Common Sense vs. Car Crowding: Listening to Spring & 8th
- Rev. Tracey Karcher
- 4 days ago
- 1 min read
I spent some time reviewing the recent commission hearing regarding the proposed 40-unit complex at Spring and 8th. While we all agree that Lewistown needs more housing, we have to ask: At what cost to our existing neighborhoods? It was telling that over 40 local residents showed up in opposition, raising valid concerns about historic character and narrow-street congestion, yet the project was moved forward with three major variances. The Double Standard is Real: It’s hard to wrap your head around the logic - a local daycare provider was recently denied an expansion because they lacked six parking spots. Yet, this out-of-town development is being pushed through with a deficit of nearly 60 to 100 vehicles that will end up on our residential streets.
My Take as Your State Candidate: While the State House doesn't vote on city variances, we do vote on the frameworks that govern local growth.Infrastructure.
First: We shouldn't be "ramming" high-density projects into quiet, historic areas when we have logical alternatives like the Berg property or the edge of town where the infrastructure actually fits the build.
Regulatory Fairness: State policy should encourage housing, but it shouldn't empower commissions to pick "winners and losers" by ignoring their own city codes for out-of-state developers while penalizing local small businesses like Day Cares.
I want to hear from you. Is "density at any cost" the right path for Lewistown, or do we need a more balanced approach that respects the people who already call these neighborhoods home?
406-366-1240 Let me know what you think!
I have a proposal concerning the unwanted housing development. What would be wrong if this company wanted to build just a 20 unit build and then finding another place to build a second 20 unit build by the same company? Has anyone asked them to consider that? Are these units going to be for low-income rentals or not? Why did they pick that spot? Was it just because it was vacant and close to town? Is there a community petition signed by every homeowner around this area signed? Are there building codes against how high a building can be in that area? Is it going to reduce homeowners' property tax and make it harder for them to sell their home…