City land sale opportunities in 'Plain old dirt': Billings considers selling 11 lots despite neighbor push back

The city of Billings is considering selling 11 undeveloped plots of land to enhance infrastructure and increase tax revenue.

 

Among these, Lampman Park on Monad Road has remained untouched for decades, serving as a community space for residents like Mark Polen, who recalls its longstanding presence near his family home.

 

Polen notes that, despite its undeveloped state, the area is frequented by locals for activities such as dog walking.

 

Another property under discussion is Ramada Park on Ramada Drive, a smaller space that residents value and are reluctant to lose.

 

City Council Member Mike Boyett views these lots as underutilized assets, suggesting that their sale could alleviate maintenance responsibilities and fund improvements to existing parks.

 

Boyett emphasizes the potential benefits of returning these properties to the tax roll and developing infrastructure.

 

However, residents like Polen express concerns about the fate of proceeds from such sales and the original intent behind land donations, questioning whether the funds will be reinvested into community spaces.

 

Boyett proposes allocating the revenue to the parks fund to enhance current facilities, aligning with community desires to maintain and improve existing parks.

 

Despite these assurances, the prospect of developing land that was intended for public use remains a contentious issue among locals.

 

As the city deliberates, balancing infrastructure needs with community values continues to be a delicate endeavor.