HELENA – Lewis and Clark County is looking at alternatives to a proposed zoning plan for residents living near Fort Harrison.
It’s the latest development in an ongoing debate whether to create a Military Affected Area to minimize conflicts between military operations and the people who live near Fort Harrison.
At Tuesday’s meeting, one of 8 so far on the topic, commissioners appeared split over how to proceed with the zoning changes. The conversation ended with an agreement to modify the proposed zoning plan and present the revised draft proposal to the commission next week.
That decision was reached after commissioners heard more public comment in opposition to implementing the zoning changes.
“All of us in that area that are not happy with it are getting beat down like we’re against the military,” Shaun Williams of Helena, said. “I want to do what I want to do with my property. I don’t care what you do with your side of the fence. Leave me side of the fence alone.”
The alternative draft eliminates the Military Affected Area designation, which is a state law and instead relies on county zoning regulations.
The commission will consider the revised draft and take more public comment at the regularly scheduled meeting on Dec. 6.
