Services and Density Discussions Heat Up

SWAN VALLEY – The Swan Valley Regional Planning Committee discussed the Public Facilities and Services element at their meeting, Oct. 14. Discussion about services needed and wanted by the residents was followed by vocal opinions regarding land density in the plan.

In the introduction to the Facilities and Services element, planner Robert Horne said he tried to convey the attitude he heard in the neighborhood meetings: The Swan Valley is not getting the tax money they pay into Missoula County back in the way of services. In regards to law enforcement, Horne included the community’s desire for a stronger police presence.

Those in attendance discussed community needs and wants regarding refuse disposal. The committee agreed that the plan should convey the community’s desire for a solid waste transfer site in Condon. Horne explained that by including that in the regional plan, it makes a case in a public document that has been vetted by the community should there be an opportunity to apply for grants to fund a transfer site.

Services desired for seniors expressed by those in attendance included: long-term in-home health care, a local senior center with organized activities and congregate meals offered more than twice per week. Currently there are senior meals available at the Hungry Bear on Mondays and Thursdays.

Based on the suggestions made, Horne will make revisions to the draft he presented to the committee and it will be available on the Missoula County Community and Planning Services website http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/mccaps/ConservationCommunities/CommunityCouncils/SwanValleyPlanningCommittee.htm

Chair Cilla Moseley presented to the committee The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) current stance on Section 31. Section 31 is a vacant piece of property owned by TNC that the committee would like to see utilized for the community. Ideas for the property included a community center or affordable housing to encourage young families to move to the valley.

Moseley spoke with TNC Land Protection Specialist Chris Bryant who said the section is under option to purchase by the US Forest Service (USFS). However, USFS has been unable to get the funding.

If that purchase agreement falls through, they would consider offering it to a private party. It would require a new appraisal and TNC would like to see it remain as working land that protects the natural resources through a conservation easement or some other permanent land protection.

The committee discussed how they wanted to represent recommended land density in the plan. The 1996 comprehensive plan designated areas by lot densities, the most common being one dwelling per 40 acres. Horne presented another idea to list areas that are “suitable” for development because they currently have access, are developed or meet other criteria that the committee could establish. Horne emphasized that no matter how this is written in the plan, this is only a recommendation and is not regulatory and subdivisions must provide for water and sewer to be approved.

Committee member Diann Ericson expressed her concern over highlighting areas for development saying this would give the county commissioners areas to increase development.

Swan Valley resident Ken Donovan felt that one to two acre lots would not be the worst thing for the Swan Valley. He added that anyone who feels that subdivision is a bad word is hypocritical because they are all there because of a subdivision at one point.

Swan Valley resident Rick Ferguson said there needs to be a plan because otherwise the Swan Valley is setting itself up for unrestricted growth. Ferguson also feels that climate change and water availability should be included in the density assessment as well as discussed in more detail in the land use section.

Swan Valley resident Gary Lazarowski said density numbers should be used but he did not agree with the numbers on the 1996 plan map.

The committee agreed that Horne should draft a general narrative reflecting the land use values identified by the community versus applying density numbers to a map or listing areas that would be good for development.

To continue this discussion and to review Horne’s draft, the committee will meet again Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. at the Swan Valley Community Hall. The next regular meeting will be Nov. 11 at 4 p.m. at the Swan Valley Community Hall.