I’m writing to provide public comment on the Mountain Gateway Project’s PUD and Zoning Map Amendment applications. This proposed project involves changing the zoning for multiple properties at the intersection of Big Mountain Road and East Lakeshore Drive to allow for commercial development and the development of 318 residential units, including 270 high-density units. As proposed, the project is inconsistent with the existing land use of the properties and does not represent the community’s vision for the area as referenced below.
As such, I urge the Planning Board to recommend denial of the applications as submitted. The character and density of this proposed development is not consistent with the community vision embodied in the City’s growth plans. In particular, it is a high-density development, with potential commercial buildings, in an area that is currently low-density single-family residences and townhomes. This will have a negative impact on traffic, water quality, the environment, and the quiet enjoyment of this unique area, and these issues have not been adequately studied or addressed. The Wisconsin Avenue corridor is already congested and in many cases difficult to access, even with current levels of traffic.
In addition, there is no guaranteed provision for emergency services, which could put additional pressure on the Wisconsin corridor and downtown fire station. The land grant does not provide capital or ongoing funding for the potential additional fire station, making its actual opening highly uncertain. Please consider the potential short- and long-term impacts of this decision on this beautiful area, and Whitefish in general, and deny these applications.
Thank you for your careful consideration of this issue.