Developers seeking an amendment to the Windsong Residential master plan told the Gallatin City Planning Commission they need to realign a previously approved natural-surface walking trail because of steep grades and maintenance concerns.

Brad Hickman, a staff planner, said the amendment for Phases 2 A through 2 F would realign the trail on about 95.18 acres zoned MRO. A staff measurement estimated the original approved trail at roughly 4,129 linear feet and the then-proposed alignment at about 3,397 feet — a reduction Hickman described as “about a 732 linear feet reduction” and emphasized the measurement was approximate. Planning staff recommended a more durable surface than loose natural material to avoid washout and ongoing maintenance burdens.

Michael Natali of Natali Communities, the developer for the residential portion, said an on-site inspection and meetings with planning and engineering showed the south-side alignment proposed in earlier plans was infeasible because of steep slopes. He told the commission his submitted alternate alignment measured about 2,520 feet, and that his team added an approximately 850-foot segment near the playground to improve overall length. "We were planning to do wood chips and mulch," Natali said, adding the homeowners association would be responsible for maintenance. He also told commissioners the developer had invested “close to $200,000” constructing additional stormwater basins and other off-plan improvements.

Planning staff and some commissioners acknowledged the slope problems and said the substance of the change — an amenity realignment that does not alter road or city sidewalk networks — likely makes it a minor plan amendment rather than a major amendment. Planning staff (speaker 8) explained their material concern stemmed from the reduction in trail footage and a desire to ensure any surface would not wash away and overburden the HOA.

A commissioner asked the developer to clarify what “natural surface” would mean in practice; Natali said it could be short-mown grass, dirt, or wood chips and noted arborists could replenish wood-chip material. Commissioners asked the applicant to return in a couple of weeks with additional detail including proposed materials and any additional footage they could realistically add in flatter areas. One commissioner disqualified themselves from the eventual vote, saying they had previously worked with the developer and would recuse when the item returns.

The commission did not vote on the amendment at the meeting; staff and the applicant were directed to work out material details and additional alignment options and return for follow-up review.