New Missoula developer plans improvements to West Pointe subdivision

After one bankruptcy and nearly two decades post approval, the final plat for a growing Missoula subdivision will finally see improvements made in an agreement signed with the county.

Phase 1 of the West Pointe Subdivision, located north of Interstate 90 near Butler Creek Road, was platted back in 2004. The multi-phased project is now owned by Butler Creek Development, which acquired the project from the initial developer.

In an agreement reached with Missoula County this month, Butler Creek has obtained a letter of credit from the Bank of Montana pledging $150,000 in improvements that have yet to be constructed and installed.

John Hart, deputy county attorney, said the new developer is poised to begin the work.

“In that agreement, Butler Creek is promising to install some public improvements in Phase 1 of West Pointe. “They are willing to put them in now and guarantee that work and complete that work by Dec. 24, 2024.”

The public improvements covered by the agreement with the county include trails, a fitness station, rest benches, stairs, picnic tables, a common area, irrigation and some striped walkways.

Ryan Salisbury, a principal engineer with the WGM Group, said the project's current residents are eager to see the work begin.

“The neighbors want to see these amenities installed and ensure that the can doesn't get kicked down the road too far,” Salisbury said. “The primary reason for the delay in these improvements was that the developer needed to see that it was a viable development. It has proven to be popular and lot sales are moving along quite well.”

The project is unfolding on a steep hillside overlooking the Missoula Valley. It includes six total phases and roughly 175 lots. Salisbury said the development's success has Butler Creek looking to begin the next phase.

Other concerns expressed by the residents will be addressed in time, he added.

“There are other concerns the neighbors have, but it's not related to the subdivision improvement agreement,” he said. “Covenants and weeds are concerns the neighbors have. We'll address those needs as the project moves forward.”