A business hired to explore market opportunities and the cost of revitalization goals in Kalispell’s railroad corridor will share its findings with the Kalispell City Council at a work session tonight.

The Willdan Financial Services study furthers the core area plan that Kalispell adopted as a redevelopment road map for its historically industrial railroad corridor, Community Development Manager Katharine Thompson said.

One of the core area plan’s biggest goals is to remove the railroad tracks and move the last two businesses that use them to a new industrial park at the edge of town as a way to open up significant redevelopment opportunities in Kalispell.

Willdan and city officials present the analysis tonight. 

It evaluates strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for development in the core area and the needs of existing business and property owners. A feasibility analysis looks at costs associated with removing the railroad tracks, moving the businesses that use them, building a linear park through the corridor and other core area goals, as well as potential funding sources and strategies.

ALSO ON TONIGHT’S work session agenda is a planned unit development zoning overlay that Gardner Investments is requesting for two lots totaling 4.7 acres at the corner of U.S. 93 and United Drive in south Kalispell. 

One lot is the proposed site for a new Fred’s Appliance Store.

The zoning overlay cleared the Kalispell Planning Board, which recommended approval subject to 23 conditions. 

Those conditions include layout plans for frontage roads, highway exits and building locations, a traffic impact study, storm water detention plans and a phasing plan with clear trigger points for required improvements.

The council cannot take formal action at tonight’s work session. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in Kalispell City Hall, 201 First Ave. E. It is open to the public.

Reporter Tom Lotshaw may be reached at 758-4483 or by email at tlotshaw@dailyinterlake.com.