While plans to revitalize Kalispell’s core area continue taking shape, the city council is pondering the possible expansion of a financing mechanism that could aid future redevelopment.
Council called for a public hearing on the subject by a vote of 8-1. Councilor Bob Hafferman cast the lone dissenting vote. The hearing is scheduled for Nov. 5.
The council approved the expansion of the West Side Urban Renewal District last November to include a larger swath of land in the heart of Kalispell. The council also decided to keep the West Side Tax Increment Finance District alive but stopped short of extending it to coincide with the new boundaries, choosing to wait until planning efforts materialized into possible projects.
The city’s planning department, along with CTA Architects Engineers, is putting the finishing touches on the Kalispell Core Area Revitalization Plan, which details a wide range of possible urban renewal projects, including the removal of the railroad tracks. The plan is the result of planning staff efforts, including surveys with over 130 property owners, and the guidance of a steering committee. A final draft is tentatively scheduled to be presented before the city’s planning board Nov. 13.
The highlighted area of the core plan stretches north to East Washington Street; south to First Street; east to Woodland Park; and west to Appleway Drive just past Meridian. It falls within the expanded West Side Urban Renewal District.
If the West Side TIF district were similarly expanded it would become eligible for revitalization projects in the core area. The TIF has accrued roughly $2.3 million from collecting public and private funds within the designated area since 1997.
“The public and landowners of this area have been active over the past several months in the discussions with the city planning staff about the vision for the redevelopment of this area and there appears to be substantial public support for this,” City Manager Doug Russell wrote to councilors in a memo.
Hafferman has remained firmly opposed to keeping the West Side TIF alive, calling it a “slush fund” and a “sham.” At the most recent meeting he railed against expansion, saying there’s no longer a need for the TIF and that the city should reimburse the $2.3 million to taxpayers, the school district and the county.
Councilor Jim Atkinson countered Hafferman’s argument by highlighting the original intent of TIF districts.
TIF districts assist communities with infrastructure and redevelopment needs, Atkinson said.
“Then we’re sitting on a community that looks nicer, has more value and it works,” he said.
“Obviously it’s nice to dole out the money and help the county and school district, but that slows down the progress of development,” Atkinson added. “So you have to weigh that.”