Viewpoint: Nice subdivision proposed for the wrong place
Jean Curtiss
The development dilemma is hitting East Missoula next. The large properties next to the river and the interstate that were historically used for growing hay and cattle are being proposed to be developed into about 175 homes.
The Aspire subdivision will be reviewed by the City Council as the developers from Gallatin County and California are asking to be annexed into the city as they need sewer and water. The community of East Missoula is still in the County so the neighbors who will be immensely impacted don’t have an elected official to speak for them. The East Missoula Community Council is advisory to the County Commission but don’t have any authority.
The properties, as they exist, did not create much traffic and cows and tractors don’t need law enforcement, parks, trails, bike routes, sidewalks, emergency responders, etc. The infrastructure adjacent to these properties is not adequate to handle 2,000 to 3,000 more vehicles per day safely.
The historic, working family neighborhood will become the next sacrificial lamb in the name of new housing for a growing valley. There are already many multi-family buildings in East Missoula, but this subdivision is proposing to direct 90% of the new traffic onto Sommers Street. The Water’s Edge HOA hired an attorney to negotiate with the developer’s representative to only send 10% of the traffic to the north through their subdivision.
Both the City and the County have adopted a goal of Complete Streets - to include sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes as well as curbs, gutters and boulevards along with driving lanes. Sommers Street is not a complete street. There is not adequate right of way to fit all of the complete street components and yet these developers feel they are entitled to use this public road to provide ingress and egress without making the needed improvements.
The City currently has impact fees and the County plans to adopt impact fees in July. These fees can then be used for improvements and to pay for additional law enforcement, fire protection, parks etc.
But if the City collects the fees in this instance, can they be used in the County? And shouldn’t the developer prove the infrastructure can fit and then pay for it? Shouldn’t the families who live along Sommers Street be able to walk the dog, push the baby in a stroller or take their children for a bike ride without being afraid of the traffic?
Sadly, the folks impacted the most have no voice and no elected official voice. This is wrong. And the working family neighborhood will suffer so someone can have a house along the river. Unless you can only afford an apartment and you get to live next to the Interstate. Go to the City’s website and look at the proposed Aspire subdivision. It may be a nice subdivision but it is in the wrong place.
Jean Curtiss, retired Missoula County Commissioner