Herron’s Landing subdivision nearing next two phases of construction
Facing a statutory deadline, the Missoula City Council is expected to vote Monday on the next two phases of a subdivision in the Sxwtpqyen neighborhood, one that will provide 347 lots on 72 acres once completed.
Herron's Landing, proposed by Mullan Road Partners LLC and located off George Elmer and Chuck Wagon drives, won preliminary approval from the City Council in 2020. The project consists of 10 phases with 25 conditions of approval.
While the city cannot deny phased development at this point in the project, it can amend any conditions based on changes that have occurred since preliminary approval was granted.
City planner Alex Eidam said a number of amendments will be recommended in a memo expected ahead of next Monday's decision.
“Any approved amendments to findings of fact are then used for the review of subsequent phases,” she said. “After phased development review, the applicant can submit for final plat approval, which ensures their submittal meets the conditions that result from the phased development review process.”
Eidam said the changes will be minor and include the renaming of roadways, the old Flynn-Lowney irrigation ditch, and the location of a commuter trail required as part of the project.
After the development won preliminary approval, the city acquired ownership of the water rights once held by the Hellgate Valley Irrigation Company, along with ditch easement. The city intends to retain ownership of the ditch easement and will place certain requirements on the development as a result.
Project representative Ryan Salisbury with WGM Group said the first phase of the subdivision is poised to break ground. It will include 21 lots.
“Phase W1 was started in construction in 2021. It's completed, the final plat is recorded, and building permits are being submitted and construction starts very soon on residential units,” Salisbury said.
The next two phases will include 31 lots on 10 acres and 41 lots on 9 acres.
The project is one of many slated for the Sxwtpqyen area. The city has begun infrastructure work ahead of development using funding from a $13 million federal BUILD grant received three years ago.
One fully filled, the area will provide around 6,000 units of housing, along with new retail and commercial opportunities. Missoula Mayor John Engen this week said, “more than 20 subdivisions are going to come before City Council in relatively short order.”
The South Hills of Missoula is also seeing steady growth.