City councilmembers recently debated whether streetlights should be mandated in new subdivisions, weighing the benefits of deterring criminal activity and enhancing public safety against the increased cost of homes.
The inclusion of streetlights is just one of the proposed new requirements in a comprehensive revision of the city’s subdivision regulations, sparking a series of public discussions. The Planning Division held three public meetings earlier in the year before opting to postpone the updates for 60 days and schedule two additional meetings.
After presenting at a City Council work session in June, the department is set to present at another session in early August. City planner Dave Green mentioned that the council will vote on the changes at a later meeting, the date of which is yet to be determined.
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Dave Green with the City of Billings listens to comments from realtors during a meeting to discuss updates to subdivision regulations at the Billings Associations of Realtors office on Thursday, Mar. 21.
One councilmember acknowledged that a decision needs to be made to move the process forward.
The ongoing debate on lighting and other regulations underscores the varied perspectives of stakeholders, including developers, realtors, emergency responders, planners, and politicians, on matters related to housing, highlighting the complexity and time-consuming nature of effecting changes.
Dave Green with the City of Billings presents updates to subdivision regulations during a meeting at the Billings Associations of Realtors office on Thursday, Mar. 21.
