Neighbors urge caution over traffic, water and wildlife impacts from proposed Jones Creek subdivision

Several neighbors told the Planning Board during the Jones Creek public hearing that the remaining 122.61‑acre lot raised the risk of future dense development and that preliminary materials were difficult to access.

Annie Senn warned the board that if Lot 2 were later subdivided the scale could be much larger than tonight’s two‑lot application, urging traffic and wildlife studies and a turn lane on MT Highway 1. "You are ruining it. You are ruining the area," Senn said, emphasizing concerns about loss of cranes, eagles and other wildlife. Other residents, including Kathryn Bonebright‑Cash and John Cash, raised questions about access, potential forced utility connections, wells and septic systems, and the timeliness of notice and packet materials.

Leah Williams said speeding and safety on local roads were getting worse and asked that access not be routed through private back yards: "I am all for Mr. McKelvey and his wife selling land. I hope that they prosper, but I don’t want to suffer because of it." Planning staff and board members repeatedly reminded speakers that the current application is limited to creating two lots and that any later subdivision would require separate review and additional studies.

The comments highlighted gaps neighbors see between the scale of future development they fear and the narrow scope of the application the board had before it. Several speakers requested clearer mapping, more accessible packets and a chance for further review before any subsequent applications are considered.