Commercial subdivison near landfill gets OK

A request for preliminary plat approval for what will become four light industrial/commercial lots near the Flathead County Landfill was unanimously approved by the county commissioners on Tuesday.

The subdivision, Redtail Ridge, was proposed by property owners David and Ruth Fretz in late December. It will occupy a little more than 24 acres that will be divided into four lots at 3945 and 3947 U.S. 93 N. between Kalispell and Whitefish.

The Flathead County Planning Board forwarded a recommendation for the proposed lots after a public hearing earlier this month. During the hearing, some concern was expressed from city of Whitefish officials who felt the lots could spur strip development along the main stretch of highway.

However, the commissioners maintained that given the property’s proximity to the landfill, there may be “no better place” to put such commercial and industrial developments.

“You certainly don’t want a home there; I wouldn’t want a home next to the landfill,” Commissioner Pam Holmquist said.

According to the planning staff report, the subdivision likely will reduce agricultural use in an area of prime farmland. The lots will also have minimal impact on water, wastewater and storm-water because the subdivision will use wells and on-site septic, the planning report indicated.

Reporter Kianna Gardner can be reached at 758-4439 or kgardner@dailyinterlake.com