HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-12-17 Public Comment - P. Spitler - Strategic PlanFrom:Paul Spitler
To:Chris Mehl; I-Ho Pomeroy; Carson Taylor; Jeff Krauss; Cyndy Andrus
Cc:Agenda
Subject:Strategic Plan
Date:Friday, May 12, 2017 1:32:21 PM
Commissioners,I am writing with regards to the strategic plan the Commission will consider on Monday, May
15. I appreciate the effort you have put into the plan and support the direction the plan willlead our city. I urge you to approve the strategic plan.
I would like to address Vision Statement #4 – A Well-Planned City. I appreciate the severalreferences you made in this section to encouraging infill development, walkability,
multimodal transportation, and density. I understand that some of these concepts—particularlyinfill development and density—may be controversial to some, but they are absolutely the
smartest, most environmentally sound means to ensure Bozeman retains its livability.
Bozeman is changing and, before our very eyes, is transforming from a town to a city. Our
best hope for guiding this change in a way that retains the aspects of Bozeman that makes itsuch a wonderful place to live is to establish strong land-use ordinances that emphasize
preservation of open space, alternative transportation options, walkability, and neighborhoodcenters. Increasing density is the best approach to achieving these goals. The alternative is
low-density sprawl that consumes open space, decreases walkability, and requires significantautomobile travel.
The plan does a good job touching on these issues and I look forward to working closely withthe Commission as a member of the Planning Board as we develop a new Growth Policy for
the City of Bozeman. Your leadership in this process is greatly appreciated.
Again, thank you for your efforts to keep Bozeman a great place to live.
Best,Paul Spitler