The Kalispell Planning Board gave a recommendation of approval Tuesday for a new Samaritan House facility near Peterson Elementary School.

The board unanimously supported a zone change request and a conditional-use permit for Samaritan House’s property at 1110 Second St. W.

Changing the zone from P-1, for public use, to B-3 (Core Area Business) makes it possible for Samaritan House to build new housing on the 2.42-acre property.

The nonprofit plans to create 16 apartment buildings for low-income families and 16 single-occupancy units for veterans. The organization also has plans to add a kitchen and administrative offices in the new building.

Eventually, there’s a possibility that Samaritan House could relocate some of its operations from its shelter on the same campus into the new building, which could create additional shelter beds.

“I think it’ll be…a net gain in a lot of different ways to the city,” said Planning Board member Doug Kauffman, summing up much of the supportive sentiment for the proposal voiced by others on the board and several public commenters.

The biggest concerns about Samaritan House’s requests centered around traffic and sexual offenders.

Chris Krager, executive director of Samaritan House, explained sexual offenders would not be allowed to use the provided facilities. The organization employs a thorough screening process that includes a background check and proof of identification to ensure its patrons are up to the nonprofit’s standards.

Additionally, Kalispell City Engineer Keith Haskins explained the city’s process for analyzing traffic patterns. He said the city initiates a traffic impact study if a road experiences more than 300 vehicle trips per day, but the Samaritan House area is currently below that threshold.

With both major concerns addressed, the Planning Board approved both the zone change and the permit request. The two proposals will go to the City Council for a decision on Nov. 1.

The Planning Board also approved a development request from Meridian Investments, LLC, for a zone change from R-4 (Residential) to B-1 (Neighborhood Business) to its 1-acre acre property at 41 Meridian Court. The zone change, along with a conditional-use permit, will allow Meridian Investments to add multi-family dwelling units there.

The Planning Board unanimously approved both requests, citing enthusiasm for the project’s use of infill development.

The Meridian Apartments zone change and conditional-use permit request also will go before the City Council on Nov. 1.

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