Looking Back: Plans for inexpensive housing proposed, tall buildings allowed

A look back at past Pilot articles by Julie Engler 

50 Years Ago 

Sept. 15, 1976

Two separate plans for providing inexpensive housing for Whitefish residents were presented at a City Council meeting. Sam Grenz showed plans of a proposed subdivision on Colorado Avenue where he plans to develop 11 acres, 5 lots at a time, with modular homes. Grentz explained, "The average income of people in Whitefish is $10,000 to $12,000, and yet it's almost impossible to find a house here for under $26,000 to $28,000. What I propose to do is erect homes people in that income bracket can afford to buy." After examining many modular homes, he said he had found a house he would like to use in his development. Since the council agreed that there was a need for low-cost housing in Whitefish, they said they would have no objections to Grenz's plans if this modular home meets all city building codes. 

40 Years Ago 

Sept. 10, 1986

Over the objections of its fire department, the City Council doubled the allowable height for buildings in some business zones in Whitefish. The vote was the culmination of a long process and many hearings that drew strong public opinion on both sides. The council also decided it would not approve any taller buildings until it has passed ordinances establishing fees that must be paid for impact on the community. These ordinances would apply to all development. The new ordinance states that buildings taller than the present 35-foot cap may be built up to 75 feet, but only with a special use permit, which may be granted by the Council after certain requirements are met. These include showing the availability of adequate sewer, water, fire and police protection, among others. 

30 Years Ago 

Sept. 12, 1996

In the face of an "emergency situation," the Whitefish School Board unanimously voted to support Principal Kim Anderson in his quest to cut classroom sizes at Central School. The school, which housed students from 5th through 8th grade, was maxed out both in terms of classrooms and enrollment. The fifth and sixth grade enrollment was cause for concern with several classes matching the state's 30 per classroom limit. "What we have here is an emergency situation," Superintendent Dave Peters said during the board meeting. More than 65 parents attended to discuss possible solutions to the problem. 

20 Years Ago 

Sept. 7, 2006

Facing about $5 million in capital improvement projects over the next five years, the Whitefish City Council agreed to raise water rates by 15.35% this year, by 6% in 2007 and in 2008, and after that, base increases on the consumer price index. HDR Engineering, which helped draft the city's 5-year water utility plan, recommended a 12.5% increase this year. Public Works Director John Wilson said his department proposed an additional 2.85% because the consultant had not taken into account specific cash flow requirements needed to finance low-cost state bonds. The last time the city raised water rates was in March 1999, Wilson told councilors. Since then, the consumer price index for water, sewer and trash collection has increased 25%, he said, and local demand for heavy construction has driven up construction bids at an even faster pace. 

10 Years Ago 

Sept. 7, 2016

While a study of Whitefish's workforce housing shortage was underway, one meaningful project addressing the issue was already in the works and another was being planned. The 60-unit Whitefish Crossing apartment complex on Highway 93 South was expected to be completed by early next spring. Developers Jeff Badelt and Sean Averill of Montana Development Group are constructing five buildings with 12 units each on the 4.5-acre site behind the Naturally Clean dry cleaners. Six of the apartments are planned to go to the Whitefish Housing Authority as deed-restricted rentals. All of the units would be long-term rentals.