Gallatin residents oppose oversized marina plan raising traffic and community concerns

The Gallatin City Council meeting held on July 9, 2025, focused on significant community concerns regarding the proposed Fox And Harbor Marina development. The meeting featured multiple residents expressing their opposition to the project, citing issues related to traffic, environmental impact, and the overall scale of the development.

The first speaker, an engineer, raised alarms about the traffic and infrastructure implications of the marina, emphasizing that the current analysis underestimated the number of trips required for boat maintenance and access. He argued that the existing road infrastructure could not support the projected traffic, particularly on Douglas Avenue, which has blind spots and limited space for vehicles and trailers.

Chandra Waller, a resident of Alba Trust Way, echoed these concerns, stating that the proposed marina's size—over 250 boat slips—would negatively impact the local community. She suggested reducing the number of slips to around 100 and limiting commercial space to a smaller restaurant and convenience store. Waller criticized the traffic study associated with the project as inadequate and called for preserving the character of the Foxland Harbor community.

Mike Schulte, representing a collective voice from the community, highlighted a significant disconnect between the current development proposal and the original vision established by Leon Moore in 2007. He presented survey results indicating that a majority of residents opposed the marina's current scale, advocating for a "right-sized" development that aligns with community values.

John Gardner, another resident, referenced the original master plan for Fairview and Foxland, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the vision that attracted many residents to the area. He expressed concerns about the potential disruption to the community's character and the environmental implications of the proposed development.

The meeting concluded with a clear message from residents: while they are not against development, they seek a balanced approach that respects the existing community and its values. The council is expected to consider these concerns as discussions about the marina project continue.