Following three public hearings, Missoula County commissioners have approved citizen-proposed zoning north of the I-90 interchange in Frenchtown. This zoning aims to prevent the construction of Town Pump’s planned travel plaza, though the project might still proceed. Town Pump has submitted a permit request, seeking county recognition of a vested right to continue. This decision rests with county staff.
Keeping Frenchtown, a nonprofit, expressed gratitude for community and commissioner support for the zoning initiative. They emphasized the effort’s focus on water supply, child safety, and road quality, reaffirming confidence in the legal grounds of the proposal.
The new zoning covers approximately 400 acres near I-90, permitting one house per 5 acres on most land and diverse zoning for other sections. This would conflict with Town Pump’s plans for a travel plaza near Frenchtown High School, which would include a 25,700-square-foot store, showers, a casino, and 57 parking spaces.
County planners endorsed the zoning, aligning it with the area’s growth policy to protect public health and safety. However, landowners expressed concerns about restrictions on developing commercial properties. Town Pump’s legal counsel, Dan Manson, argued the zoning contradicts the growth policy, which supports commercial projects near the interstate.
The Missoula County Planning and Zoning Commission suggested approving the zoning with a 4-2 vote, despite critiques about the outdated growth plan. Commissioners unanimously agreed but acknowledged the process’s imperfections. Commissioner Dave Strohmaier supported the proposal, anticipating it would align with the upcoming countywide comprehensive planning.
Missoula County plans to initiate a comprehensive plan this fall for unincorporated areas, focusing on land use, housing, transportation, and economic development. Future zoning will likely override the citizen proposal. Commissioner Josh Slotnick highlighted his support was due to this forthcoming planning process.
Keeping Frenchtown encourages community engagement in upcoming planning workshops to develop a comprehensive land-use and zoning strategy benefiting the entire community.
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