The Kalispell Planning Commission convened on January 14, 2025, to discuss several key developments and community concerns regarding upcoming housing projects and land use planning. The meeting began with a focus on a modular housing model proposed by a vendor from Buena Vista, Colorado, known as Fading West. The vendor's innovative approach involves constructing homes in a warehouse setting, allowing for efficient assembly and rapid deployment. The developer highlighted the potential for building twelve homes per month, emphasizing the quality and efficiency of the modular units, which come fully equipped and certified.

Concerns regarding shipping costs from Colorado were raised, but the developer expressed optimism about the overall efficiency and quality of the homes. The vision for the project includes creating a community that caters to first-time homeowners and retirees, with financial backing from local banks indicating strong demand for affordable housing options.

Public comments were invited, during which a local resident, Lindsay Fisher, raised concerns about the proximity of the new development to her property, particularly regarding livestock safety and potential trespassing issues. The developer assured her that fencing would be implemented to create boundaries between the new homes and existing properties, and encouraged ongoing communication between residents and developers to address concerns.

The commission agreed to move the proposal forward to a regular meeting scheduled for February 11, 2025, where further discussions will take place. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue engaging with the community and addressing any issues that arise as the project progresses. The planning commission will hold additional work sessions in the coming months to refine the land use plan and ensure that community interests are considered in future developments.