EAST MISSOULA — A proposed subdivision in East Missoula is causing concern among residents.
“Drive down our streets and look at the small homes and the lots that are spaced apart,” East Missoula Community Council Secretary Lisa Thomas said describing the area.
East Missoula is getting more and more developed, but residents say it hasn’t been happening quickly.
Resident and business owner Lee Bridges shared, “The growth that we've seen in the past 20 years because of the sewer coming in has been slowly happening.”
However, the DeNova Homes proposed Aspire Subdivision may add 252 homes over the next 10 years.
Even though housing is a growing need in Missoula County, East Missoula Community Council Chair Sue Holden said, "The majority of us don't feel this is the right fit for East Missoula.”
The developers have petitioned to annex the almost 36-acre parcel into the city’s jurisdiction. City zoning allows for more dwellings per acre.
The annexation would also mean a rezoning to fit the city’s standards but Bridges believes the area isn’t ready for that.
“What really concerns me is the density of it. That is a third of the entire population of all of East Missoula. So, I'm talking of about 750 residents [total] in East Missoula. If you take a third of that 250 stick them on 35 acres,” Bridges told MTN.
Many East Missoula residents are unsettled by how the proposed new subdivision would change their community.
“Compatibility with the other homes on all the streets leading up to that subdivision are third of an acre, quarter acre and these are seven homes per acre. So, it doesn't fit,” Thomas explained.
They’re worried about affordability. “I think East Missoulians aren't opposed to growth. We want family homes,” Thomas stated.
Residents are also concerned about the added traffic on narrow roads.
“You're talking about 1,800 cars a day going up Somers Street, we can't handle that. We can't handle anything close to that," Bridges detailed.
Another concern is what it would happen to the ability of residents to speak out. "As soon as it's annexed. We don't have a voice,” expressed Bridges.
Mary McCrea with the City of Missoula told MTN that the residents should express their opinions on the development before the final vote.
Public comment opportunities:
- Thursday, June 27, 6 p.m. at the developer meeting at Mount Jumbo School
- Tuesday, July 16, at the City Planning Board meeting
- Wednesday, August 7, at the City Land Use Committee meeting
- Monday, August 12, 6 p.m. at Missoula City Council
City of Missoula officials are also urging people to comment online at Engage Missoula. All documents on the project are also available there.
McCrea said both the rezoning and the annexation need to be approved before the subdivision is set to be constructed. If city officials approve, residents would not be able to change the plans.
