BOZEMAN, Mont. — The Gallatin County Commission approved a proposed tennis facility to go in north of Bozeman in a rural and agricultural area.

Commissioners said the project meets the objectives of the development plan and regulations and is unlikely to impact nearby properties.

“It’s a low-density area, even though this is a nonconforming lot, this still doesn’t overcrowd the land,” said Commissioner Scott MacFarlane.

The 8,500-square-foot indoor tennis facility is expected to hold four to eight guests at a time, and it’s unlikely to affect traffic congestion.

Bozeman residents gave public comment at the meeting, and some voiced concerns about the proposed project.

“I care about where I live and the quality of that location of the very fragile Bridger step. There are multiple people that do not have any interest in this (facility) and see it as a detriment,” said Rebecca Himsl.

“There’s absolutely no need to accommodate a city mindset in a rural area where everybody has given up so much of their potential money-making opportunity. We’re closed on that in order to protect mule deer, open space and rural quality of life,” said Steve Kelly.

Now, with the project moving forward, a land use permit is required before construction can get started.