HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-16-16, Waschke, Kable Subdivision, Public CommentAugust 16, 2016
City of Bozeman
Department of Community Development
Attn: Mitch WerBell
PO Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771-1230
Re: Application 16252 Kable Subdivision Annexation and Zone Map Amendment
Dear Mr. WerBell,
My name is Angela Watschke and I live at 409 N. 25th Avenue, three doors south of the proposed
annexation and zone map amendment. I am sorry that I could not attend the July 19 or August 15
meetings due to pregnancy and now our baby girl, who was born August 5th. I am writing to you as both
a home owner with my husband, Chris, and as a mother of 2.
I do not agree with changing the zoning classification to R-3, medium density housing as requested. I do
acknowledge that Bozeman needs more dense and affordable housing. However, 25th avenue is not a
good choice. Adding medium density housing will create more traffic, cyclists and pedestrians along
with potential parking issues. Please note the primary reason for not allowing medium density housing
below:
1. Current Unsafe Traffic Situation for Children, Families and Students
a. The speed limit is 25 mph and there are 2 signs between Durston and Babcock on 25th
Avenue (one blocked by trees on the East side of 25th). This is not sufficient speed
control. Medium density housing means more drivers on 25th avenue.
b. Virtually no cars drive within 5 mph of the speed limit.
c. 25th is a thoroughfare; there are no stop signs between Durston and Babcock. Many
people use this route to go to/from Town and Country Grocery and Kirk Park requiring a
turn at Beal and 25th avenue.
i. There is only a yield sign at the Beal/25th intersection and a blind curve to the
south on 25th that makes crossing Beal (there are no cross walks) dangerous.
d. The medium density housing close to Babcock on 25th Ave is an example of too many
cars/people in a small space. This is more of a problem when MSU is in session. I am
concerned that the same situation will occur at 25th and Durston.
i. Driving towards Babcock on 25th past Villard requires slow speed and vigilance
due to the immense amount of parked cars and cars backing out of driveways.
ii. I will not ride my bike towing our daughter in the chariot because it is not safe
on 25th South of Villard due to medium density housing.
e. Bicycle traffic is dense on 25th avenue and there are no bike lanes. Again, this is a direct
route to Town and Country Grocery and to/from campus via Babcock and 23rd Avenue.
Adding apartments or townhomes means more students and children using 25th
Avenue.
f. The crosswalks on Durston and 25th are NOT EFFECTIVE.
i. I’ve noted that several areas around Bozeman (Kagy near MSU and S. 3rd by
Sacajawea Middle School) have blinking lights that a pedestrian can activate to
notify traffic to stop for pedestrians (mostly students) using the cross walks on
busy roads. Durston and 25th needs this type of safety consideration.
ii. I personally have pulled into traffic at Durston on 25th Ave. to stop traffic from
the West while a Bus did the same for traffic from the West to allow an
elementary student to cross Durston on her way to school. In addition, I was
almost hit because an impatient driver went around stopped traffic while I was
walking across Durston at the same intersection.
iii. Traffic does not stop for pedestrians crossing Durston during morning and
evening commute times. Drivers need a light or a crossing guard to tell them to
stop.
g. In the 4 homes that make up Kable Subdivision (minus the proposed property) there are
3 children, 3 years and under, and 1 more on the way. They will all attend Emily
Dickenson Elementary School. They all need a safe way to get to/from school and
to/from Kirk Park.
h. Adding medium density housing will increase the number of children needing safe
access to Emily Dickenson and Kirk Park.
i. Adding medium density housing will most likely attract MSU student residents along
with young families. This means more MSU students driving and biking to campus.
They deserve a safe route to campus by bicycle and we all need better speed control for
those who drive.
I would like to see the City of Bozeman address the issues listed above before adding more congestion
to North 25th Avenue with medium density housing. This includes adding 1) blinking lights at the cross
walk on Durston and 25th that can be activated by pedestrians, 2) changing the intersection of Beal and
N. 25th Ave to a 3 way stop vs. 1 yield sign to slow traffic, 4) adding cross walks for pedestrians across
Beal at 2th and Beal and 4) more speed signs, better patrol and/or a speed indicator so drivers are
aware of how fast they are going on North 25th Avenue.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please contact me anytime.
Sincerely,
Angela Watschke
409 N. 25th Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59718
Cell: 406-581-4209
Email: angelawatschke@gmail.com
Cc: City Commissioners