Montana News
Commissioners approve a 400 unit housing development near Frenchtown
With Montana News, I'm Eleanor Smith. Missoula County Commissioners have approved a major subdivision near Frenchtown that's projected to bring over 400 housing units to the area over the next two decades. Montana Public Radio's Edward O'Brien reports. Developer Matt Malott told Missoula Commissioners last week the Grass Valley Garden subdivision is designed to provide a wide range of housing options from studio apartments to four bedroom homes. "We've referred to it as a housing incubator. You could theoretically get out of high school, get your first department, and live in the same community, moving houses up and down as you age. This is not some gated community that is keeping people out or only certain types of houses." The land sits on 187 acres of unused agricultural land just west of Missoula. Developers describe the project as a complete town center built around a 45 acre permaculture farm featuring over six miles of trails. The subdivision will eventually include housing and businesses, including restaurants. Some who participated in last week's meeting expressed concern about the project's impact on existing infrastructure. Project Proponents said this kind of development will increase the tax base over the long haul to eventually build out that necessary infrastructure reporting from Missoula. I'm Edward O'Brien.