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SUMMARY: This time, the University of Montana should be transparent about plans for South Campus.

The University of Montana will have yet another chance to prove itself a good neighbor to the families who live across from its ever-growing South Campus as it considers the purchase of a nine-hole golf course high up on Missoula's South Hills.

The university botched its first opportunity - or first few opportunities - in recent years by keeping the Lewis and Clark neighborhood in the dark about plans for a giant new dormitory complex and then for a condominium-luxury home development.

Both times, the people most affected by the proposals - UM's neighbors in the Lewis and Clark area - were among the last to know. And by the time they were informed - begrudgingly, it seemed - the plans were fairly well along.

The first time, UM went ahead and built the Lewis and Clark Apartments, over neighborhood objections and with few concessions. The second time, the Montana Board of Regents nixed the university's plan for a subdivision on the edge of the South Campus.

Now comes UM's possible purchase of Highlands Golf Course, off Whitaker Drive. And while the golf course itself is a mile or so from the South Campus, its purchase would have a direct impact on the future of that ground.

Which brings us back to this moment and the opportunity UM officials have to be neighborly - which we define as being honest and open about their plans for the land along Southwest Higgins.

If the Highlands purchase is intended as a way to “replace” the University Golf Course, then UM needs to say that right off. If it would open the door to another subdivision proposal or more dormitories or academic buildings at the South Campus site, then UM needs to say that as well.

Show the neighborhood - indeed, show all of Missoula - the plan. Or the proposed plan. Let people get involved early. Listen to what they say and take the community's wishes into account.

Missoula loves its hometown university and the students who live and work here during their college years. We welcome them to our neighborhoods, and for the most part live well together.

But UM as an institution has a responsibility to be a good neighbor as well.

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