Community councils report local development, infrastructure and outreach concerns

Community council representatives used the Oct. 22 All Community Council meeting to report local projects, infrastructure concerns and outreach plans.

Bonner/Milltown representatives said a Dollar General store is nearing completion and a mini-storage project has begun on Riverside. Rick reported ongoing discussions with developer Gregory Morse about converting the former Westbonder Logyard from industrial use to housing; the council declined to endorse a proposal until parcel-level and density details are available and emphasized support for affordable housing rather than higher-end subdivisions.

Participants also noted visible construction at the Travel Plaza; one attendee and a subsequent speaker said the work looks like a casino expansion and kitchen conversion. County planning staff said many building permits and administrative zoning reviews do not trigger a public-notice process and offered to check permit records and follow up.

Clinton reported a presentation from Jason Mitchell of Missoula County Public Works about roads, bridges and trails. Mitchell told the council the county maintains over 450 miles of roads and about 125 bridges and discussed budget pressures and an upcoming mill levy. Clinton members also raised the idea of hosting a town hall to invite federal representatives or staffers; attendees said response from field offices has been spotty and suggested pooling neighboring councils to increase turnout.

West Valley leaders reported steady participation from state representatives at council meetings, ongoing activity at the Mill site and continued work by the community advisory group (CAG). Members said council administrative records are being transferred to new officers and that the county’s new finance system already handles some bills such as Zoom subscriptions.

Speakers encouraged councils to coordinate on outreach and offered staff follow-up where permitting or county records could clarify local projects.