EAST MISSOULA — Concern has arisen among residents over a proposed subdivision in East Missoula.
“Drive down our streets and look at the small homes and the lots that are spaced apart,” Secretary of the East Missoula Community Council, Lisa Thomas, said to describe the area.
Although East Missoula is gradually being developed, residents feel the process hasn’t been rapid.
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.
Chair of the East Missoula Community Council Sue Holden expressed, “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, allowing more dwellings per acre.
“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 about 750 residents in East Missoula. If you take a third of that 250 and stick them on 35 acres,” Bridges explained.
“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 acres. So it, it doesn’t fit,” she explained.
“I think East Missoulians aren’t opposed to growth. We want family homes,” Thomas stated.
Residents are also worried about the added traffic onto narrow roads. Bridges detailed, “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.”
“As soon as it’s annexed, we don’t have a voice,” expressed Bridges.
Residents should express their opinions on the development before the final vote.
Public comment opportunities:
Wednesday, July 7, at the City Land Use Committee meeting
Tuesday, July 16, at the City Planning Board meeting
Monday, August 12, 6 p.m. at Missoula City Council
The City of Missoula also urges individuals to comment online at Engage Missoula. All documents on the project are also available there.
Both the rezoning and the annexation need to be approved before the subdivision is set to be constructed.
After it’s green-lit by city officials, the public would not be able to change the plans.
