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Railroad District subarea plan presented to Helena commission; zoning and trail alignment prioritized
Summary
A consultant presented the Railroad District Subarea Plan to the Helena City Commission, recommending new zoning districts, transportation improvements including Centennial Trail alignment and a business improvement district to spur reinvestment and housing near the commercial core.
A principal from SCJ Alliance presented the Railroad District Subarea Plan to the Helena City Commission, outlining a vision, five goals, specific zoning changes in appendix E and transportation recommendations intended to concentrate investment in the district’s commercial core.
Consultant Lehi Alvarez said the plan grew from the city’s growth policy and engagement work that included about 20 interviews, a multi-day public studio and multiple draft reviews with the planning board and Helena Citizens Council. Alvarez described a spatial vision and a 3D model showing how targeted zoning and streetscape changes could focus reinvestment between Boulder Avenue and the railroad while preserving adjacent neighborhood character.
Key recommendations in the plan include replacing existing districts with: a Depot District (replacing B-1), a CMX-style district to align with downtown form (replacing B-2 along US Highway 12), a Trades District (replacing CLM) aimed at artisan live-work and small-scale manufacturing, and an expanded R-3 residential footprint to support new housing near the commercial core. The plan also recommends pursuing a business improvement district (BID), preparing a streetscape plan, and advancing Centennial Trail alignment and construction through the subarea.
Alvarez told commissioners the plan’s executive summary contains an implementation matrix linking public concerns to goals and specific actions and that appendix E contains detailed zoning language intended to accelerate adoption. When asked by a commissioner about “lowest-hanging fruit,” Alvarez identified formation of a BID, advancing Centennial Trail alignment decisions and using the advanced zoning text in appendix E as relatively actionable near-term steps.
Several commissioners and members of the public raised access concerns. One commissioner said neighbors have urged attention to entry and crossing conditions around North Montana Avenue and the rail crossings. Alvarez acknowledged access is a prominent issue and that the plan addresses crossings, a potential roundabout concept at the corridor and other multimodal improvements.
No formal adoption occurred at the administrative meeting; the plan was presented for consideration. Alvarez and staff encouraged commissioners and the public to review the plan and the implementation matrix; staff said the plan would inform upcoming budget and zoning work if the commission pursues adoption.
