HomeMy WebLinkAboutLonsdale LetterMarch 30, 2017
Taylor Lonsdale, PE
Small Urban and Rural Livability Center
Western Transportation Institute
Montana State University
(406) 994-7031
RE: North 7th Avenue – Sidewalk Infill Project
Taylor:
Bozeman takes great pride in its system of sidewalks and trails both
because of the alternatives they offer for transportation and for the
recreational opportunities they provide. Areas of our community
such as North 7th Avenue serve as a connection between residences
and places of employment. Despite the missing sidewalks, this portion
of North 7th Avenue sees significant transportation related foot traffic.
This project is of primary benefit to pedestrians, but it also benefits
motorized travelers by providing a place for people to safely walk
along this busy corridor. This project will fill a notable gap in the
sidewalk network and provide a needed improvement in public
safety.
The Midtown Urban Renewal District’s updated plan includes “Goal #2
Improve Multi-Modal Transportation Rationale: Increasing travel
options supports public health, reduces resource demand, increases
efficiency and reduces costs, improving the quality of life and making
the community a better place to live and work, helping to eliminate
conditions that contribute to blight.” and includes “Construct non-
vehicular safety improvements such as sidewalks, pedestrian crossings,
high intensity activated cross walk signals and traffic calming features”
in the list of Capital Projects to achieve the goal. The sidewalk infill
proposed in this application for Transportation Alternatives funding is
an excellent fit with our goals for the corridor.
We strongly support the North 7th Avenue Sidewalk Infill Project as it
aligns the goals of the Midtown Urban Renewal District and provides a
vital safety improvement for the people that already walk in this area
to access business and work opportunities.
Sincerely,
Scott Hedglin
Chair, Midtown (North Seventh) Urban Renewal Board