Deputy City Manager Jones Speaks on Great Falls Little Shell Vote

In a 4-1 deicison, the City Commission approved the annexation of 18.4 acres of land known as the "Good Medicine" housing development project for the Little Shell Tribe last night.

I had the privilege of catching up with Deputy City Manager Jeremy Jones to talk about the decision.

City Commission Approves Annexation in 4-1 Decision

In our conversation, Jones shared that there were plenty in attendance to share their input regarding the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana annexation of the multi-phase "Good Medicine" development.

The project would spawn 115 total rental units that include two 25-unit apartment buildings, 65 single-family homes and duplexes, and a dedicated community pavilion according to The Electric.

So we had our city commission last night, heavily attended," Jones said, "A very hotly debated topic was on last night's agenda."

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"And that was annexation of the good medicine housing for the Little Shell to the west of Valley View neighborhood."

Jones said many issues were presented and he acknowledged many of the concerns were valid.

"You know, there was a lot of concern about traffic," he shared, "There was a lot of concern that the Valley View neighborhood that was built in the 70s doesn't have sidewalks, all valid concerns."

The Logic Behind the 4-1 Decision

And while the concerns were valid, Jones also says they have to look at what's best for the community that is backed by industry standards and best practices.

"As a city, we use metrics that are based off of industry standard, right?" Jones said, "This isn't people's opinion. This isn't if I was to do it this way. This is, we make decisions based off industry standards and best practices."

Jones shared put as much time as possible into hearing everyone's side.

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"And we had over three hours of public testimony, both as opponents and proponents," Jones said, "Ultimately the commission and the mayor on a four to one vote passed to annex the 'Good Medicine' household or neighborhood and begin that process of assigning permanent housing for the Little Shell people."

"A lot of information was shared back and forth. It's been in the works for a very long time, but the culmination of that concluded last night."

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