Keller Made Recommendations for Growth Plan Process

SWAN VALLEY - Swan Valley resident John Keller spoke about his observations of the Missoula County growth plan process and gave his recommendations to help improve the Swan Valley Regional Plan (SVRP) at the Swan Valley Regional Planning Committee meeting Aug. 3.

Chair Ken Donovan said he invited Keller to speak about what he has learned about the county plan and how it can be applied to the Swan Valley growth plan. Donovan said, “John has been to most of the [Missoula County Growth Plan] meetings and I think his observations will benefit our process. He can give us some directional assistance. He has spent years studying the data.”

Donovan added that the growth plan needs to somewhat synchronize with Missoula County’s plan but at the same time the citizens want the Swan Valley to remain unique. The residents have said in their comments, ‘just because it is good for Missoula doesn’t mean it is good for the Swan Valley.’

Keller said that he told the Missoula County Commissioners and Missoula Community and Planning Services (CAPS) during a public comment session that The Missoula County Growth Plan needs to acknowledge the need for growth and a reliable tax base.

“Our [Swan Valley] tax base is shrinking,” said Keller.

Keller said in 115 years the developable land in the Swan Valley has shrunk from 47 thousand acres to 17 thousand acres. Private land has gone into exempt government status, conservation easements and subdivisions. Keller, a Swan Valley realtor, added that 20 percent of the tax base in the valley is for sale and land value is down as much as 30 percent.

Keller objects to Missoula County’s regulations and zoning that has a, “one size fits all mentality” for the urban and rural areas. “We in the valley need to define our own land use,” he said.

Keller recommended that the SVRP should include maps that account for every land parcel. However, he said that each parcel should only be assigned one use, even it there are multiple uses, because otherwise it skews the true amount of land available for development. He recommended showing clearly land use restrictions such as wetland, utility easements and roads. He said that adding layers that would contribute to meaningful discussion include:

• soils of importance

• critical wildlife habitat

• wildland urban interface

• developable vacant land

• infrastructure extensions for services, parks, trails

• These should include active participation from land owners about land use

Keller recommended further policies that would fit in the process, principles and priorities categories.

Process:

• 20 year horizon reviewed every five years. Describe where growth might take place based on population

Principles:

• Practice governance of, for and by the people, town hall model

• Empower the local community

• Resist the over regulation that has emerged in the last 15 years

Priorities:

• Life, liberty, happiness

• Economic freedom, private property rights

• Celebrate free market system and ingenuity

• Produce a balanced land use plan- supported by maps, data and text that is supported by the private property owners

Keller said, “We need more listening sessions in Missoula County, not more regulations.”

In other business, there was a discussion about the importance of the Mission Mountains Mercantile for supplies and gas. Owner Len Kobylenski may have to apply for many permits before he can rebuild the store that was destroyed by fire. Donovan suggested that residents wait until Kobylenski applies for a building permit and then send letters to all three Missoula County Commissioners requesting they expedite the process of issuing permits pertaining to the building process.

The next SVRPC meeting is scheduled for Aug. 23 at the Swan Valley Community Hall at 7 p.m.