane urban cross-section between Highway 40 and 13th Street and a two-lane cross-section between 13th and 6th Streets and is maintained by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). The road south of 13th Street has a paved width of 82 feet and a posted speed limit of 45 MPH. The speed limit slows to 35 MPH and then 25 MPH, and the paved width is reduced to about 40 feet north of 13th Street. The road has 16 public intersections and over 50 private approaches. While the road is currently functioning adequately, traffic congestion and traffic safety will become increasing concerns as traffic volumes along the corridor increase. TRAFFIC DATA A variety of traffic information was available to help document the current traffic demands along the corridor and develop future traffic projections for the area. This data includes traffic counts conducted along Highway 93 and Highway 40 by the MDT. Additionally, recent traffic data was available from traffic counts conducted by ATS at a variety of locations along the corridor for previous commercial development in the area. Table 1 shows the locations where data was collected for the study. Table 1 - Highway 93 Peak Hour Traffic Count Locations Location Date Source 13th Street September, 2017 MDT 15th Street August, 2018 ATS Commerce Street August, 2016 MDT 19th Street August, 2018 ATS Park Knoll Lane October, 2017 ATS JP Road August, 2018 ATS Highway 40 August, 2018 MDT ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 Table 2 shows the historic traffic volume data for the study area. The data includes information for the Highway 93 corridor from 2003 to 2018 and also includes traffic volume projections for 2030 contained in the 2009 Whitefish Transportation Plan. The data indicates that traffic volumes along the Highway 93 corridor have increased at an average rate of 1% annually over the past 15 years. Note that it is unclear why traffic volumes appear to decrease in 2018, but it may be due to unidentified seasonal traffic volume variants in Whitefish that are not accounted for when raw traffic counts are adjusted based on the month collected. The 30-year traffic volume history is shown graphically in Figure 1. The 2009 Whitefish Transportation Plan contains projected traffic volume data for the area in year 2030. Traffic volumes in this area were projected to increase 30% to 40% over the next 10-15 years. This projection is somewhat out of date, but remains a reasonable number for long-range planning purposes. Table 2 - Highway 93 – Whitefish AADT Volumes 2003 – 2018 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Projected 2030* US 93 North of WF River Bridge #15-4A-021 14,600 12,300 14,720 14,720 14,760 13,260 11,810 12,800 11,530 15,170 15,400 15,470 13,310 15,907 16,187 12,771 18,000 US 93 Between Greenwood Dr & 13th St #15-4A-046 19,610 17,000 18,910 18,910 18,970 18,580 18,900 17,860 16,800 21,000 21,320 21,870 22,766 21,207 20,868 19,612 30,000 US 93 Between JP Rd & 19th St #15-4A-045 24,650 22,600 22,280 22,280 22,350 22,030 20,860 24,060 20,050 24,320 24,690 24,950 25,973 23,145 22,775 23,488 35,000 US 93 0.5 mi N of MT #15-4A-008 23,500 19,260 23,120 23,120 23,190 19,960 18,540 19,600 18,640 23,860 24,220 25,020 21,980 22,580 22,219 21,545 30,000 US 93 0.5 mi S of MT 40 #15-4A-007 13,890 13,890 13,890 13,890 13,930 13,310 12,570 14,060 14,040 17,260 17,520 16,770 20,140 20,845 20,511 17,223 25,000 HWY 40 E of US 93 #15-4A-010 9,210 9,260 9,260 9,440 9,470 10,860 11,320 10,960 9,480 12,730 9,800 11,850 12,580 13,723 13,503 12,125 15,000 JP Road E of US 93 #15-4A-090 2,690 13th St E of Spokane Av #15-4A-050 4,720 4,720 4,560 4,410 4,270 4,000 4,230 4,210 4,180 3,950 4,680 2,980 3,016 2,992 3,037 *Source - 2009 Whitefish Transportation Plan ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 Figure 1 - Historic Traffic Volume Trends Seasonal traffic volume data was also available from the MDT for roadways within the Flathead Valley. This information includes traffic volume data for roadways around Kalispell & Columbia Falls (Stations A-24 and A-60). The traffic volume information for these routes from 2018 is included in Table 3. It should be noted that while this is the best seasonal traffic volume information available for this area, it may not provide an accurate assessment of the annual traffic volume trends in the Whitefish area. While traffic volumes in Whitefish are highest during the summer, winter traffic patterns in the area are significantly different from Columbia Falls and Kalispell due to skier traffic at Whitefish Mountain Resort. While the MDT traffic data may be used for general guidance on traffic volumes within the area, it may not be accurate for Whitefish in particular. The City of Whitefish would benefit from the installation of a permanent traffic volume recorder somewhere along the Highway 93 corridor to help evaluate the specific seasonal traffic volume characteristics within Whitefish. Cost of a permanent recorder would likely be in the range of $5,000 - $30,000. 