Planning board discusses growth

By Kyle McClellan The Western News

The Lincoln County Planning Board met with the public Wednesday, May 2, in Troy to address the complexities behind the public's diverse motivations and how those motivations fit the board's comprehensive growth policy.

Amid a wide range of public sentiment concerning the future of development in Lincoln county, the policy attempts to guide public growth, implement effective zoning strategies, protect the natural habitat and support tourism.

"People don't want to be told what they can or can't do on their own land," said Chris Fox, Lincoln County Planning Board member.

Fox identified private property rights as the biggest issue facing the planning board.

A consultant working with the board sent an open-ended questionnaire that garnered more than 800 responses from Lincoln County residents. Those responses revealed the diversity of public sentiment and the resistance the board faces as it tries to implement a policy that will guide the county over the next 20 years.

Part of the questionnaire asked the respondents to identify three things they do not like about Lincoln County.

"There is almost complete disrespect for streams/rivers in virtually all planning," wrote one respondent. "Those that think (Lincoln County) will be better by fostering business at the expense of family and the environment will destroy this county. There is too much: I, me, mine mentality."

Another respondent wrote: …visual entryway from HWY 2 into Libby from Kalispell unwelcoming … multidirectional or inconsistent planning approach throughout county. That is why Eureka is progressive and seeming to be benefiting from its city planning and Libby is not."

Another wrote: "Too much emphasis on tourism, not enough industry that has good paying jobs, people are clannish, not real receptive of outsiders."

And another agreed: "The poverty mentality, inhospitable attitude toward newcomers."

Many responses indicated a frustration with "trashy residences", and "lack of good zoning policy".

One respondent wrote that there is a "lack of creative vision for non-timber/mining jobs."

"NO ZONING!!!", wrote a respondent. "No Planning. No rhyme or reason for businesses or houses built anywhere there is a lot…It is everywhere!"

A similar number of responses could be found in favor of development as could be found opposing development. Fervent support of logging and mining-based industries appeared next to responses touting environmental-based organizations.

"Environmentalists trying to control the way we live, work, recreate," wrote a respondent. "…not being able to use our natural resources to make a living."

Another wrote: "The head-long rush to 'develop,' which really means 'destroy' what's best about Montana…lack of zoning laws to prevent sprawling over-development."

Many responses opposed casinos, the "drug problems" and "very poor 911 dispatch service!"

Fox said a lot of misinformation survives in the public. "First of all, an important thing to know about the growth policy is that it's not a regulatory document."

The board reports the input it receives from the public and the County Commissioner decides how the policy will be implemented.

"The input we get from these open houses is going to drive this growth policy…where does this county want to be in 20 years?" Fox said.

The contentious issues confronting the board are largely the result of extreme political and geographical issues clashing in an area unaccustomed to regulatory attempts. When national forests meet independent and even anti-government ideology, a multi-community organization must deal with the diverse motivations.

The board comprises members from several communities, including Eureka, Troy and Libby.

The benefits of a growth policy, according to the board, include better communities, healthier environments and stronger economies.

"It's about developing a growth policy that is a balanced approach," said Robyn King, Yaak resident and director of Yaak Valley Forest Council.

"We're looking at a growth plan, trying to put something in place so we can have a vision for our future," King said.

"I applaud the county commissioners and the Planning Board for taking that on."