Cooney purchased the site from Stimson in 2007.
Cooney came to hear the wishes and concerns of neighborhood and area residents, and he introduced three associates: Steve Ackerlund, of Ackerlund, Inc. in Helena; Paul Horton, Sustainability Director for David Evans and Associates in Portland; and John Porterfield of Porter Block Inc. in Whitefish who came to share ways that the public and developers can engage in community planning.
The meeting concluded with a discussion about the process for developing the West Log Yard. A recent application for water rights sparked a neighborhood rumor that Cooney is intending to pack houses into the 112 acre parcel. Cooney explained that he is seeking an adequate water allowance for potential uses such as fire suppression, watering playing fields, and other community uses. He stated that he hopes to build a sustainable community that will reflect the values of the surrounding neighborhoods. He expressed a desire to incorporate non-polluting sources of energy and conservation into the community design.
The permitting process and clean-up of the Class III landfill at the West Log Yard will take at least two years.
Participants received blank maps of the log yard and were invited to draw and/or write what they would like to see at the site. It was estimated that about 65 forms were completed and submitted to Cooney. Forms are also available at the Milltown Market, Town Pump, River City Grill, and the Bonner and Milltown Post Offices.
The Bonner/Milltown Community Council is planning a community planning roundtable in January.
PRESENTATIONS ADD PERSPECTIVE TO WEST LOG YARD DEVELOPMENT
Steve Ackerlund, a facilitator and environmental scientist, described ways that residents and developers can interact to achieve desirable community developments. He received and recorded a list of concerns including crime, traffic, and air pollution. As the discussion progressed, community desires were also recorded: foster a friendly atmosphere safe for children, allow for nearby local services and shops, support the school, retain open space.
Developments Can Reflect Residents' Wishes
Paul Horton followed with examples of developments guided by the goals of the residents. He noted that any development, large or small, can succeed or fail depending on how well it is done.
He noted examples with similarities to the local situation. Other communities have worked to preserve the things that make them a desirable place to live such as setting up traffic-calming strategies. They have worked for design guidelines that encourage new construction to keep the local feel, to preserve housing variety and affordability, and to maintain the small town atmosphere, he added.
Potential for New Industry & Training
In a related presentation, John Porterfield of Porter Block Inc. noted that the Bonner mill site is ideally situated to "create sustainable green jobs which are good paying with good benefits in a safe environment." He described Porter Block's manufacturing plant that produces high R-value building blocks utilizing current and historical mine wastes in their construction and the potential for locating the plant and a related training facility in Bonner.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
To visit the Cooney Developments website and download a West Log Yard map: http://www.scottcooney.com and click on "Projects." To learn more about Paul Horton visit http://www.deainc.com/docs/Paul%20Horton%20announcement.pdf To learn more about Porter Block visit http://www.porterbloc.com