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Highway 93 - Whitefish Historic Traffic Data (AADT) 0.5 mi S of MT 40 0.5 mi N of MT 40 North of Whitefish River Bridge ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 Table 3 - Seasonal Traffic Variation by Month in Flathead County US 2, 1.3 Mi. W of Kalispell # Sta A-24 US 2, 3 Mi. N of Columbia Falls # Sta A-60 January 83% 55% February 83% 52% March 90% 61% April 95% 67% May 107% 107% June 112% 149% July 118% 208% August 114% 168% September 108% 125% October 105% 86% November 96% 63% December 90% 59% Abelin Traffic Services also collected vehicle crash information from the MDT for 2008 to 2017 to evaluate vehicle crash details along the corridor. The data suggests that the major intersections along the Highway 93 corridor through Whitefish have crash histories primarily consisting of rear-end and right-angle collisions (62% to 79% of all intersection crashes). Many of these crashes occur in wet or snow/ice (29% to 52%) and many (29% to 50%) result in injuries. This crash profile is commonly associated with the operation of traffic signals. The highest number of recorded crashes (44) occurred at the intersection of Highway 40 and suggests that alternative forms of traffic control, such as roundabouts, could be explored along the Highway 93 corridor to improve traffic safety. Other approaches that have been suggested by the public, such as reducing the speed limit as vehicles approach the intersection from the south, would be difficult to realize. MDT generally does not reduce speed limits unless there are documented safety issues or if drivers are already traveling below the posted speed limits. Decreasing driver speeds along a section of highway through signing changes alone is generally ineffective. Adding a roundabout or creating a physical for Whitefish at the Highway 40 intersection would be a more effective way to reduce driver speeds. It should be noted that the overall crash rate for the intersections along this section of Highway 93 is less than 0.5/Million Vehicle Miles (mvm), which is in line with the normal vehicle crash rates for urban signalized intersections. In this case it is unlikely that MDT would reduce the speed limit on this section of highway as a safety enhancement or use dedicated safety funding to implement roadway improvements. Intersection improvements, however, could be funded by other MDT sources. The detailed intersection crash information for the corridor is shown in Table 4. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 Table 4 - Highway 93 Vehicle Crash Summary 2008-2017 Location on Highway 93 Total Crashes Rear- End Collisio ns Angle Collisio ns Total Rear- End + Angle Rain/ Snow Dark Injury Crashes Fatal Crashes Crash Rate Highway 40 44 20 13 75% 17 (39%) 11 (25%) 14 (32%) 0.43/ mvm JP Road 27 20 1 78% 13 (48%) 9 (33%) 11 (41%) 0.31/ mvm 19th Street 14 10 0 71% 4 (29%) 2 (14%) 4 (29%) 0.17/ mvm Commerce Street 24 15 4 79% 9 (38%) 7 (29%) 12 (50%) 1 0.30/ mvm 13th Street 21 12 1 62% 11 (52%) 4 (19%) 3 (14%) 0.29/ mvm Additional information used for the traffic analysis of the Highway 93 corridor was obtained from traffic model data from previous planning projects. This includes the 2009 Whitefish Transportation Plan which contained future traffic projections and impacts from alternative roadway configurations modeled for the Transportation Plan. Critical information included within the Transportation Plan also includes descriptions of the roadway corridor size and the relationship to overall roadway capacity. This data was included in part 2.4 of the transportation plan which is shown below. The carrying capacity of a five-lane road is 24,000 VPD to 36,000 VPD. Roadway capacity is affected by roadway design, accesses, intersection traffic controls, and driver dynamics. The critical volume on Highway 93 in Whitefish is approximately 30,000 VPD for Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) Volumes. Once the average annual traffic on a roadway reaches this volume, it experiences increased congestion and possible safety issues if not addressed. ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 Figure 2 *Source - 2009 Whitefish Transportation Plan Additional information contained within the Transportation Plan includes an analysis of possible roadway network changes that could affect traffic volumes on the Highway 93 corridor. The most significant proposed roadway network change is the Baker Avenue extension which would connect the existing section of Baker Avenue from 19th Street south to JP Road (Alternative Scenario 5 below). This recommended roadway improvement could decrease traffic volumes along the Highway 93 corridor by 7,000 to 9,000 VPD. This roadway improvement plan was included as a recommended project within the transportation plan as MSN-4. ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 Figure 3 *Source - 2009 Whitefish Transportation Plan TRAFFIC SIGNAL SPACING There are currently four traffic signals located along this section of Highway 93 between 13th Street and Highway 40. These traffic signals are located at Highway 40, JP Road, Commerce Street and 13th Street. The traffic signals are generally located on half-mile spacing. Providing intersection traffic controls at regular spacing along a roadway corridor provides a balance between access along a corridor and through movement of vehicles. If traffic signals are placed too closely or at irregular intervals, the through movement along a corridor is compromised. If traffic signals are spaced too far apart, then access to and from the roadsides becomes difficult. Ideally, traffic signals should be spaced a consistent distance apart to promote vehicle platooning along the primary route and traffic signal coordination. Generally, traffic signals are placed at quarter-mile or half-mile spacing and take advantage of existing roadway corridors ---PAGE BREAK--- 8 typically located along section lines. Traffic signals are only generally installed when they become warranted by traffic volumes or projected growth in an area. In this instance, the Highway 40, JP Road, and 13th Street traffic signals are located on half-miles spacing locations at sections lines. The traffic signal at Commerce Street effectively provides access to the Whitefish Mountain Mall but may not be ideally placed to provide access to the areas to the east of Highway 93 along Greenwood Drive, which is on a half-mile spacing with the other existing traffic signals. As currently configured, the traffic signal at Commerce Street is too close the Greenwood Drive (350 feet) to allow the installation of an additional traffic signal at Greenwood Drive in the future. Ideally, a future traffic control pattern along this section of Highway 93 would include traffic signals or roundabouts at quarter-mile intervals at Highway 40 (existing), Great Northern Drive, JP Road (existing), Park Knoll Lane, Akers Lane, Greenwood Drive, and 13th Street (see figure below). However, future traffic control locations should also take into account public access needs. It should be noted that roundabouts can provide more flexibility in spacing because they do not relay on a fixed signal timing. However, roundabout also function better in areas that do not experience the surge traffic created by traffic signals. Mixing traffic signals and roundabouts along a corridor can create operational challenges under certain circumstances and should be studied in detail to determine if the specific traffic patterns along a corridor will allow a mix of roundabouts and traffic signals. A roundabout at Highway 40 would likely function well because of the mix of traffic types and patterns approach the intersection. A roundabout at Akers Lane may not function as well due to proximity to existing traffic signals. ---PAGE BREAK--- 9 Figure 4 - Recommended Traffic Control Locations (Traffic Signal or Roundabout) ---PAGE BREAK--- 10 TRAFFIC SIMULATION Using the available data for the corridor and the new data collected in the summer/fall of 2018 ATS developed a corridor traffic model for the study area using the 10 traffic software. 10 is a software package which is used to produce accurate simulations of roadway networks for modeling, operations, visualization, and roadway design purposes. The software also automates intersection control, lane, and link modifications. The 10 software provides valuable information regarding current roadway operations patterns and lets users analyze possible future roadway functionality using existing or alternative lane configurations and traffic controls. The 10 software does not perform travel demand forecasting created by road network modifications, traffic assignment to a roadway based on anticipated future growth within an area, or traffic assignment for roadway network modifications. These types of network analysis are more accurately accomplished manually or using a wide area transportation model such as the one used for the Whitefish Transpiration Plan. Using the 10 corridor model prepared for this project, ATS developed current and future modeling scenarios for the corridor with a variety of