MISSOULA — Blackfoot Crossing, LLC is looking to turn 107 acres into a neighborhood and travel plaza.
To do so, Bozeman-based developer Gregory Morse needs to change the zoning.
The Missoula County Commissioners held a packed meeting on March 5 to discuss options and hear from the public.
Located within a targeted economic development district sun-setting in the next three years, the developer says a proposed travel plaza would put money back into Missoula County's general fund.
"If I could make it work without it,I would,but that's the reality of fighting to deliver on my attainable housing vision. 15 acres of travel plaza funds 92 acres of community benefit, sidewalks, wastewater treatment, public lands, and attainable housing," Morse said.
However, the former lumber yard would need to be zoned appropriately. Morse said he's looking to change the zoning to commercially centered.
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The development would have at least 355 homes, yet not more than 400. A sewer system would be created to serve the neighborhood.
"I hope that I demonstrate through this development that we can mix uses together and deliver something that is great for this community," Morse said. "As part of this approval, we are legally required to deliver traffic and safety improvements, the majority of that in the first phase," he added.
Traffic impacts would include making private drives unable to access West Riverside, sidewalks, and potentially a roundabout.
Many area residents oppose the truck stop aspect since there is already a Town Pump across the road.
"I have two young kids and when sharing my concerns about this project, my youngest said he felt so deeply sad about a truck stop going in right by our neighborhood because it would ruin how peaceful our neighborhood feels," Bonner resident Keturah Huisken said.
Locals are, however, in favor of neighborhood centered zoning with community-centric businesses to bring in more money.
"We believe this development would significantly reduce the area's desirability as a place to live, visit, and raise a family," West Riverside Resident Mark Metzger said during the public hearing. "The 'No New Bonner Truck Stop' party and hundreds of locals we reached out to recommend that the county commissioners deny the developer's request for a commercial center, CC, zoning."
The County Commissioners did not finalize any decisions during Thursday's meeting due to time constraints.
The decision, along with further public comment, is scheduled for March 12.
To read more about the project, including traffic specifics, click here.
