The Kalispell Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a planned-unit development for Phase 1 of the Stillwater Bend development at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Spartan Holdings LLC is proposing a mixed-use commercial and residential neighborhood development on approximately 56 acres at 2890 U.S. 93 North. The planning board will take public comments on the proposal for the first phase of the project, a commercial development on the east side of the property.

Spartan Holdings secured an initial placeholder planned-unit development for the property in 2017. They are now proposing a PUD and major preliminary plat for Phase 1, which would include 15 commercial lots. Phase 1 also would involve the addition of a right of way to access these lots, which would require an extension of Rose Crossing.

They plan to develop Phase 1 within the next two years, but the application stated the time-line for Phase 2—the residential development—will be dependent on future economic factors. Phase 2 would be part of a future PUD request.

The property would be zoned for general business and residential/apartment uses. According to the application, the project is aligned with the city’s growth policy per the 2017 growth policy amendment.

The project would also include sewer and water extensions to connect to city utilities and the creation of open spaces, parks and recreation areas. The application indicated a bike trail would be added to match the trail on the opposite side of the highway.

The applicant is requesting the expected 100-foot setback from the highway be lowered to 50 feet and the required 200-foot setback from the Stillwater River be lowered to “a varying setback depending on the geotechnical analysis of the property.”

The Planning Board discussed the project following a work session on Dec. 10.

The application stated, “The subject property is situated in an area that is currently experiencing tremendous residential and commercial growth. The project is expected to facilitate further growth and provide additional commercial and residential opportunities for potential residents.”

Documents related to the proposal are available here: https://www.kalispell.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01142020-372

The board meets in the City Council chambers, 201 First Ave. E.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at bserbin@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.