On July 15, 2015, the Planning Division received an application for preliminary plat approval for Amended Lot 2, Block 1, Westward Ho Subdivision. The plat contains 2 lots on approximately 5.85 acres of land generally located on the northeast corner of South 32nd Street West and Monad Road.  The property currently has the West Side Baptist Church on the western side of the lot while the east side of the lot is vacant.  The new lot that is being created with this proposed subdivision is to be used for residential housing.  The owner is West Side Baptist Church and the representing agent is Sanderson Stewart.

In accordance with state law, the City Council has 35 working days to act upon this preliminary subsequent minor plat.  The 35 working day review period for the proposed plat ends on September 2, 2015.  State and City subdivision regulations also require that preliminary plats be reviewed using specific criteria, as stated within this report.  The City may not unreasonably restrict an owner’s ability to develop land if the subdivider provides evidence that any identified adverse effects can be mitigated.  Within the 35-day review period, the City Council is required to:

1. Approve;
2. Conditionally Approve; or
3. Deny the Preliminary Plat

If the City Council approves the preliminary plat, the subject property may further develop under private ownership, resulting in additional tax revenues.

General location:                                             Northeast corner of South 32nd Street West and Monad Road.
 
Legal Description:                                           Lot 2, Block 1 of Westward Ho Subdivision
 
Owner/Subdivider:                                          West Side Baptist Church / River Point Edge, LLC
 
Engineer and Surveyor:                                  Sanderson Stewart
 
Existing Zoning:                                              Residential 6,000 and Public
 
Existing land use:                                            Church and Vacant
 
Proposed land use:                                         Residential Condominium
 
Gross/net area:                                               5.85 acres / 5.85 acres
 
Proposed number of lots:                                2
 
Lot size:                                                          Max:    3.76 acres
                                                                        Min.:   2.1 acres
 
Parkland requirements:                                   There is no parkland dedication required with this subdivision

A public hearing is not scheduled for the City Council meeting; however nearby property owners may attend the meeting.  The Planning Division has received no public comments or questions regarding the proposed subdivision.

Consistency with the Growth Policy, the 2014 Billings Urban Area Long Range Transportation Plan, and the Billings Area Bikeway and Trail Master Plan are discussed within the Findings of Fact.