Zoning change recommended for Ridgewater Subdivision

In response to changing market dynamics, developers of Polson’s Ridgewater Subdivision are turning their attention toward the construction of affordable housing.

On March 14, the Polson City-County Planning Board voted to recommend a zoning change for a roughly 6-acre piece of land adjacent to the Mission Valley Aquatic Center.

The proposed change, from highway commercial to mixed residential zoning, was billed as a way to keep up with transforming development codes as well as increase building options.

“We didn’t do it to get more density,” developer Mike Maddy said in a phone interview after the meeting. “We thought putting more commercial behind the pool was not a good design. So maybe in some senses we are kind of updating our plan.”

Maddy said developers have adopted the philosophy of building commercial properties in isolated “pods,” while adding affordable housing within walking distance of services such as the aquatic center and future Polson Soccer Complex.

According to a staff report prepared in response to the zoning request, the Ridgewater Subdivision’s Master Plan limits its density to 63 commercial lots, 108 medium-density residential lots and 141 low-density residential lots. The report states that the 10 lots included in the change will be subtracted from the overall total.

Nevertheless, the proposal drew opposition at the March 14 meeting.

Polson resident Margie Hendricks took issue with how many zoning changes have occurred during the history of the development, expressing concern over a lack of public involvement.

“There are deceptions going on here,” she said.

Ridgewater developer Dennis Duty responded that the criticism surrounding the project draws on opinions rather than facts.

“Unfortunately some memories need to be renewed,” he told the joint board. “The facts are it’s been approved and we’ve followed every step.”

Maddy said that despite a handful of vocal detractors, most of the public remains supportive of the development.

“There’s the normal amount of opposition. We’re not going to get around it,” he said. “But we appreciate the public process.”

He said Ridgewater has grown out of a need for additional parking and access in the retail industry.

“We’re not trying to steal from downtown,” he said. “We are how retail is done in a new market. You need to sell a lot more product to keep a store in business.”

While rumors abound of future businesses moving into the development, Maddy said nothing has been confirmed on paper at this point. He said developers are hoping to draft a plan detailing future growth by the end of the summer.