different roadway and lane configurations. This analysis included both a current and future year operations analysis with existing lane and traffic control configuration and an alternative analysis assuming the installation of roundabouts at the currently signalized intersections. The future traffic volume projections were done using the current growth rate for the corridor projected over the next 20 years. Currently several intersections in the corridor have a poor level of service (LOS) based on the wait times for vehicles in the morning (Existing AM) and evening (Existing PM) at those intersections measured in seconds per vehicle (Sec/Veh) in the LOS table below. Commercial and residential development projects already approved but not yet constructed in the corridor (Planned Projects) could push those LOS grades lower or to failing unless improvements are made. The analysis of the future traffic volumes indicates that the installation of a roundabout would improve traffic flow at the intersection of Highway 40 but would not improve LOS at the intersections of JP Road or 13th Street. A detailed review of the traffic signal at 13th Street indicated that the intersection would benefit considerably from the installation of an additional southbound through lane on Highway 93. The major limiting operating factor at the traffic signal is the southbound through traffic capacity at the signal. The only way to effectively correct the operations at the signal is with the installation of additional southbound through lanes. It should be noted that Highway 93 south of the signal already has two receiving lanes to accept a new through lane from the north. If this additional through lane was installed, the traffic signal could operate at LOS B under peak traffic conditions. ---PAGE BREAK--- 11 Table 4 - Highway 93 Signalized Intersection Level of Service (LOS) Summary Location on Highway 93 Existing AM Sec/Veh & LOS Existing PM Sec/Veh & LOS AM With Planned Projects Sec/Veh & LOS PM With Planned Projects Sec/Veh & LOS AM With Future Roundabout Sec/Veh & LOS PM With Future Roundabout Sec/Veh & LOS Highway 40 20.3 C 26.5 C 25.7 C 35.5 D 10.9 B 15.8 C JP Road 8.6 A 12.5 B 10.4 B 17.2 B 8.1 A 28.4 C Commerce Street 9.4 A 15.0 B 9.8 A 22.9 C 13th Street 29.4 C 29.4 C 44.0 D 78.3 F * 9.9 A 28.4 C * 19.7 B with two southbound through lanes. The traffic model was also used to produce intersection and corridor simulations for Highway 93. These animated simulations help show where traffic congestion along a corridor occurs and how modifications to a corridor network can improve traffic flow. A from the animated corridor simulation for Highway 93 is shown in Figure 5. These simulations are used commonly for public presentations and to show the potential results of roadway network modifications. The traffic simulations also help provide visual representations of the impacts of traffic control or lane changes including changes to vehicle queueing. This information can assist with determining the needed length for turning lanes and median configurations. The traffic simulation can be used to confirm the operations of specific design features when a final roadway median design is developed for the corridor. Two sets of simulations help demonstrate differences in the average annual vehicle wait time and LOS data provided in the table above. The first set compares the afternoon peak hour traffic conditions projected for the year 2030 at the Highway 40 intersection. One simulation uses the signalized intersection as it is now with planned projects, and the second simulation substitutes a roundabout for the signal. The morning and afternoon vehicle wait times at the intersection appear to be reduced with a roundabout, consistent with the differences shown in the table above. The second set of simulations compares the afternoon 2030 traffic volume at the 13th Street signalized intersection with planned projects as it is currently configured to the same intersection with a second southbound through lane added to the north side of the intersection. Vehicle wait time at the intersection is clearly improved in afternoon with the addition of the southbound lane, consistent with 78.3 seconds – LOS F versus the 19.7 seconds – LOS B in the table above. ---PAGE BREAK--- 12 Figure 5 - Highway 93 Corridor Traffic Flow SimTraffic Simulation Benefits of Raised Island Medians Raised medians bring a variety of benefits that can improve corridor safety and roadway capacity. As traffic volumes along the Highway 93 corridor continue to increase it will become increasingly important to maximize the capacity of the roadway while improving roadway safety where possible. The benefits of exploring raised medians along the