At the heart of the Grass Valley development project lies a deep respect for community, sustainability, and smart growth. Grass Valley Gardens offers an example of thoughtful community-led development in the Wye area. Our philosophy underscores our commitment to eschewing sprawl in favor of creating lively, walkable communities.
Growth is an inevitable facet of thriving regions like Missoula. However, how we manage this growth can define the sustainability and quality of life in our communities for decades to come. Grass Valley Gardens embodies our proactive approach to embracing growth, offering a model for community-led development that anticipates the needs and values of Missoula’s residents.
Inspired by European models of urban planning and the successful 'agrihood' concept from Agritopia in Chandler, Arizona, Grass Valley Gardens is envisioned as a 15-minute mini-town center. This development prioritizes walkability, bike-ability, and community cohesion, integrating living, working, and recreational spaces seamlessly within a sustainable farm-centric environment.
Understanding the dynamics at play in Missoula County, including escalating housing costs, the burgeoning job center at the Wye, and the projected population growth, Grass Valley Gardens aims to serve the emerging needs of the community. With an acute awareness of the necessity of a diverse employer base and housing supply, GVG is strategically positioned to help address the critical shortage of approachable living spaces while fostering economic opportunities.
At Grass Valley, the commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental considerations to encompass financial and infrastructure sustainability. Designed to create high taxable value per acre, GVG looks to ensure it contributes positively to the Frenchtown School District and county's economic health. This is done by creating taxable value per acre that outweighs its proportional maintenance costs for infrastructure.
By focusing on the creation of a town center, we aim to minimize vehicle miles traveled (VMTs), reducing the community's carbon footprint and enhancing the quality of life. The design philosophy treats car traffic similarly to stormwater management—mitigating it locally to prevent it from becoming a widespread issue. This approach is complemented by plans for commercial expansions, including grocery and hardware stores, further embedding Grass Valley Gardens within the fabric of the community.
We stand at an impactful moment in the growth of Missoula County, where the decisions we make today will shape the future of our community for decades to come. Is Missoula going to become a gated community, accessible only to the wealthy? Or will we open the gate to broad physical ownership in the community?
Grass Valley Gardens represents not just a development project but a commitment to a future where growth and sustainability go hand in hand. We invite our community members to join us in this exciting journey, contributing their voices, visions and ideas to the creation of a development that truly reflects the aspirations of Missoula County.
Together, let's embrace this opportunity to model community-led growth, shaping a future where everyone has a place to call home, surrounded by the natural beauty and magnetic culture that make Missoula County unique.
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