University of Montana officials seek comment on master plan

To bring in additional revenue to the cash-strapped University of Montana, campus leaders have contracted with a team of land developers to design a university-linked retirement community along UM’s golf course.

Driving the project are two general themes: UM would make money by selling the homes to alumni, retired faculty and former staff and campus would benefit by gaining new residents who want to give back to their alma mater as mentors to students and volunteers for UM projects and needs.

The design team, led by UM alum Walt Brett, has also agreed to create a master plan for the 150-acre area, which on campus is referred to as the "south campus," and includes the golf course, Dornblaser Field, practice fields, and student housing. Geographically, the property sits at the base of Mount Sentinel between South Avenue and Pattee Canyon.

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Two public meetings are set for Monday to discuss the University of Montana’s proposal to build a retirement community along UM’s golf course. The meetings will be held at 4 and 7 p.m. in the Bitterroot Room of the Doubletree Hotel in Missoula.

By BETSY COHEN of the Missoulian

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/articles/2005/01/26/news/local/news05.txt