Formally Withdrawn

Lakeside Zoning Efforts
On Friday, February 9, 2024, the Upper West Shore Alliance [UWSA] formally requested the withdrawal of the zoning application for Lakeside North. 

After the disappointing outcome with the Flathead County Planning Board, the UWSA retained an accredited planner who provided guidance and expertise as we navigated the next steps. 

As the logistical path forward was revised, it became clear that the UWSA was no longer the appropriate entity to champion zoning efforts for Lakeside. While more than 65% of the proposed zoning district supported the zoning efforts, the UWSA feels that there is a need to continue conversations in public forums. Throughout the zoning initiative, community residents located both inside and outside the proposed district contacted the UWSA and expressed a desire to enact zoning regulations in their neighborhood. Based on our experience, guidance received, previously successful zoning initiatives, and an expert consultant, the UWSA feels that the most successful path to enacting zoning in Lakeside would be small pockets of independent neighbors coming together. These individuals have intimate knowledge of how the land is used and therefore it is our opinion that property owners requesting zoning for their neighborhood would be the most efficient and expedient way to enact change in Lakeside. While the Upper West Shore Alliance will no longer be taking the lead on these efforts, we will continue to advocate for the Lakeside Community and as individuals support future zoning efforts

It has always been the goal of the UWSA to ensure that the residents of Lakeside have representation, a voice, and participation in future growth planning.  We are proud of the steps we took to seat the Lakeside Community Council. Upon receipt of the notice to withdraw, Erik Mack, Flathead County Planning Directory stated, ‘The Lakeside Community Council, if they decide they want to move forward will need to ask the Planning Board to proceed with the project since they would be taking over as the applicant.’ Our experience has shown that this would be a multi-year, daunting task that would likely include a review of the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan. This furthers our conviction that small, neighborhood lead, zoning efforts would be the most effective way to move forward.

Our Appreciation
As we move on from the Lakeside zoning application, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the countless hours that dedicated residents invested trying to ensure managed growth was promoted in Lakeside.  It truly cannot be overstated the amount of time that Lakeside residents devoted to outreach to neighbors, securing documents of support, and participating in Planning & Zoning meetings.  For more than a year, many people pounded the pavement, knocked on doors, stood on front porches, and tracked down neighbors from out of state.  We are so disappointed that these efforts were not fruitful.  It certainly was not for lack of trying. 

In addition to these efforts, the UWSA would not have been able to proceed without the financial support we received through donations.  As a grassroots organization, every dollar helps.  Through these donations, we were able to retain both legal counsel and expert guidance to assist in navigating this process. 

We very much appreciate all of you! 

The Public Hearing for the Lakeside North Zoning District has been postponed to an unknown future date per our request.

After many discussions and conversations with the planning staff, the UWSA has formally requested a postponement of the Commissioners’ meeting for the Lakeside North Zoning District.

When we are ready to proceed, we will request a new hearing.  The new hearing will be at least 50 days out so that the proper public notices can take place.

We feel this is the best path at this time as some inaccurate information has been shared locally and we want to take the time to properly address all these questions and concerns as well as resolve some of the issues that continue to be in flux. Several of our directors have been traveling this month and that contributed to the decision.  We want to ensure that the process isn’t rushed, but rather is thoughtful and fair.  Postponing the Commissioner’s meeting will allow these new questions and concerns to be properly addressed.

The UWSA continues to encourage people to write to the commissioners. We would LOVE the opportunity to speak with any neighborhoods and HOAs who have had an influx of questions popping up. If you are interested in having us at a meeting, please reach out and let us know. Some of the questions coming in are specific to a very small area and we are happy to answer questions and clear up confusion.

The Commissioner's Office is aware of the postponement, and it is listed on their website. As legal notices were posted in the newspaper this item will remain on the agenda; however, there will be no public hearing or decision made. No public comment will be allowed. When they get to this agenda item during the meeting Zoning Staff will make a statement that it has been postponed.

The Lakeside North Zoning meeting had been moved to the Fairgrounds. We are unclear if the meeting will be moved back to the Commissioner's Office. If there is another agenda item that you are interested in, you may want to reach out to the Commissioner's Office to confirm the location.

If you have any questions, you can reach out to us directly by replying to this email.  Your understanding and continued support is appreciated. Thank you!