Public Forum: Missoula County Fairgrounds Rocky Mountain Garden and Exploration Center
UPDATE: On April 28th, 2021 the Public Forum took place and was concluded. This case is now closed for comment.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Missoula County has requested a public forum regarding an exemption from the setback requirements of the OP3 Public Lands and Institutional zoning district for the Missoula County Fairgrounds located at 1101 South Ave West. The proposal includes the construction of a new building that will house the Rocky Mountain Garden and Exploration Center. The building is proposed to be setback 6 feet from the South Ave West property line. Normally, the required front setback in the OP3 zoning district is 30 feet.
The City of Missoula Board of Adjustment is authorized by state law to hold a public hearing, known as a public forum, when a public agency proposes to use public land contrary to the local zoning regulations. In this case, Missoula County is the public agency proposing to use public land contrary to the zoning regulations by varying from the front setback. The Board of Adjustment does not have the power to deny or condition the approval of the project. The proposed use is permitted regardless of the outcome of the hearing. We invite you to submit public comment stating your opinion on the proposal.
PROJECT APPLICATION LINKS:
The application packet can be viewed here: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/56152/Application_RMGEC-Missoula-County-Fairgrounds
PROJECT TIMELINE:
The hearing date is scheduled for Wednesday April 28th, 2021 at 6:00 PM. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. For more information on how to attend a virtual meeting, visit: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1149/AgendasWebcastsMinutes
PROJECT COMMENT DEADLINE:
Public comment will be taken until the public hearing is closed. Comments can be submitted through Engage Missoula, via email to the planner noted below, by mailing in a letter to the City of Missoula office at 435 Ryman Street, Missoula, MT 59802, or during the public meeting. Provide your comment by April 20th, 2021 to be included in the staff report provided to the Board of Adjustment. Your comments may be considered by Missoula County when moving forward with their proposal for the Fair Grounds.
PROJECT PLANNER:
The project planner is Emily Gluckin. She can be reached at (406) 552-3091 or gluckine@ci.missoula.mt.us.