SB 266 has not yet been passed into law, but if it were to be passed this legislative session, here is a predictive scenario.
Having a morning coffee with your neighbor, Fred, one day next year:
Fred: I heard some out-of-state company bought some lots on our block and plan to put up a few 4-Plexes.
You: Wait, I bought my house in this neighborhood because it was zoned single family. Well, the developer will need to see about getting a zoning variance I guess.
Fred: Nope.
You: Well, they’ll come to a neighborhood council meeting and get our neighbors input before they build, right?
Fred: Nope.
You: What? Don’t they have to at least allow for the local planning folks and local people we elected to open up a process for public comment and discussion on whether that development fits our city growth policy plan, our established zoning, and our neighborhood?
Fred: Nope.
You: How can they do that?
Fred: The Montana state legislature thought they knew what was better for our neighborhood and community than the folks who live here do, so they passed SB 266.
You: So, we’re REQUIRED to allow 4-Plexes built next door to our homes in single family zoned neighborhoods without any LOCAL public input or discussion?
Fred: Yep.
You: Guess I’ll have to consider selling my house before its value is ruined by unchecked development and free-for-all zoning. We should have spoken up about SB 266 and the other bills that steal local control from our community BEFORE they were passed by the legislature.
Fred: Yep.
SB 266 is scheduled for a third reading on the Senate Floor today, Monday March 3rd. Contact your Senator today and let then know that SB 266 isn’t a good fit for Great Falls.
Cast my vote against 266. I live in a quiet neighborhood but slowly have seen an I crease in crime, vandalism and thefts. 4 plex that rose from the ashes is now a section 8, ND an apt complex with no rear exit takes up half a block. I did not buy into sectio 8 and apt community. Parking and other issues are not adequate
WHY WOULD I WANT THIS?
This is so stupid!! STOP THIS BILL NOW!
Do NOT pass this bill. Multi family housing does not belong in single family zoned areas. This is the brain child of Obama, he wanted to bring low income housing into all areas. I am strongly against this bill.
No to SB 266! We live in a deluxe neighborhood and paid high price tags for our lots. You have no right control what kind of housing belongs in our neighborhoods!