The Whitefish City Council is expected to vote on the conceptual design plans of a large downtown improvements project at tonight’s 7:10 p.m. meeting.
The proposed $10.8 million plan includes a three-level parking garage and a streetscape facelift that would widen sidewalks and add landscaping downtown, among other features. The council tabled discussion on the project at two previous meetings because not all councilors were present.
The parking garage, as proposed, will be built on Spokane Avenue and Second Street, adding more than 200 parking spaces at a cost of $5.6 million. It would be paid for predominantly with tax increment financing (TIF) dollars. The street project, focused on Central Avenue and intersecting side streets, would add a series of features to downtown in an effort to make it more pedestrian-friendly and attractive. It would cost $5.2 million, paid for with resort tax funds.
Also to be discussed at the meeting:
-Whitefish Transportation Plan (staff recommendation to open and continue hearing at a later date)
-Creation of an alternative process for removing illegal temporary signage
-Recommendation to approve a consultant agreement for design and construction oversight of a new sewage pump station
-Discussion on the length of council meetings