After collecting public input and studying the opportunities and challenges in the southern portion of Kalispell, a team of out-of-town engineers are ready to present an initial assessment of redevelopment options in the area.
Planners from CTA Architects Engineers will unveil an update of the South Kalispell Urban Renewal Plan in front of the Urban Renewal Agency on Jan. 13. The meeting is at 4 p.m. inside the council chambers in city hall, followed by an open house from 5-8 p.m. Wayne Freeman, CTA’s project leader, will give a formal presentation at 7 p.m.
Over the last year, CTA has held open house events and gathered input from residents while also surveying the area. Kalispell city officials hired CTA to develop a comprehensive overview that could identify a list of improvement options that could reshape and revitalize the area. An initial survey found support for added green space, updated roads and business amenities.
A central topic in the discussion is the city airport, which sits in a 71-acre section in the middle of south Kalispell and garners mixed opinions. CTA’s report will identify future options for the airport, including keeping it in its current state or shutting it down.
CTA’s study could drive future action by the city council. The study could push for more trails, bike paths and even a dog park within the area’s growing residential neighborhoods, citing public support. There is also interest in blending business development, including light industrial and commercial, into the open landscape. Expanding and improving Cemetery Road has already emerged as a priority, CTA planners have previously said. The continued growth of development in the area will put added pressure on the narrow two-lane road, as well as the likely development of a new elementary school on Airport Road in the near future.