Residents Raise Traffic and Safety Concerns Over Proposed 99 Apartment Development

The Kalispell City Council meeting on September 2, 2025, featured significant public concern regarding a proposed development project that would add 99 apartments to a residential area. Residents voiced strong objections, citing safety issues, traffic congestion, and environmental concerns related to the area's unstable soil and flooding history.

During the public comment segment, several residents expressed fears about increased traffic from large trucks and construction vehicles, particularly during rush hour. One resident highlighted the dangers posed to children walking to school, noting past incidents of pets being hit by cars and the presence of deer in the neighborhood. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of local infrastructure to handle the additional population, with one speaker recalling a history of flooding in the area that has made it unsuitable for dense housing.

Another resident questioned the accuracy of property value claims made by proponents of the development, asserting that many homes in the neighborhood are valued below $400,000. This speaker suggested that smaller housing options, such as townhomes or duplexes, would be more appropriate for the area, rather than a large apartment complex.

Additional comments focused on the potential negative impact on local property values and the strain on school capacity. Residents urged the council to reconsider the project, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluations of the neighborhood's current conditions rather than relying solely on studies.

As the meeting progressed, the council moved on to discuss the formal resolution regarding the annexation of the proposed development site, but the strong sentiments expressed by the community underscored the contentious nature of the project and its implications for local residents. The council's decision on the matter remains pending, with community members hopeful for a reconsideration of the development plans.