South Gate Triangle residents voice concerns over Bob Ward's property development process

A heated discussion over the future of a key development site in Missoula took center stage at the City Council meeting on May 19, 2025. Residents voiced strong concerns regarding the selection process for a developer on the recently acquired 13.5-acre Bob Ward's Southgate Crossing property.

Carrie Scharber, a resident from Ward 4, raised alarms about the potential conflict of interest in the developer selection. She pointed out that the entity responsible for choosing the developer was founded by one of the sellers of the property. Scharber emphasized that the development plan being used was created by the seller, not the community-driven plan developed with public input back in 2003. “It seems relevant to me that the entity that's choosing the developer for this property was founded by one of the sellers,” she stated, expressing frustration over the lack of community engagement in the planning process.

Scharber highlighted the importance of preserving natural spaces, urging the council to consider the community's desire for access to nature and mature trees in the area. “What we see logically in the neighborhood is backed up by the studies,” she argued, referencing research that underscores the health benefits of green spaces. She called for clear contractual obligations for the developer to ensure public input and park development.

The meeting also featured a brief mention of public safety concerns related to a federal vehicle incident involving the North Korean Russian embassy, although this discussion did not dominate the agenda.

As the council moved forward, the implications of Scharber's comments lingered, raising questions about transparency and community involvement in urban development decisions. The council's next steps will be crucial in addressing these concerns and ensuring that the voices of Missoula residents are heard in shaping their environment.