Livingston approves annexation of 38 Loves Lane over neighborhood objections; zoning and site plan to follow

The Livingston City Commission voted to approve Resolution 5159 and annex a privately owned parcel at 38 Loves Lane after a public hearing marked by extensive opposition from nearby residents and community groups.

The motion to adopt the annexation passed on a recorded vote with four “aye” votes. Chair Quintin Schwartz called for the motion, which Commissioner Justin Willich moved and which was seconded on the floor; the commission then voted to approve the resolution.

The item before the commission was a petition for annexation filed by the parcel’s owner. City Manager Grant Gager told the commission the petition complied with state law for owner-requested annexations (Title 7, chapter 2, part 46 of the Montana Code Annotated). Gager described the parcel as contiguous to municipal utilities in the area, with water and sewer available to the parcel’s southeastern corner. He said annexation was the first step; if the property is annexed, a consolidated land-use-board recommendation and an ordinance will be required to apply city zoning, and a site plan review would be required for any development meeting threshold criteria.

Neighbors and community groups urged denial or delay. Public…