Centennial Shame

05/25/2026

The R**e of West Billings

I did attend the open meeting on May 19 regarding the so-called West Billings Neighborhood Plan. WBNP.

After a few minutes of discussion, the speaker made a comment about the City Council approval at its last meeting. So I raised my hand to ask "This WBNP has already been approved by City Council ?".... ... "Then why are we here ?" No good answer given.

So the Billings taxpayers got the usual City shaft. Taxation without meaningful representation. No boat rocking in City Council. Remember the $143 million levy that was heavily promoted by the Council and Mayor but was voted down 2-1 by the taxpayers ?

This citizen-unapproved plan has two major flaws and completely ignores local citizen preferences in favor of developer profits:

1. Adopting an Overly Aggressive Growth Forecast
Many other small towns and cities across the country have intentionally designed their master plans around low-growth or strictly managed-growth models. Instead of blindly accepting high-end, aggressive population projections, these communities established conservative growth rates to protect their local infrastructure and unique character. Why doesn't Billings do the same, to help preserve Montana lifestyle ? Yes, the answer is 'profits for developers'.

There is no legal mandate forcing Billings to accommodate reckless, lifestyle-damaging expansion. Clear citizen preferences heavily favor preserving the traditional Montana lifestyle—characterized by open views, manageable traffic, and a slower, intentional pace of life—rather than turning Billings into another crowded, sprawling metropolis. The land isn’t going anywhere; we can choose to preserve it and develop it with caution years down the road. This rapid-growth push serves the developers who profit from quick turnover, not the tax-paying citizens who actually live here and value our way of life.

2. Funneling All Growth into a Single Corridor
Why are we mandating that almost all new expansion be concentrated into this one already high-traffic specific corridor? It makes far more practical sense to spread the footprint across two or more areas. For instance, higher-density housing and apartments are much better suited near the interstate and existing commercial hubs like Shiloh Crossing. Placing density there aligns with younger lifestyles and actively supports the restaurants and retailers that are already established and need the customer base.

By spreading out the growth, we can protect the open Montana green spaces and rural landscape in the area currently being targeted, which aligns perfectly with what the community actually prefers.

We all should vote against anyone who approved this "For profit, Against Montana people" plan. Those who approved The R**e of West Billings.

Clark Johnson

05/18/2026

The city of Billings is working to remove the Montana beauty and open spaces of West Billings by changing the zoning there, in the only Billings beauty, to promote high-density housing.

A committee sponsored by the City created a 66 page document that no one will ever read but is now asking for public approval.
This is a direct quote from the 66 page West Billings Neighborhood Plan.

"To accommodate projected population growth and provide housing options for all life stages, the City will encourage a variety of residential housing types. This includes the integration of multi-family units, duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes within areas traditionally designated for low-density development.

By broadening the allowed housing types, the community can achieve greater density in targeted growth sectors, ensuring efficient utility extension and reducing the overall infrastructure footprint."

What do all those buzz words mean? Read that last paragraph again. You still don't know?

They all mean to cram more people into the same area, at a lower cost. But still develop that area for money for the City and for Developers.

Does West Billings need to grow that way? With more people but with less Montana beauty and lifestyle? Why? Is there a requirement, an absolute NEED, to grow like that ?
Money-driven... Not for people?

Come to the meeting this Tuesday night to learn, agree or disagree.

May 19, 7:00 pm
Connections Church
5554 Grand Avenue, Billings See less

10/16/2023

Truth !!

10/13/2023

10/12/2023

At least one Billings taxpayer is taking his own strong stand against the $143 million levy. He doesn't have the finances that the wealthy business elites do, with their posted signs everywhere to vote yes, but he is doing what every taxpayer should do - fighting to protect himself from non-caring, capricious politicians and business elites. He cannot afford to keep paying higher property taxes for some politician's folly that he will not use.

The homeowner at 429 West 19th Street has created about 50 "Vote No" signs. I was told that he will give a sign to anyone who asks for one.

I went to his home today but no one was there. I will try again. I encourage everyone to go to his home and request a sign for their yard.

Why do the Billings politicians and elitist cronies keep shoving more fool's taxes down the throats of fixed income Seniors, struggling young homeowners, and other financially vulnerable families ?

Why ? Because they got away with that in the past and think they can continue to do the same.

Why ? Because there would be $19 million of 'soft costs' in this project that can be spread around to cronies in fees, reports, studies, diagrams, commissions, yada yada.

Why ? Because Billings people don't like to be informed. They are too busy to notice that they are being screwed.

This homeowner noticed.

09/09/2023

Please go right now to the Billings Gazette page and say NO ! NO !

Make Cole and the City Council separate the two major costs into two separate votes. $57 million for parks and trails. $110 million for the South Billings rec center. They are separate projects.

Read this for more detail on the attempt to betray voters.
bit.ly/TaxpayersDecide

Click to go to the Billings Gazette page to say NO !
https://www.facebook.com/100064605827103/posts/686886173474904/?mibextid=cr9u03

Voters will decide on a $143 million bond to build a recreation center and park and trail projects.

09/07/2023

This meeting on the design of Cottonwood Park will be held tonight at 6:30 at Ben Steele Middle School on west Grand. Cottonwood Park is an undeveloped 38 acre site on 54th StW, just north of Diamond X and the new Albertsons. It was donated to Billings for a future park.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=688977823264399&set=a.222453499916836&type=3&mibextid=cr9u03

Supposedly this will be the last design meeting for public input, and for public thoughts about what facilities/amenities should be in Cottonwood Park.

But even though citizens have already been involved in the first two public meetings on Cottonwood Park, which are sponsored by the Billings Parks Department, there is much doubt that Cottonwood Park will actually be built.

