The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will soon review an application for a Wal-Mart store the size of over 4 football fields -- to be built along Blodgett Creek, a tributary to the Bitterroot River. Several permits are required for the project to proceed. As of January 2007, only the building permit has been issued. Neighbors can request a full analysis of environmental impacts to be included in upcoming stormwater and sewer permit reviews.
Recently, dozens of beautiful trees that would have provided noise and light screening for neighbors were removed. Will they also harm the creek?
The DEQ can either give developers a “free pass”, or determine that an “Environmental Impact Study”, or EIS, is required. A full study helps identify cumulative impacts from development, and requires builders to fix or limit potential damage, or not be allowed to build.
New development projects in Ravalli County could have dramatic impacts on our environment, including air, noise and water pollution.
Fortunately, the DEQ process includes public input. Concerned residents can and should ask for a full study (EIS) of the Wal-Mart project, to ensure that our Bitterroot quality of life is protected.
A variety of shopping experiences, large & small—NOT one dominant megastore.
Design Standards providing for attractive landscaping, non-intrusive lighting, appealing architectural features, and setbacks from the street—NOT a big box eyesore, with glaring lights, surrounded by acres of pavement.
A local economy where money stays in the community, supporting schools and community-based organizations—NOT sending our dollars to an out-of-state corporate headquarters.
Growth that is planned and appropriate, based on the Ravalli County Growth Policy—NOT superstores building what they want, where they want it.
More jobs and job opportunities—NOT fewer, low-paying part-time jobs.
Join us in moving forward with planning for the valley. Vote against repealing Zoning Resolution 1844.
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Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce
Bitterroot Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Stevensville Main Street Association
Downtown Hamilton Business Improvement District
Bitterrooters For Planning
Hamilton United Businesses
Friends of the Bitterroot
Sustainable Living Systems
Hundreds of Businesses
Thousands of Ravalli County Citizens
The Bitterroot Good Neighbors Coalition filed a request to intervene in the lawsuit filed by Ravalli County to challenge the suspension of the emergency ordinance to limit the size of retail outlets in Ravalli County to 60,000 square feet. “We are asking the Court to allow the people of Ravalli County to make a well informed choice,” said Jim Wood, owner of the Bitterroot Grocery Emporium. “The petition attempts to make the size cap null and void, before the voters have a chance to decide what kind of valley they want to live and work in.”
The petition attempts to make the size cap inoperable, until a vote in November. Wal Mart has announced plans to build a 154,000 square foot Supercenter on Highway 93 and has begun filing for permits to build. The plans provided by Wal-Mart’s construction contractor, call for a super Wal-Mart on Highway 93, just North of Hamilton.
“If I were to compare the likelihood of low prices with one 120,000 foot plus stores or two competing 60,000 square foot stores, I think we are likely to get more competition with two stores,” noted Jim Wood.
Ravalli County residents turned out on April 12 in numbers to speak their opinions and hear the commissioners talk on the draft interim zoning ordinance. The public hearing was moved from the county commissioners office to the middle school auditorium and then to the gymnasium as people kept coming.
Lines went formed down 5th street.
And around the corner.
Many people spoke passionately about their love of the Bitterroot Valley and many asked the commissioners to vote now. Signatures were presented asking for the enactment of the ordinance, over 1000 at last estimate. There were those who wanted big box stores and those who even worked for them. After two hours of public opinion, a heavy dose of applause with standing ovation, and over a hundred mentions of the "W" word, the commissioners weighed in.
After initial skepticism about restrictions on free trade, all three Ravalli County commissioners seemed convinced that the time to act was now. The size cap of 60,000 square feet was and will continue to be a point of discussion. Alan Thompson moved to vote which was then unanimously enacted by Chairman Greg Chilcott and Betty Lund.
Stay Tuned As We Press For Permanent Regulations In The Coming Year.
Bitterroot Good Neighbors Coalition is currently working to keep supersized box stores out of the Bitterroot Valley.
The proposed ordinance states that a retail store should be limited to 60,000 square feet. That is almost three times the size of Quality Supply in Hamilton. Our neighbors in Bozeman, Montana have set a city limit for retail space at 75,000 square feet. How big is too big? Click on link to find out.
We have the choice to plan a future for the Bitterroot Valley. What do we want our towns to look like? Do we want to send our hard earned money out of the valley? Who will contribute to our schools and community groups? What will be the average wages for workers? How much congestion do we need on Highway 93 or the Eastside Highway? Do we want our main roads to look just like Reserve St. in Missoula? All of these questions are impacted by big box stores. We have the opportunity to learn from some less fortunate communities that have been beaten up by these big bullies. Learn More.
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If you are interested in assisting us in our efforts,
click here
Lots of smiles and laughter as size cap supporters marched through several downtown blocks in Hamilton on Friday Oct. 19.
Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce and other community groups support size cap. Learn more.
Draft of Interim Zoning Regulations available for download. Learn more.
Stay Tuned for Updates.
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Wednesday April 12th
Public Hearing On Interim Zoning Ordinance Proposal.
Commissioners vote unanimously to set size cap for retail establishments at 60,000 sq. ft.
Tuesday March 21
Ravalli County Commissioners
review interim zoning proposals and plan public hearing for April 12th • 7pm. (we will post the resolution as soon as it becomes available).
Tuesday February 28
Ravalli County Commissioners vote to proceed with an interim zoning resolution.
Thursday February. 24
Many people showed up to help further the point that this issue is serious to the citizens of Ravalli County. The Commissioners want to hear from their constituency before making a decision, so you know what that means. Write a letter.
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