Downtown plan raises concerns

As a downtown merchant and proprietress of Montana Territory, I feel it necessary to state my position on the Whitefish Downtown Infrastructure Improvement Project, reinforcing my concerns submitted at the meeting held Jan. 8.

I was disappointed by another "improvement" project developed by outside experts for the benefit of improving downtown business and keeping up with current trends.

Perhaps the citizens and their livelihoods most affected by this plan could, and should, have had a voice in such a large change to our downtown during the conceptual stages instead of after-the-fact.

? The many improvements proposed, according to the design team, would result in a more pedestrian-friendly, updated downtown, keeping us competitive with the valley's growth.

Yes, we do need improvements to our city infrastructure — storm drain, water main, etc. — which is money well spent.

Question being, why wasn't this considered at the time improvements were made to Central Avenue years ago?

The small town atmosphere of Whitefish, the individuality of each store and its merchandise, the ease of parking for "one-item" shopping, and our friendly people is what attracts locals and tourists to our downtown businesses.

The proposed design is intended to create an outdoor pedestrian mall-type atmosphere with landscaped areas, benches and street lights at the cost of thirty-seven valuable parking spaces.

Rather than maintaining our historical value, the design will make us look like every other newly revamped small town USA, including many new proposed town centers in the valley that are adapting similar designs. Instead of accomplishing any long term business improvement, it would destroy that which makes Whitefish a unique shopping experience.

Projecting forward: We, as merchants, have already felt the effects in sales due to the uncertain economy, not to mention the many other factors figured into the equation, i.e. Glacier National Park roadway reconstruction project, changes in allowable rentals in our city, etc.

Can we afford to strap on more, causing loss of business, during construction for 3, 4, 5 years (no one possibly able to accurately predict total downtime)?

? Widening sidewalks is proposed for the visual perception of additional space from store front to curb.

The extension of the sidewalks, using "scored" concrete areas, will make it impossible to remove debris from the these areas. With canopy posts remaining where they are, the additional sidewalk space will not be used or covered therefore exposed to the weather, creating a snow berm in winter at the curbs' edge and making it impossible to step over to reach the sidewalk. Not too pedestrian friendly.

As a native Montanan, and living here for the last 30-plus years, I have never observed a problem with overcrowded sidewalks.

? Narrowing Central Avenue is proposed, adding elevated intersections with raised crosswalks, and mid-block crossings.

It would make it difficult, with added summer traffic and impossible in winter with four-wheel drive vehicles (a necessity in Montana winters), to maneuver in and out of parking spaces and negotiate turns at the new intersections.

Again, the loss of 37 easily accessible parking spaces downtown would be devastating.

? A parking facility is proposed.

This is a necessity for the healthy economic growth of downtown Whitefish. In addition to solving many existing parking issues, it would be a very good location for a visitors center. Their original design, however, includes retail/office spaces on the first level which, according to the design group, is the most costly aspect of the construction.

Since when did the city start competing with the private sector in retail/office space, and why would valuable parking spaces on the most convenient parking level be excluded for this retail space?

In conclusion, using moneys wisely for "necessary" improvements such as constructing a parking facility (with perhaps more aesthetic appeal) and having funds remaining to better care for our existing parks, improved snow removal, added bathrooms in the parking facility, and perhaps even small seasonal plantings that do not cause more obstruction for snow removal, trash and debris collection, and vandalism would be a more appropriate solution.

And, allowing us to maintain our individuality from every other town that has adapted a "new improved" plan for their downtown.

Roberta Speer is a downtown business owner.