New subdivision on Lion Mountain planned
Plans for a new subdivision on Lion Mountain are in the works.
Whitefish resident Ian Collins is proposing to develop Tamarack Ridge with 32 lots on nearly 30 acres off Haugen Heights Road east of the Old Town neighborhood.
A zone change and preliminary plat for the development were given the OK from the Whitefish City-County Planning Board at their September meeting.
The undeveloped property is currently zoned as a country residential district, but Collins is requesting a rezone to estate residential to allow for greater density.
The property is outside city limits, but within the Whitefish planning jurisdiction. It is expected to be annexed into the city as part of the subdivision development.
The project proposes to utilize the city water and wastewater system.
“We wanted to preserve large lots and a forested feel with mature trees while bringing in city water and sewer,” Collins explained. “The density we are proposing just works to bring in sewer. Any less dense and it wouldn’t be cost effective.”
A pedestrian and bike path open to the public is proposed to wind through the subdivision, similar to the path in Iron Horse.
Neighbors to the project are concerned about the overall density, increased traffic and a possible negative impact on their property values. They say the natural setting of the area will be ruined when the project is built out.
“We have always known there would be a development up there,” resident Shelly Means said. “When we bought we were told it was zoned country residential. We were purposeful in buying the lot we did. We all live here for quality of life and I’m concerned about that being affected.”
Planning board member Greg Gunderson said having the subdivision hook up to city services is a “game changer.”
“When zoning was put on the property Old Town wasn’t even conceptualized,” he said. “Now that Old Town has happened, we have city services right there. It makes sense to put this project on city services.”
Diane Smith acknowledged neighbor’s concerns about their property values.
“People bought with a certain expectation,” she said. “I don’t see a reason why that should be changed. It is a spectacular piece of land that is tailor made for big lots. Other than the fact that it’s a project that puts people to work, I don’t see a reason for the zone change.”
The zone changed was approved with Smith in opposition. The preliminary plat was approved with Smith and Rick Blake in opposition. The project goes before City Council for final approval on Oct. 21.