The Kalispell Planning Board on Tuesday unanimously recommended the Kalispell City Council approve a proposed conditional-use permit for a girls group home on Eighth Avenue East.

Eureka-based Chrysalis Schools of Montana is requesting the permit for a transitional housing facility for, at most, eight teenaged girls between the ages 13 and 18 at 1005 Eighth Ave. E. in Kalispell. The board is legally required to accept the conditional-use permit, although it has leeway to place “reasonable conditions” on the property.

The girls in the house would be partway through a 12-to-18-month residential treatment program for diagnoses including anxiety and depression. They would likely attend Flathead High School or Flathead Valley Community College Running Start and participate in outdoor activities on the weekends. The house would be staffed for 24 hours by an awake adult.

The Planning Board heard two public comments about the proposal during the meeting, both generally in favor of the project.

One of the owners of a house in the neighborhood of the prospective group home expressed her understanding for the importance of these facilities and asked the board to consider a few “reasonable conditions,” including regulations on parking and noise. Supporters of the home pointed out the girls will not have their own individual vehicles, so parking should not drastically increase in the area, and the 24-hour staff should be able to monitor noise levels.

The executive director of Chrysalis Schools of Montana also spoke in favor of the proposal. He explained the girls in the program are considered “high-functioning” and their parents hold the organization to a high standard of care. He also said he believes their efforts to beautify the property will increase nearby property values, and he noted, “there will always be a responsible adult there supervising these girls and helping support them with their process.”

Various board members voiced support for the project. Board member Ronalee Skees, who reported she experienced homelessness when she was 15 years old, said, “I would like to let people know that the girls that go through the program are the girls that could be sitting right here … People have value and I thank you for that opportunity to change their lives.”

The Kalispell City Council will take up the proposal at its July 6 meeting.

The Planning Board then held a work session about a planned-unit development at 430 Stillwater Road. The project—which would include single and multi-family residences, a retail area, a clubhouse and trails—was previously discussed at a work session on March 10. On Tuesday, the board discussed some concerns that had been brought up earlier, including snow storage, fencing and responsibility for alleys. Board members also mentioned changes that had been made in the plans since the last discussion, including increasing the lot size from 40 to 44 feet, expanding the park area and connecting the trail system more fluidly, and adding a clubhouse.

There will be a public hearing on the proposed planned-unit development on July 14.

Finally, Planning Director Jarod Nygren updated the board about the status of the downtown Core Trail. He said they expect to receive the Finding of No Significant Impact this week after awaiting that designation since January. He added there will be a City Council work session about street connection options on June 22, which will move up the design process for the project.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at (406)-758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.