Council weighs positive opinion to MDOT on Stockman Bank parking plan, flags loss of on‑street spaces

Stockman Bank representatives presented plans to expand an off‑street parking area and add a Main Street exit for a proposed bank expansion. The proposal would remove roughly four existing parallel on‑street parking spaces on Main Street and create a new entrance/exit arrangement; the applicant said the entrance would be from the alley with a right‑turn exit onto Main Street and included proposed ADA access improvements at the bank facade.

Councilors raised concerns about loss of public parking, whether spaces in the new lot would remain public or be reserved for bank customers, and sight‑line and exit geometry on Main Street. One councilor said, "If private, then we lose parking, which is already tough on Main Street during peak hours," and requested the council opinion emphasize that the town wants to preserve public access where feasible.

Traffic and public‑safety officials suggested rotating diagonal spaces and directing the final design so that vehicles exit with right‑turn only movements to reduce conflicts. The council noted its role is advisory to Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT) for the state‑managed stretch of roadway: "We're just giving our opinion," said one member, adding MDOT will make the final design decision.

A motion was made on the floor to submit a positive opinion to MDOT in support of the project, with explicit caveats that the council's letter address preservation of public parking and recommend specific traffic/exit configurations. The transcript does not record a vote on that motion during the excerpt provided. Council members asked staff to prepare a letter reflecting the comments and caveats discussed so MDOT can review council feedback and the project design.