During a recent government meeting, community members expressed significant concerns regarding a proposed housing development in East Missoula. Residents voiced their fears that the influx of high-density housing would disrupt the character of their neighborhood and lead to increased traffic and safety issues. One resident, who has lived in the area for six years, highlighted the challenges of affording housing in the same community, urging city council members to consider the voices of those who feel unrepresented in the decision-making process.

Another speaker, Lee Bridges, emphasized the need for the development to remain within county jurisdiction to ensure local input on infrastructure and community planning. Bridges acknowledged the necessity for housing but insisted that the community should have a say in how it is developed, particularly regarding safety and maintaining the area's peaceful lifestyle. She pointed out existing traffic concerns at a critical intersection, urging the council to prioritize community needs over development pressures.

Council members engaged in a detailed discussion about the proposed development's density, with city planner David de Grandpre clarifying that the proposed density of 7.1 dwelling units per acre is only slightly higher than the county's baseline allowance of 6 units per acre. This raised questions about the adequacy of infrastructure, including sidewalks and traffic management, to accommodate the anticipated increase in residents.

The council also addressed the potential impact on local schools, with some members questioning whether the projected number of new students would necessitate the opening of additional educational facilities. While the former superintendent of Missoula County Public Schools indicated that the district could absorb the new students, the lack of current representation from the school district during the meeting left some questions unanswered.

As the meeting progressed, council members sought clarification on various aspects of the development, including the timeline for construction phases, which are expected to span from 2025 to 2035, and the involvement of city departments in managing the annexation process. The discussion underscored the complexities of balancing community concerns with the need for new housing, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between residents and local government as they navigate the future of East Missoula.