Why not ? The City is sponsoring design meetings, so why doesn't the City allocate enough funds, about $20+ million, to actually build out the park ? Because the City is pulling a fast one on the public. Again... It is actually trying to spend $142 million, heavily on a so-called 'Rec Center' in South Billings, close to Sam's.

The City does need voter approval, so read this link to find out about the "bait and switch" maneuver that City Council and Mayor are using to get voter approval for the $142 million, paid for by increased property taxes.

bit.ly/TaxpayersDecide

Please join us for the THIRD public meeting for the Cottonwood Park Master Planning process. We will be reviewing the findings of the findings from the second public meeting and seeking community input on the concept plans for Cottonwood Park. (Note: the future site of Cottonwood Park is on 54th St & Colton Blvd on the West End.)

The meeting will be held at Ben Steele MS, September 7th at 6:30pm. This meeting is open to the public and all interested parties are invited to attend.

09/04/2023

YOU, a taxpayer and resident of Billings, should be able to vote separately on each of the 2 items in the huge tax levy coming your way.

City Council and power business people in Billings want you to vote YES to fund a $110 million 'rec center' in old South Billings. So you are being bribed. If you agree to the $110 million' rec center', you can also get $57 million for needed improvements to parks and trails in Billings.

But there is a catch. There's always a catch in Billings politics and government, to protect the elites and politicians.

They do not want you to be able to vote separately for 1) 'parks and trails' and 2) 'rec center'. They are forcing you to vote for the entire $142.3 million cost because they are afraid you will vote against the 'rec center' if given the choice to vote separately. And you will likely vote YES for parks and trails. That should be your choice.

Read the full details in this link.

Vote NO on the entire $142.3 million funding. Make the City Council, the Major, and the rich business people change the vote to allow you to vote separately on each.

Read the full details in this link.

09/02/2023

Quick Summary ...

The Billings City Council and Mayor, along with certain business people, developers, consultants, lawyers, who would financially benefit, want to build a $110 million "Rec Center" in older South Billings. But not build it in the more populous high growth areas.

Why ? Well, there are many non-citizen reasons... But regardless, the City Council, with those other selfish interests, will ask you to vote YES on November 7 to increase your taxes to build their $110 million pet project.

Another question - do you think that Billings should spend $57 million to improve parks and trails all over Billings ? Should you be allowed to vote Yes or No on parks and trails improvements ?

Those are two completely separate questions. And should be voted on separately.

But, you cannot vote on them separately. The City Council demands that you must agree to the $110 million "Rec Center" in order to get the $57 million improvements to many parks and trails.

Why, what the hell ? Because they think the public wants the improvements to parks and trails but not the "Rec Center ". So they put the two together to make you agree to the $110 million Rec Center in order to get the $57 million improvements to parks and trails.

So, simply vote NO ! Make the politicians come back to you with a democratic vote that asks the two separate questions.

1. $57 million for parks and trails in all of Billings ???
2. $110 million for the South Billings rec center ??

Don't allow one to affect the other.

Click the link for details.

bit.ly/PeopleParks

08/31/2023

Here are my thoughts regarding the very costly $142 million bond levy that Billings city council wants us dumb voters to approve on November 7.

1. I believe that the entire $142.3 million bond levy plan about to be proposed to Billings voters is simply a deliberately-conceived illusionist plan to convince voters to watch the other hand. The very visible, held-high, right hand is full of promises of major improvements to the parks and trails for all parts of Billings, at a cost of $57.3 million. That is possibly reasonable, and is a good question for voters.

a) But the politican's left hand holds the true motivation of the $142.3 million levy. That goal is to build a $110 million "recreational" center in South Billings, an area that is an older section of Billings, possibly benefitted by renewal and modernization. Do South Billings residents want that renewal, or do business people in South Billings want that renewal ?

b) One entity - SBURA (South Billings Urban Renewal Association) is solely dedicated to bringing renewal money into the area, and is a major promoter of the 'Rec Center". Unbiased promoter, yeah, right.

c) So, do the many residents of other parts of Billings want to pay more in taxes to put more money in the hands of businesses in South Billings? That's a fair question, and one that should be put to a very specific vote of ALL Billings residents.

d) Then to repeat a key question - why is City Council attempting to force Billings taxpayers to vote for the entire $142.3 million package, and not allowing voters to vote on the two completely separate issues - 1) $57.3 million for parks and trails in all parts of Billings and 2) $85.0 million for the South Billings 'Rec Center" ?

Why ?? Because the Council and South Billings' businesses are afraid that the $85.0 million South Billings Rec Center, in a now remote part of Billings, will be voted down by taxpayers. "To get what you need (parks) , you have to agree to what I want - (a 110 $ million Rec Center) Is that democracy ?

2. How did I become aware of this impending $142.3 million vote ?
I was naive. thinking that finally Billings government would do something positive for citizens. Suddenly, about 6 weeks ago, the Billings Parks Department announced a series of meetings to allow the public to help create the design and Master Plan for the undeveloped 38 acre Cottonwood Park in west Billings, along 54th Ave. I enthusiastically attended the first design meeting, and made several naive recommendations. Finally it seemed that I had the opportunity to take part in the decisions of Billings. Politicians and Elites do not rule ! Citizens do ! Yeah, right...

Then just a few days later, I was made aware of the huge $142.3 impending bond levy and then looked into its details. Then I discovered that Cottonwood Park was being planned for just $1 million in this bond levy. The South Billings rec center had $85 million included but Cottonwood Park, in the fast growing residential area of west Billings, had just one million, probably just to allow the City Council to say that all parts of Billings would be included in the $142.3 million. Because obviously, west Billings residents are stupid.

This is a link to the Resolution made by Council on Monday. There are several gotcha's in it. Let me know if you are interested.