The Flathead County commissioners on Monday gave a favorable nod to a zone change that will pave the way for a 113-lot subdivision east of U.S. 2 in the Rose Crossing area.

NW Dev Group asked to change the zoning from suburban agricultural with a 10-acre minimum lot size to two-family residential to enable the development of phases two through five of Trumbull Creek Crossing. 

The 110-acre tract is south of Rose Crossing, about a quarter mile north of East Reserve Drive and less than a quarter mile east of U.S. 2.

The first phase of Trumbull Creek Crossing — south of the property currently targeted for development — started in 2007 with 52 lots with homes built at a $189,000 price point, according to Erica Wirtala of Sands Surveying, who represented NW Dev Group at Monday’s public hearing.

Wirtala reiterated testimony given at the Flathead County Planning Board hearing last month, saying it’s an ideal location for high-density housing. It’s close to Helena Flats School and is served by a bike path to the school.

“There is a need for this type of housing,” she added.

Two-family zoning for the next four phases of Trumbull Creek Crossing will allow single-family homes on 6,000 square feet and duplexes on 7,500 square feet.

The property will need to be annexed into the Evergreen Water and Sewer District, and utilities built to city of Kalispell standards because of an interlocal agreement between the city and Evergreen district.

NW Dev Group plans to ask for preliminary plat approval for 36 of the 110 acres, with the remaining acreage planned for future development. The Planning Board is expected to hear that request at its December meeting.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.