“This subdivision is nothing more or less than sprawl, plain and simple,” said Laura Howe, with the Orchard Homes Community Association.
On Monday, Howe delivered a petition to the council calling for a moratorium against annexations. Before talking about the petition, Howe first spoke against the Stonybrook proposal planned for the corner of South Third and Tower streets.
In the past few years, the Orchard Homes neighborhood and its rural character have been at the heart of several development debates. Neighbors argue the rich soils and rural nature of the area should lead to less dense developments. Developers have argued their proposals honor the agricultural feel of the land and also bring dwellings to an area that's invested in schools, a hospital and sewer and water lines.
Stonybrook is the most recent proposal to rile neighbors in Orchard Homes. The proposal would create 43 lots on 17.6 acres just south of the Clark Fork River. The area currently is zoned for one unit per acre, and the developer is asking for annexation and a rezone that would put 3.4 dwelling units per acre.
At the meeting, WGM Group's Nick Kaufman said the developer is preserving a 5-acre parcel that juts north from the area slated for homes. The cottonwood forest is rich in wildlife and abuts existing conservation land. As proposed, Stonybrook would create 43 lots on the southernmost 12.9 acres.
Kaufman said the project accounts for floods and an analysis reviewed the agricultural importance of the area. Families who live there can have garden plots, he said. He also argued the development would create smaller “patio” homes for grandparents of the children who attend the neighborhood schools.
Neighbors have formally protested the development. As such, a rezone request must be approved by a supermajority, or eight out of 12 council members. At earlier meetings, neighbors have raised concerns about flooding, neighborhood character, farmland preservation and riparian conservation.
A council committee will take up the matter again at a later date.
Also at the meeting, Ward 3 Councilwoman Stacy Rye asked for information about the Missoula Police Department's use of Tasers. Police Chief Mark Muir said police had planned to purchase Tasers with a grant the department received. With Rye's request, though, the item is on hold until police provide details to the council.
“I'm a little bit apprehensive about Tasers, as a lot of people are,” Rye said.
Reporter Keila Szpaller can be reached at 523-5262 or at keila.szpaller@missoulian.com.
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