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Kalispell Accepting Public Comment on Downtown Trail, Street Connections

A printed informational newsletter will be mailed to property owners in the core area

By Beacon Staff

Residents are encouraged to submit public comment on a pair of projects planned for Kalispell’s core area.

The city is moving forward with a revitalization plan that would include replacing two miles worth of railroad tracks in downtown with a sprawling bike and pedestrian trail system. The plan also calls for reconnecting at least six streets along Railroad Street West on the north side of the Kalispell Center Mall. The neighborhood is fragmented by the tracks, and by rejoining the streets, city staff see the potential redevelopment of roughly 14 acres of land that is landlocked and underutilized. Both projects could begin by 2019.

As part of the National Environmental Protection Act, Kalispell is accepting public comment on both proposals. A printed informational newsletter will be mailed to property owners in the core area this week. Additionally, information will be available and survey responses requested at Northwest Montana Fair—Expo Building on Wednesday, Aug 17 thru Friday, Aug 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A pair of open houses will be held at City Hall; the first is Wednesday, Aug. 24, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a formal presentation at 6 p.m. and Thursday, Aug. 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a formal presentation at noon.

Comments can be submitted to Katharine Thompson, Kalispell’s community development manager at 758-7713 or [email protected].