HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-10-17 Midtown URB minutes
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APPROVED minutes from October 10, 2017 special board meeting
Voted on and approved during January 4, 2018 board meeting
held at the City Hall, Madison Room
TO DO List:
Everyone attend November 2 board meeting
In attendance: Kevin Cook, Nick Rodgers, Andrew Cetraro, Susan Fraser, Scott Hedglin,
Jeff Krauss, David Fine
Call to Order – Scott called the meeting to order at 5:30pm.
C. Public Comment
None
D. Meeting Minutes
n/a
E. Special Presentations
None
F.1. Action Item – Comment to the Bozeman City Commission on the proposed
updates to the Unified Development Code
Scott rehashed last week’s meeting conversation. His drafted memo is Attachment A.
Discussion on UDC’s Chapter 5 began. Getting more expensive to do business in
Bozeman.
Discussion continued. Memo should speak directly to initial requests of accessible, form-
based, reducing hurdles for infill. Should note concern about the bottom line being
important to projects; not incentivizing infill but instead encouraging sprawl.
More discussion. Andrew made the motion to authorize the board’s recorder to draft letter
with amendments as discussed, submitting to Commission; Kevin seconded. All in favor.
Susan will make edits and send out to everyone tomorrow morn with deadline for
response.
Adjournment
Scott adjourned at 6:07pm.
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Attachment A
Tom Rogers, Mayor Taylor, and Commission:
Thank you for your efforts on updating the Unified Development Code (UDC). We recognize the
magnitude of the undertaking and many of the UDC’s complexities in this challenging task.
As a primary financial contributor to the effort, the Midtown Board had a couple of requests to help
us on our path of incentivizing redevelopment in the district. Specifically, we asked for a Code that
is easy to navigate and use, utilizes the concepts of Form-Based design, and addresses some of the
hurdles (e.g. density, parking, and economic/market constraints) for infill projects. We appreciate
the creation of the B2M and R5 zone districts to recognize this unique area of town and its potential
for increased density near many of our community amenities.
As the new Code is being reviewed, we want to emphasize our initial requests and share other ideas
we have discussed to encourage vibrant, active, and healthy investment in Midtown:
• Ease of use: Consolidation of multiple regulations into a single, easy-to-use reference.
Clearly stated objectives and expectations as well as efforts to streamline the review process
will make Midtown (and other infill areas) more attractive to development. Although we
recognize some improvements, we don’t think the Code meets this goal.
• Form-based code: Diagrams, including those for block frontage, setbacks, and building
height and massing, are effective. Illustrations and photos capture intent. Thank you.
• Economics of Development:
o Parking requirements: Recent parking reduction in B2M is a step in the right
direction. Additional reductions/eliminations for R5 will make residential projects
for financially feasible and affordable.
o Floor Area ratios / Increased density:
o Allow for diverse project budgets and redevelopment economics
• Balance of quality and costs (materials, design, etc)
o Wide range of project types, styles, sizes
o Wide range of property owners
o Wide range of existing buildings (mom and pop to big box) and uses (service, retail,
industrial).
• Diversity of materials, architectural styles
o Welcoming to various types/levels of investors
Unfortunately, we feel the proposed UDC does not effectively address our initial requests. We ask
that our ideas and goals for Midtown be considered and prioritized as the document is being
reviewed.
Respectfully,