Emily Gluckin presented a proposal from the University of Montana regarding the removal of housing to expand a parking lot onto the residentially zoned parcel located at 907 E. Beckwith Ave.
The property is located near the corner of Beckwith and Madeline Avenue. It is within city council ward 3. The Parcel is currently zoned R5.4.
The property currently has a detached single-dwelling residence on site which will be demolished as part of the parking lot expansion. The university parking lot exists on a separate parcel and abuts the property on the east side. Both parcels are owned by the University.
Montana Codes Annotated, Section 76-2 part 4 reads as follows: Whenever an agency proposes to use public land contrary to local zoning regulations, a public hearing shall be held. A public hearing is required to allow for comment on the proposed use. The Board of Adjustment does not have the power to approve or deny the request.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide public notice.
The proposal will provide seventeen additional spaces. The university is requesting zoning exemption related to the existence of parking in a residential district. The university is considered public plus civic use which is considered more intense than a residential use. By placing the parking in residential parcels, the proposal does not meet the zoning requirement.
Notification requirements were sent out to addresses within 150 feet of the parcel. There were no public comments received. Missoula Housing and Community Development suggested preserving or relocating the home rather than demolishing it. The Historic Preservation office commented that although the subject property is not located in the University Area District, it is located in close proximity to the district. The Historic Preservation office thinks the proposed project does not fit within the historic character of the neighborhood. They are also concerned that the project does not meet the Missoula Growth Policy. The Storm Water department also provided a comment that the applicant should consider in their plans the existence of a seasonal spring originating from the hillside that occasionally floods the project location. Staff had no recommended motion.
Ron Isackson from University of Montana (UM) mentioned that they are requesting five variances on this project. The project has a long term goal. UM has the goal to build a new Forestry and Conservation lab building that will eventually take up existing parking. This project will provide replacement parking for the parking that will be taken away in the future. The northeast corner and southeast corner will be turned into landscaping. The landscape buffer is going to match the current one. There will be two electric charging stations. Mr.Isackson mentioned that there is drainage at the southeast corner where the majority of the water accumulates which can be a potential issue. The city can address it.
Kevin Krebsbach from the University of Montana added that the current condition of the house is not salvageable. Parts of the house that can be donated will be donated.