Dear Whitefish Planning Board & City Council Members:
We are writing in connection with the proposed Mountain Gateway project. We are second-generation property owners in Whitefish.
We came here because Whitefish and the surrounding area is special. It has remained that way, in large part, due to the conscientious efforts of city planners preventing the area from being overwhelmed by commercial development, and preserving the unique character of the town. That mission should be viewed by city leaders as a continuing responsibility.
Without its unique charm, wonderful multigenerational neighborhoods, access to affordable housing in the valley, wildlife, and water quality of the lake and streams, Whitefish would not be Whitefish. Growth of our community is inevitable, but we
have a duty to ensure it is both sensible and responsible.
Congestion is already a serious concern in the area being discussed. Making our way down Wisconsin Ave and Lakeshore drive during the summer, or on any ski day, is now taking twice the time it once did. Traffic is often backed up for more than a mile.
Our neighbors tell us it takes their children 45 minutes to be bused to school. Of great importance, access in and out has become a safety hazard on this two lane road. In the event of a family medical or fire emergency, traffic congestion and gridlock along Wisconsin Avenue could realistically result in a life-threatening situation.
The Mountain Gateway development as proposed is not responsible by any measure. It requires zoning changes that currently protect our residential neighborhoods and includes allowing commercial development at the corner of East Lakeshore Drive and
Big Mountain Road. No round-about will resolve traffic congestion. In fact, it would make crossing this intersection for pedestrians and bicyclists treacherous. And, the congestion referenced already exists before adding another ~500 cars on a regular basis coupled with the additional traffic that will result from the Landmark project on
Big Mountain.
The real issue at hand is the fact that the current infrastructure is inadequate to support a project of this magnitude. The city has a responsibility to see there is adequate infrastructure before any development is allowed. Given the magnitude of the problem we face, perhaps an annual growth moratorium should be considered until we can catch up as Golden, Colorado wisely enacted. There have not been adequate traffic, water quality and wildlife impact studies so that we know the true impact of this development. A project that includes over 300 high density units and over 500 parking spaces is inconsistent with the existing land use of the properties and is misaligned with the neighborhood’s character. It does not offer true affordable
housing and will not benefit the community, which is one of the developer’s primary justifications for rezoning. In fact, the view that this project will benefit the community seems to be an opinion only the developer holds. There is an
overwhelming objection to this project as evidenced by public comment, the displeasure of countless respected community leaders, and well over 3,000 signatures on a petition.
Many of us came to Whitefish because it was special – not an Aspen or Vail. If we are not careful, that is what we will become. Of course, we can grow, but we should do so in a responsible manner.
We deserve better than allowing such a grandiose project as proposed. We respectfully request that after an objective assessment of the proposed PUD and Zoning Map Amendment, you make the decision to deny the applications as submitted.