By Douglas E. Taylor, Hamilton
Montana Studios, a nineteen-acre development in south Hamilton which includes three acres, previously pasture, is now a new parking lot with very bright intense building lights. The lights shower the lot, surrounding fields and neighboring homes with six bright-full-moons glaring all night, every night. Intended to provide “security” year-round, these lights pollute the night sky and fog the brilliant stars over my home. These lights blind us at night and disturb some neighbor’s sleep.
Unfortunately, the lights do not have hoods preventing these issues. The parking lot is designed to accommodate many vehicles, semi-truck trailers and other equipment used by various movie studios, most recently, Paramount Pictures, to produce Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone.
It is ironic that Costner’s lead character is in constant struggle, trying to protect his ranch and the environment from various developers touching the border of his immense family ranch. Paraphrasing his character, the secret is to have progress while keeping Montana, Montana.
During a meeting with the Montana Studio’s CEO, Steve Grover, I asked, what he would do if this was happening to him. He was silent.
My goal is always to “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” Humanity faces that choice every day. Leaving our world a better place is something I believe everyone can do.
It was stated that their intention is to develop the property to the fullest of its potential. They intend to add more parking lot lights, a ten to twelve-foot security fence, and two residence buildings.
They explained because there is no zoning in Ravalli County, they plan to maximize their media manufacturing facilities. Meaning, they don’t have to conform to the concerns of the neighborhood or the environment now or ever. The big sky and stars are a part of what makes Montana, Montana.
Montana Studios has an opportunity to be recognized and appreciated for being a showcase for doing better, rather than to destroy the last best place with cookie-cutter development methods used in industrial zoned cities. Economic development is only one part of business; being a healthy part of the community is the heart. The future can be rewarded by today’s insights and neighborly thoughtfulness.
There are at least 14 neighborhood property owners that I’ve personally met with, upset by the glaring light pollution and concerned about the future of Grantsdale development. Good neighbors are also what makes Montana, Montana.
I don’t know anyone that lives here because of the “money.” Montana Studio promises lots of money for the “state.” The stars at night, the rural environment, the wildlife, the good-neighbor-spirit is priceless. These are why I live here and value this community.