Business park proposed near GPI Airport

A 20-lot business park planned across the highway from Glacier Park International Airport is the focus of a public hearing before the Helena Flats Land Use Advisory Committee on Thursday.

David and LaZetta Krause are asking for preliminary-plat approval of Prospect Business Park, to be built in two phases over 40.78 acres. The property is located on Pioneer Road, just east of U.S. 2 across from the airport. It’s currently used for agriculture and is undeveloped, with the exception of a large agricultural building.

A portion of the property is unzoned, and a portion is located within the “Scenic Corridor” that regulates signs and cellular communications towers, according to the Flathead County Planning Office staff report.

The Krauses stated in their application the commercial subdivision will be similar to the Pioneer Business Park located just east of their proposed development.

In agency comments provided for the staff report, the Flathead Municipal Airport Authority noted the proposed commercial subdivision is located along an active runway and is subject to daily aircraft overflights at low altitudes.

“Subsequently, this property may be exposed to fumes from exhaust, dust and aircraft noise produced by landings, takeoffs and training operations,” the airport authority noted.

The authority further said that pursuant to federal regulations, the Federal Aviation Administration would have to determine any construction hazards such as the heights of structures. Since the property also is within the 5,000-foot hazardous wildlife buffer, pursuant to the FAA’s advisory circular for hazardous wildlife attractants on or near airports, the federal agency also would look at that issue.

The county Road Department submitted written comments, noting Abelin Traffic Services recommended the developer participate in a meeting with the county, BNSF Railway and the state Department of Transportation regarding the railroad crossing on Pioneer Road. Abelin also recommended the developer reserve an easement on the south end of the property as a future access to the development, and the county concurred with that recommendation.

“Requesting employees of the development to use other routes of entry to the facility at certain times is another reasonable alternative to the railroad crossing issue,” county road officials noted.

The Helena Flats Land Use Advisory Committee meets at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Helena Flathead School library, 1000 Helena Flats Road. The committee’s recommendation on the proposed business park will be forwarded to the Flathead County Planning Board for its consideration and public hearing on Nov. 14.

The Flathead County commissioners will make the final decision after the Planning Board has issued its recommendation on the project.

News Editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.