Residents demand halt on subdivision amid infrastructure crisis

During a recent government meeting, community members voiced concerns regarding a proposed subdivision in the Y-two area of Missoula County, which has been designated as infrastructure deficient. Jerry Dallas, a long-time resident of Frenchtown Valley, emphasized the pressing infrastructure issues, including transportation, water, and wastewater systems, that have not been adequately addressed before considering new developments.

Dallas highlighted that since 2021, the county has approved subdivisions creating 249 lots, which he argued would exacerbate the existing infrastructure strain. He pointed out that each new home is estimated to generate an additional 4.2 vehicle trips per day, leading to over 1,000 additional trips in an area already struggling with infrastructure deficiencies. He urged the commissioners to delay the proposal until the completion of a comprehensive infrastructure report by WGM Group, expected in 2024, which aims to assess the needs of the Y-two area.

Dallas also criticized the county's request for a mill levy to fund existing road maintenance while simultaneously considering new subdivisions that would further burden the infrastructure. He questioned the rationale behind approving the subdivision, given the county's own acknowledgment of the area's deficiencies.

The meeting allowed for public comments, with Dallas being the first to speak. Further comments were anticipated from other community members, including business representatives, as the discussion on the subdivision proposal continued.