Planning body recommends zone change for former Boys and Girls Club at 535 4th Ave W

A local planning body on an evening meeting recommended approval of a zone change for the former Boys and Girls Club at 535 4th Avenue West in Columbia Falls so the building can house a small physical therapy clinic.

City planner Eric told the body the request would change the property’s zoning from CR‑5 (a two‑family residential designation) to CRA‑1 (a multifamily/residential district that also permits medical and dental offices). Eric said the site encompasses two city lots totaling about 12,500 square feet and that the proposed change is consistent with the area’s urban residential growth policy, which allows limited multifamily uses. Staff concluded the application met the city’s evaluation criteria and recommended approval.

Applicant Jackie, who identified herself as the owner of Laser Peaks Mobile Physical Therapy, said she lives in Columbia Falls and intends to move her practice into the building to expand services including pelvic‑health care for women. Jackie said the clinic currently has three therapists (one will remain mobile), expects to hire at most one additional therapist if demand grows, and typically schedules six to eight one‑hour patient visits per day. “We really love Columbia Falls,” Jackie said, adding the applicants want to preserve the building’s character and keep landscaping and the existing playground where possible.

Several residents urged caution. Rochelle Williams, who lives across the street, asked how many therapists would work on site, how much of the double lot would be paved and whether new exterior lighting would increase light pollution, saying, “When you move here, you can see the northern lights on the porch. Can’t do that anymore.” Another resident raised concerns about driveway paving and whether reconstruction could eliminate their driveway access and increase on‑street parking.

Eric told the hearing he was not aware of any regulation that would close an existing driveway during street reconstruction and said curb cuts are typically formalized rather than removed; he recommended the resident follow up with public works for a definitive answer. He also said parking for the clinic would be reviewed when the applicants apply for a building permit and that on‑site parking would likely be required rather than relying on on‑street spaces.

After discussion, the planning body moved to adopt the staff report as findings for application CCZ2401 and to recommend approval of the zone change to City Council. The vote was recorded as yes from Johnson, (transcript: “Peruvian”), Ping and Fisher; no opposing votes were recorded. The planning body’s recommendation means the City Council will consider the proposed rezoning at a later meeting; the chair said the item is scheduled for the Dec. 2 City Council hearing at 7 p.m.

What happens next: City Council has final authority over zoning changes. Staff advised residents with outstanding driveway or access concerns to seek clarification from city public‑works staff before the council hearing.

Notes on transcript inconsistency: the staff report refers to the applicant as “Glacier Peaks Mobile Physical Therapy,” while the applicant self‑identified as owner of “Laser Peaks Mobile Physical Therapy.” The transcript contains both names; the applicant’s on‑the‑record introduction is used above.