KALISPELL — The Flathead County Board of Adjustment voted against a prerelease center coming to Flathead County Tuesday night after hearing public testimony on both sides of the issue.
The three-person board unanimously denied the Conditional Use Permit for a proposed prerelease center citing inadequate vehicle access and limited availability for additional law enforcement services among other issues.
The majority of public testimony at the hearing was against the proposed location of the prerelease center on the border of Kalispell and Evergreen on East Oregon Street.
The votes come after the Flathead County Commissioners approved a Resolution of Support for the prerelease Center Tuesday morning.
Flathead County resident Larry Seed who spoke at the meeting about his concerns regarding the proposal said he was pleased with the board’s decision.
“I’m thankful that they listened to the testimony that was given and that they listened to the concerns of the community, I wasn’t certain if that was going to happen, and I believe that a prerelease center is certainly needed, I also believe that is the wrong place for it,” said Seed.
The Montana Department of Corrections can re-apply for a Conditional Use Permit for a prerelease center at a different location at any time.
Montana Department of Corrections Communications Director Carolynn Stocker released a statement to MTN News.
“Pre-Release Centers provide structure and accountability for residents, and they are critical for public safety in communities. Obviously, we are disappointed with the decision by the Board of Adjustment, but we are considering our next steps.”
