Kalispell City Council rejected Tuesday a proposed apartment complex in South Kalispell but not before annexing the property into the city and rezoning it for single-family and duplex use only.

Roger Foley, represented by Jackola Engineering & Architecture, PC, had proposed putting up 99 multi-family units on a 12-acre plot of land wedged between Ashley Creek and Bluestone Drive. The developer requested that the property be annexed, zoned for RA-1 (residential apartment) and receive a conditional use permit from City Hall.  

While Council annexed the property into the city, it denied the zoning request. Mayor Mark Johnson proposed designating the property as R-4 (residential) instead, which Council approved.  

Interim City Manager Jarod Nygren said the developer could come up with a subdivision proposal that fits the R-4 zoning or pull out of project completely.  

Councilors cited traffic safety concerns, encroachment on wildlife habitat along Ashley Creek and the contrast with the existing neighborhood in the area, which is mostly single-family housing, as reasons for denying the request.  

Councilor Ryan Hunter said he liked the idea of multi-family housing but opposed the development because it failed to maintain a 200-foot buffer from Ashley Creek. While the buffer is not required under city code for the type of development, Hunter expressed concern that its proximity would affect the creek’s water quality.  

Johnson said he struggled with approving high-density development in the area and was concerned that there would only be one entrance and exit point, which would funnel onto the intersection of Bluestone Drive and South Meadows Drive.  

“I am ‘Doctor Yes’ when it comes to subdivisions in Kalispell. I have long said the best thing we can do is let market forces prevail and fix the pricing issues. But it has to be smart,” Johnson said.   

Council unanimously voted to deny the conditional use permit to allow for the development.  

Councilor Sid Daoud recused himself from all votes related to the proposal because he said he spoke with nearby residents about the project while it was in the approval process and on the upcoming agenda, which runs against Council policy. 

Although it ultimately recommended the proposal to Council, the Kalispell Planning Commission had tabled it in July after a flood of public outcry critical of the development. Opponents argued it clashed with the surrounding neighborhood, endangered pedestrians and encroached on wildlife along Ashley Creek. 

Council heard similar concerns from residents on Tuesday night, many related to the lack of a sidewalk on Bluestone Drive where kids and families walk to go to the nearby baseball field, dog park and elementary school.  

Resident Fred Delepper said he already feels unsafe walking along Bluestone Drive.  

“There is no sidewalk, there is no bike path, there’s lots of speeding,” he said.  

Council Ward 3 candidate Kyle Voigtlander voiced his stark opposition to high-density development and building housing where he said infrastructure can’t support it.  

“We have plenty of housing,” Voigtlander said. “Eventually, the housing cost and rising costs will come down, it’s just a matter of time.”  

COUNCIL ALSO voted to rezone and annex property to develop Ashley Creek Park, which is owned by the Bibler Resources Company and sits at the intersection of the Parkline Trail and Great Northern Historical Trail.  

The 36-acre park is expected to feature a playground, gathering place, trail network and garden reminiscent of the Bibler Gardens display in Kalispell.  

Voigtlander during the public comment period said he was excited to see a park but was worried about homeless people moving in and putting children at risk. 

COUNCIL APPROVED the renaming of the Kidsports Complex to the Dan Johns Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex. 

“Mr. Johns gave his heart and soul to the youth athletic complex, and I think it’s completely appropriate to name this so we don’t lose touch of a person who had a great impact on our community,” Johnson said.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and [email protected].