Resident proposes duplex and urban farm at 712 N Wyoming; committee raises soil‑contamination concerns

Guy Geller told the Butte‑Silver Bow Land Sales Committee on April 20 that he is interested in purchasing 712 N Wyoming, a house on leased ground, with plans to live in the upper unit and rent the lower unit while developing an urban farming site on surrounding acreage for his nonprofit, Butte Community Farm.

Geller described a long‑term plan to parcel enough land out of the surrounding 130 acres to support an urban farm tied to his nonprofit. Committee members, led by Member Eric Hassler, raised soil‑contamination concerns and recommended that any initial cultivation use raised beds to avoid exposure to existing soil. Geller said he would pursue fundraising and other remediation measures to bring in fresh soil and requested a property walk‑through; the minutes say Community Enrichment will set up that inspection.

Member Julia Crain said draft zoning under consideration would permit urban farming in residential zones but that the ordinance will distinguish cottage‑scale gardening from larger commercial operations, and that larger‑scale activity could be limited to certain locations or require additional approvals.

The minutes record discussion of remediation approaches and thresholds for allowable urban farming activity but do not record any formal motion or vote on the proposal. The committee did not take formal action on the 712 N Wyoming request at this meeting; next steps are an arranged walk‑through and, if pursued, any required zoning or permit reviews.

The meeting adjourned at 2:35 P.M.