MISSOULA — Monday evening’s Missoula City Council featured a full agenda.
The biggest topic addressed the proposal for a high-density condominium to be built near the Hip Strip, and after hearing from a room full of community members about the matter, the council chose to postpone their decision.
The proposal calls for a four-story, 48 unit, building along South Fourth Street East where four historic homes currently sit. The plan also includes off-street parking. Developers for the project attended the meeting and described their vision saying that the new housing would welcome a diverse population and improve neighborhood connectivity.
But over 30 community members challenged the proposal during the public comment period. In addition to vacating families currently living in the historic homes, many folks worry that the new building will destroy a historic location and begin changing the culture of Missoula.
Once the public comment period finally ended at 1 a.m. on Tuesday, the Missoula City Council decided to postpone their decision. Current Fourth Street resident Hannah Miller considers the delayed decision a “win” -- for now.
"When I finished my statement, I urged them to vote no, but I also urged the city council to postpone their decision. You know it gives the community more time to see what they can do on our behalf, and it gives the council more time to really take into consideration the community’s opinion. So, all in all I consider it a win."
The public is invited to attend the council’s next meeting on Jan. 8 to see whether that proposal is accepted or denied.