corridor include: • Medians prevent crashes from vehicles crossing the centerline. These types of vehicle crashes occur when a vehicle crosses the roadway center line and collides with a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. These crashes can happen quickly and be severe due to the closing speeds of the two vehicles. Raised medians largely eliminate this type of accident. • Medians provide better pedestrian protection than undivided roadways. Medians improve pedestrian safety by breaking up crossing distance and providing a center ---PAGE BREAK--- 13 median refuge for pedestrians. Although mid-block pedestrian crossings are not encouraged along the highway 93 corridor at this time, the distances between protected traffic signals crosswalks can lead to pedestrians crossing the road at mid-block locations. • Medians reduce the overall rate of vehicle crashes. • Medians also decrease vehicle delay and increase roadway capacity by providing better access control and consolidation of left-turn locations. • Medians provide space for landscaping and other aesthetic treatments. • Medians provide space to install additional roadway lighting and improved signing and roadway guidance. The installation of raised medians along the Highway 93 south corridor will fundamentally change the traffic flow characteristics along the corridor. By changing the primary focus of the corridor to controlled traffic flow and safety, the adjacent commercial properties will benefit from lower traffic speeds and controlled property access. This will allow the corridor to operate safely with increased traffic volumes while managing land access. Without providing these improvements, the increasing traffic volumes along the corridor and accompanying roadway congestion will compromise roadway safety and ultimately inhibit land access. The key components of the raised median plan are to provide as many sections of raised median as possible while balancing the available lane access needs. The medians would be configured with the intention of encouraging U-turns as needed at intersection to access some approaches. Additional steps would need to be taken to enhance interconnectivity between adjacent commercial properties and to share access points along the corridor. The preliminary median access plan is included with this report and shows the recommended plans for the corridor. The goal of these plans is to take full advantage of the safety and capacity benefits of the raised medians while supplying turning bays and access across the medians where possible. Each of the commercial access locations along the corridor would be reviewed on a case by case basis to determine if the recommended medians and access management plans will provide adequate connectivity to the Highway 93 corridor taking into account nearby roadway approaches, rear and side property access, and distance to median openings available for U- turns. Some locations may ultimately be deemed inappropriate for raised medians based on existing land uses and access spacing. The overall concept of the raised medians along the Highway 93 corridor will be essential for the ongoing operations of the corridor into the future. More information about the benefits of medians can be found at the following links: calming/traffic-calming-overview/medians-and-islands/ ---PAGE BREAK--- 14 Recommendations The following are the overall recommendations for the Highway 93 South corridor: 1. Develop a median installation plan based on the attached figures to provide access management for the Highway 93 south corridor. 2. Review the intersection traffic controls at Highway 40 and consider the installation of a roundabout to control traffic flow and reduce vehicle speeds entering Whitefish. 3. Add a new southbound through lane on Highway 93 at 13th Street. 4. Work with MDT to collect seasonal traffic data for the Whitefish area to develop a more accurate picture of the average and peak traffic volumes along the corridor. 5. Adopt a plan to promote the installation of traffic signals at ½ or ¼ mile spacing along the corridor when traffic signal warrants are met at these locations. 6. Adopt a plan to improve north/south access to the back sides of the properties along the Highway 93 corridor with extensions of Baker Avenue and Whitefish Avenue. ---PAGE BREAK--- ATTACHMENT A RAISED MEDIAN CONCEPT PLAN FOR HIGHWAY 93 SOUTH ---PAGE BREAK--- 15th 13th WalGreens Safeway 1=100 N ---PAGE BREAK--- 19th COMMERCE 18th GREENWOOD Sportsman & Ski Haus Best Western 1=100 N ---PAGE BREAK--- PHEASANT AKERS RUN Marriot Hampton 1=100 N ---PAGE BREAK--- Don PARK KNOLL N 1=100 ---PAGE BREAK--- HORPE WAY JP ROAD Don 1=100 N ---PAGE BREAK--- GREAT MT 40 NORTHERN DR 1=100 N