The Missoula County commissioners last week unanimously approved a massive 445-housing unit major subdivision near the Wye west of Missoula named Grass Valley Gardens (previously marketed as Grass Valley Farms).
County commissioner Dave Strohmaier stated, “This will enhance our housing stock, aligning with our land use planning map and zoning objectives for the area.”
Situated on 187 acres of empty grazing land on Highway 10 West, west of Deschamps Lane, Grass Valley Gardens will include 218 residential lots with a mix of single-family homes and apartments. Additionally, there will be seven commercial lots and a large community farm.
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Developers, led by Matt Mellott of Grass Valley Farms LLC, have outlined the initial four phases of a planned 13-phase subdivision for Grass Valley Gardens.
Mellott described the project as a “housing incubator,” designed to offer diverse housing options from studio apartments to four-bedroom homes for sale and rent.
Grass Valley Gardens falls within a Targeted Economic Development District, utilizing new property taxes as Tax Increment Financing for public infrastructure development.
Jamie Erbacher, a land use planner with WGM Group, emphasized the role of Grass Valley Gardens in generating tax increment for public infrastructure enhancements and promoting the economic and community well-being of Missoula.
Planners have liaised with the Frenchtown School District, which supports the added population influx. Conversations with the Frenchtown Fire District also indicate a potential need for a new station and revenue from impact fees.
While some public commenters raised concerns about high density and loss of agricultural land, others highlighted the project’s contribution to housing availability and reduced commute times.
Josh Smith, a local business owner, emphasized the necessity of housing developments to expand the tax base for infrastructure improvements. He cited the need for affordable homes for young workers in the area.
County Commissioner Juanita Vero echoed the importance of housing developments in boosting the tax base for infrastructure investments, with developers covering on-site infrastructure costs.
Commissioner Strohmaier acknowledged the project’s alignment with the land use planning map and praised it as an innovative approach to realizing the envisioned changes for the area.
David Erickson is the business reporter for the Missoulian.
