HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-13-17 Public Comment - E. Kelly - Sports Park Phase 1 March 10,2017
City of Bozeman Department of Community Development
P.O.Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771-1230
RE: Bozeman Sports ParkâPhase 1
SP Application 17017(aka 17-020)
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing in reference to the proposed Bozeman Sports Park Phase 1.Although I have previously
corresponded with Ms. Poissant via email I wanted to take the opportunity to formalize and add to my
comments in response to the public notice to ensure they are made part of the public record. My
concerns pertain to lighting,noise,parking and bike lanes.
I want to voice my objection to any plans,now or in the future,for overhead lighting for night play or an
audio system for calling games or amplifying other potential events. Night lighting impacts the dark skies
we currently enjoy and want to maintain. Noise from crowds associated with tournaments,and the like,
could be disruptive enough,but if the play action is broadcast by sound equipment it will have a serious
impact on the quality of life in our neighborhood and that of the yet-to-be-built development at Flanders
Mill.
Regarding parking, I have two comments.It does not appear that the layout can accommodate buses.The
purpose of the venue is to host large tournaments,presumably hosting teams from out of town. Bus
parking needs to be considered and this will take away from other visitor parking.Will there be enough
once that has been figured in.
Furthermore,what will be the rules on overnight parking?Some tournament participants may come in
recreational vehicles for a multi-day event to avoid paying for hotel accommodations. This was observed
at the softball complex last summer for a regional softball event.The policy on this needs to be
established as it pertains to whether or not it will be permitted,and if so,the duration,trash,use of the
restrooms,the use of generators,outdoor cooking and so on.These are all factors that will have an
impact on the maintenance,servicing and policing of this venue.
And lastly,it does not appear that bike lanes have been incorporated into the Baxter Lane improvements.
As there are already lanes established just beyond the traffic circle at Ferguson,the extension of these
lanes should be done now to encourage bike travel to and from the park.
While the open space,trails,playgrounds and opportunity for multiple uses are certainly positive
amenities for our community the completed facility must also be designed to handle the large amount of
car and bus parking, have no impact to our neighborhood from lighting or public address systems,should
not put unexpected strain on the public services and be reachable by all forms of transportation.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this project.
Emily J. Kelly
2215 Ferguson Avenue
Bozeman,MT 59718