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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-23-17 Public Comment - T. Marcinko - Emerson Lawn CILP FundFrom:Tim Marcinko To:Agenda Cc:Bozeman School Board; Mitchell Overton; Tony Thatcher Subject:Emerson Lawn - City Cash in Lieu Fund - Potential Purchase Option Date:Thursday, June 22, 2017 11:15:20 PM Attachments:Emerson Lawn - Parks Cash in Lieu Fund 06-22-17.pdf Greetings, The attached brief letter to the City Commissioners outlines the potential benefits to be gained by having the City use the Parks Cash in Lieu Funds to purchase the Emerson Lawn property from the Bozeman School District. I ask that all parties read through the ideas presented and consider if the concept is feasible and if the City and the School District would be willing to negotiate a purchase agreement that would allow Bozeman's residents to retain a treasured park in the downtown district. Thank you for your time. Tim R. Marcinko 1216 S 3rd Ave. Bozeman, MT 59715 406-600-5096 Tim and Kathy Marcinko 1216 S 3rd Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 600-5096 office@bridgerphoenix.com June 22, 2017 E-MAIL TRANSMITTAL Sent: June 22, 2017 e-mail: agenda@bozeman.net Bozeman City Commissioners Pages Transmitted: 2 City Clerk’s Office 121 N Rouse Ave. Bozeman, MT 59715 Subject: Emerson Lawn and City Parks Cash in Lieu Fund Submittal of Potential Purchase Idea Dear Commissioners, I became aware of the Bozeman School Boards interest in selling the Emerson Lawn property when it was documented in the June 21, 2017 issue of the Bozeman Chronicle. As I thought about what a tremendous loss that would represent for the many Bozeman residents and community organizations that frequently utilize that valuable park space, I realized that this sale actually creates an opportunity for the City and the new downtown infill projects by fulfilling a direct use for the City Parks Cash in Lieu Fund. It is clear that the completed and proposed downtown infill projects are attempting to maximize all of their lot square footage for functional building usage and not for park land. While I have no knowledge of the specific park requirements associated with these construction projects, Tony Thatcher, Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Member, has informed me that many of the developers have opted to fulfill their obligation by making a payment into the City Parks Cash in Lieu Fund. The Emerson Lawn property represents a rare opportunity to utilize those accumulated funds for the direct preservation of an existing park space within the downtown district where many of those infill projects are located. The purchase of the Emerson Lawn could also help ease contentious negotiations surrounding the conflict of proposed developments such as the Black-Olive Building by pointing out that the development helped fund the purchase of the Emerson Lawn. As Bozeman continues to march forward with its growth struggles and pursuit of infill projects by tearing down and replacing existing structures, it would be terribly sad to lose an existing park space that is used by so many Bozeman residents to yet another mid-rise building complex. The park land within our city core helps define our community by providing a safe space where neighbors and families can connect. As a longtime resident that has worked in the downtown district for more than 35 years, I have seen the Emerson Lawn used for so many purposes throughout the years by everything from Lunch on the Lawn and church sponsored Vacation Bible Schools to a much needed practice field for youth sports teams. After having coached youth soccer for nine years in this town, I know first hand that available and convenient field space is in short supply. Letter to Bozeman City Commissioners Emerson Lawn and City Parks Cash in Lieu Fund: Submittal of Potential Purchase Idea June 22, 2017 Page 2 Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts regarding the possibility of using the City Parks Cash in Lieu Fund to purchase the School Emerson Lawn. I strongly believe that this proposal could represent a win-win-win-win scenario.  Win for the Bozeman School District: Sale of their asset at fair market price and the knowledge that the land will continue to be used by the Bozeman community.  Win for the City: Direct applicable use of Parks Cash in Lieu Fund for a park that is utilized by many residents and not a select few.  Win for the infill developers: Able to say that their contribution to the park fund was used to purchase a specific and treasured park asset in Bozeman’s core.  Win for the downtown Bozeman residents: Retaining a useable green space that will be saved for our children’s children. The Emerson Lawn is too valuable of an open space within our city’s core to lose. I hope that you will seriously consider my suggestion and discuss the possibility of meeting with the Bozeman School Board on negotiating a deal. Thank you and I wish you well! Tim R. Marcinko ec: Mitch Overton, Bozeman Parks and Recreation Director Tony Thatcher, Vice Chair, Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Bozeman School Board of Trustees