Residents, businesses split over Main Street streetscape as council weighs Safe Streets grant application

Dozens of Kalispell residents and downtown business owners gave public comment on a proposed Main Street streetscape project and a related Safe Streets grant application, with speakers sharply divided over pedestrian safety, parking, snow removal and long-term infrastructure costs.

Supporters told the council the grant could fund needed upgrades to sidewalks, traffic calming and downtown infrastructure. Mel Noyes, a downtown resident, said, “I urge you to move forward and apply [for] the grant.” Several business owners and representatives, including the chair of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, argued the project could make downtown safer and more attractive to shoppers and visitors and — if paired with bypass and other work — reduce truck traffic through the core.

Opponents said the plan would remove vehicle lanes or parking, worsen congestion, complicate deliveries and create snow‑removal problems in winter. Multiple speakers, including owners who work downtown, said limited parking is already a major constraint for customers and employees and that a wider sidewalk would not necessarily translate to sustained foot traffic. One long‑time resident…