MISSOULA, MT – On Monday night, the Missoula City Council took significant steps toward increasing the city’s housing density, approving a rezoning proposal and annexation request for properties on California Street and River Road. The decision aligns with the city’s recently adopted land use plan, which aims to address the growing demand for housing in the area.
The council’s approval will rezone the property located at the intersection of California Street and River Road to allow for higher-density housing. The development plan for the property includes up to 235 dwelling units and 8,500 square feet of commercial space. This move is expected to increase the city’s housing stock in a bid to address the ongoing housing shortage. However, the property is situated within a floodplain, a fact that raised significant concerns among council members and local residents alike.
Vicki Watson, a neighborhood resident, voiced strong opposition to the plan, citing the risks associated with developing in flood-prone areas. “During the downtown master development process, many of us brought up that Missoula must avoid new or more dense development in the floodplain,” Watson said. “It’s not doing anyone a favor to house them in an area with a growing risk of flooding. And when we reduce the flood risk in one part of the floodplain by filling it in or building dikes and levees, we send bigger floods to the people downstream. That sends the problem downstream mentality is why the Clark Fork is lined with Superfund sites.”
Despite these concerns, the council approved the proposal, though members emphasized that further steps would be taken to address flood risks and ensure proper mitigation measures are in place before development moves forward.
In addition to the rezoning of the property on California Street and River Road, the council also voted to annex 400 California Street. The annexation request included a rezoning of this property to match the classification of the adjacent site. This property, like the first, is also located in a floodplain, sparking similar concerns among local residents regarding environmental risks.
Looking ahead, the city council is expected to make a decision soon on whether to annex 2100 Flynn Lane, another property that could further contribute to Missoula’s growth.
Mayor Andrea Davis also took the opportunity to highlight Missoula’s commitment to sustainability during the meeting, announcing that the city has been a designated Tree City USA for 37 years. The mayor encouraged residents to continue planting trees as part of the city’s long-standing dedication to environmental stewardship.
The decision on California Street and River Road marks a pivotal moment in Missoula’s efforts to balance growth with environmental and community considerations. As the city moves forward with its housing strategy, ongoing discussions about development in floodplains are likely to continue, particularly as the city faces increased pressure to meet the demands of a growing population.
As Missoula navigates these challenges, the council’s decision represents a significant step toward addressing the city’s housing needs, while residents and environmental advocates will no doubt remain vigilant about the potential long-term impacts of such developments.
