Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Trail Designation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Helena officials say La Grande trail designation likely awaits Westside Woods annexation
Summary
Commissioners were told the La Grande–Westside Woods trail designation will likely wait until Westside Woods’ annexation and completion of its first phase, which received a recent extension; staff will coordinate a future panel presentation and provide further timeline details.
Helena City commissioners were told Dec. 18 that a formal city designation of the La Grande trail segment tied to the Westside Woods development is unlikely until the property is annexed and the developer completes the first phase of the project.
Acting City Manager Petty said staff will consult with Dunigan Parks and brief the commission at a future panel meeting. Petty and other staff explained that Westside Woods received an extension on its first phase, which includes dedication of parts of the trail to the city, and that the timeline for the full trail’s transfer now extends into next year.
Commissioners pressed staff about whether the city could designate the trail in phases rather than waiting for full annexation. One commissioner said a phased designation could make sense if it preserves connectivity, and asked staff to explain why partial designation “doesn't make sense” in this case so the commission can consider alternatives.
Petty said the city intends to wait until the entire trail is within city limits to adopt a full designation, but agreed to report back with more detail about possible phased approaches and the rationale for the current timeline. No formal motion or vote was recorded on the item.
Next steps: staff will coordinate with Dunigan Parks and schedule a future panel meeting to present the annexation/timing details and any options for phased designation.
