Billings, Montana Development News

Billings Heights Neighborhood Plan Aims to Guide Future Growth and Housing Development

The Billings Heights Neighborhood Plan was presented, outlining strategies for future development, housing needs, and infrastructure improvements. Key aspects include addressing the housing supply deficit, with a projected need for 6,482 units over 20 years, and a focus on encouraging diverse housing types, including duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, while also supporting the development of smaller single-family homes on smaller lots. The plan emphasizes directing growth towards areas with existing infrastructure, improving transportation connectivity, enhancing public safety, and preserving community character and open spaces. Amendments were discussed, including the removal of a specific direction regarding zoning code for triplexes and fourplexes and the potential exclusion of language concerning the County Water District of Billings Heights due to jurisdictional complexities and potential relationship strain. The plan also includes goals for utilities, community facilities, public safety, and transportation, with a consensus to remove the term 'complete streets' from transportation goals to focus on 'safe streets'.