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Developer proposes duplex and nonprofit urban farm at 712 N. Wyoming; committee flags soil concerns
Summary
Guy Geller told the Land Sales Committee he plans to convert 712 N. Wyoming into a duplex and hopes to develop surrounding acreage for a nonprofit called Butte Community Farm; members urged caution over potential soil contamination and recommended remediation or raised beds.
Guy Geller told the Butte-Silver Bow Land Sales Committee he is interested in purchasing 712 N. Wyoming with plans to live in the upper unit of a duplex and rent the lower unit, and that he ultimately hopes to carve a larger parcel from surrounding leased ground to establish a nonprofit, Butte Community Farm.
Member Eric Hassler and other committee members raised concerns about possible soil contamination at the site and suggested that Mr. Geller consider raised beds or remediation before using the land for food production. Mr. Geller said he understood those concerns, plans to pursue fundraising to remediate the ground and bring in fresh soil if necessary, and requested a walk-through of the property; staff pledged to arrange the visit through Community Enrichment.
Member Julia Crain noted that draft zoning under consideration would permit urban farming in residential zones but that the rules distinguish small "cottage industry" gardening from commercial-scale operations; if an operation crosses that threshold, the county would evaluate whether farm products could be sold off-site. The committee did not take formal action on the proposal at the meeting.
