Can Density in Missoula Be Done Right?
By Dana Green, 6-08-06 This is the second in a two-part series on affordable housing in Missoula. Click here for part one. So how can Missoula do infill — and density — right? It’s a tough question. Many residents don’t want Missoula to become a typical, densely developed city. They want to see its rural neighborhoods and large lots remain that way. They want to continue seeing open pastures and horses, trees and mountains. In other words, they don’t want change. Or growth. It’s a natural emotion for many in Missoula, scarred by spiraling growth for the last two decades. Ward 4 City Councilman Jon Wilkins, who represents residents in a middle-class, older neighborhood with spacious lots just west of the University golf course, ran for his Council seat promising his constituents to fight infill. Wilkins doesn’t believe neighbors had a proper say in the infill developments that occurred over the last few years. Neighbors should have the right to protest projects, Wilkins said. “You hav
