Members of the public and business community spoke out in support of the expansion of the West Side Urban Renewal District at the city council meeting on Oct. 17.
“This is really an opportunity for the Kalispell City Council to have a vision of where we want to be 30 years down the road,” Kim Morisaki of Montana West Economic Development said.
If amended, the 1997 Urban Renewal Plan would open up possible redevelopment in a larger swath of land as recommended by the city planning staff.
“I think it would add a lot of vitality and improve the economy and would be a good asset if done properly,” Joe Unterreiner, the president of the city’s Chamber of Commerce, said. “But I’d like to emphasize the need to really plan this out.”
Former Kalispell Mayor Pam Carbonari, representing both the business improvement district and the downtown association, expressed her desire to see blighted areas cured by the Urban Renewal Plan.
“When I look at and address blight, I’m looking at buildings that are boarded up,” she said.
Carbonari believes the expanded Urban Renewal Plan would improve a struggling transportation infrastructure and provide convenient access to businesses.
“This will enhance our downtown district by continuing to improve the very core of our community as the economic, commercial and business hub of the Flathead Valley,” she said.
The city council is expected to make a decision on the proposed amendment in the near future.