Before voting unanimously to approve a proposed two-lot subdivision within Pinecrest last week, the Jefferson County Commission heard from one Pinecrest resident unhappy about the proposal. Under the proposed subdivision a 5.6 acre lot would be split into two lots of 3.6 acres and 2 acres.
Duke Cromrich, a long-time resident of Pinecrest, said he appreciates that subdivision between Clancy and Montana City because it is not overcrowded. He urged the commission to reject the proposal, saying, “When you start issuing variances in rural areas, you open up the floodgates.” He expressed fear that approving the proposal would lead down the road to water and sewer issues and increased costs for road maintenance due to resulting traffic increases.
County Planner LaDana Hintz told the commissioners Pinecrest was created in 1974 and the county did little at that time to regulate subdivisions. The main road into the subdivision, Pinecrest Road, which was adopted as a county road in 2002, does not meet current county road standards, she said. Nevertheless, said Hintz, she and the county planning board reviewed the application and recommended approval.
