Commission asks Snowy Mountain Development to propose plan for Byrd Lumber site

The Lewistown City Commission voted to engage Snowy Mountain Development Corporation to prepare a presentation for the committee of the whole on potential redevelopment of the city-owned Byrd Lumber site.

City Manager Holly Phelps reviewed the site's history: the property — subdivided long ago and totaling roughly 26 acres of parcel (140 acres when including surrounding roads and tree cover) — was acquired by the city through bankruptcy trust in 2009 to access brownfield cleanup grants. Phelps said grants totaling more than $600,000 paid for removal of hazardous materials, concrete, tires and sawdust; DEQ issued a "no further action" letter last year.

Commissioners and members of the public discussed that extending utilities to the site remains the principal obstacle and that phased development could reduce up-front infrastructure costs. Several speakers urged proactive outreach to developers and economic-development partners rather than waiting for unsolicited proposals. "These things take a while, and it takes a little bit of sales pitch and you can connect with the right people," a resident said when urging more active marketing.

A motion to engage Snowy Mountain Development to prepare a collaborative presentation passed on a voice/roll-call vote. The motion does not preclude future requests for proposals; staff said they can still accept offers if a developer approaches the city.

Next steps: Snowy Mountain Development will be asked to present possible partnership models and grant strategies to the committee of the whole; staff will report back to the commission.