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Helena council denies rezone request for 5248 Hwy 17 after split vote
Summary
Council denied a request to rezone 5248 Hwy 17 from B1 to B2 following debate about the absence of an economic impact study; the motion failed 3–2 after public comment and council discussion on potential uses and lack of a proposed development plan.
The Helena City Council on April 27 voted down a request to rezone 5248 Hwy 17 from B1 (Neighborhood Business) to B2 (General Business), citing concerns about the absence of an economic impact study and the lack of a development plan.
Councilmember Jeff McDaniels and others asked for an economic impact analysis before making a zoning change. Councilmember Andy Healy said he is “bothered when a rezone is requested without a plan for the property.” Developer representative Andrew Wilson said B2 zoning would allow a wide range of uses, including daycares, tire centers and drive-through stores. Daniel Nathan spoke in opposition during the public-comment portion.
Cathy Hammann moved to approve the rezone and Brooke Dodson seconded. The motion failed with Hammann and Dodson voting yes and Andy Healy, Dennis Wilson and Jeff McDaniels voting no.
Why it matters: Council members said zoning changes without an associated development plan make it harder to assess traffic, utilities and community impacts. Several council members urged consideration of an ordinance change to require economic impact information for rezoning requests.
What happens next: The denial means the parcel remains B1; applicants may return with additional materials or request a future hearing after providing more information.
