HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-08-19 Public Comment - C. Bartholomew - Bozeman Livable Community ProjectFrom: Chris Mehl
To: Agenda
Subject: FW: Touching base regarding the Bozeman Livable Community Project
Date: Friday, February 08, 2019 12:31:24 PM
fyi public comment re: Senior Center and Story Mill.
Also, who's best city staff contact for questions she asks re: senior center?
Chris Mehl
Bozeman Deputy Mayor
cmehl@bozeman.net
406.581.4992
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From: Cheryl Bartholomew [fitseniors@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, February 08, 2019 10:58 AM
To: Chris Mehl
Subject: Touching base regarding the Bozeman Livable Community Project
Hi Chris,
I am currently pursuing partnership with the Greater Gallatin United Way to support and assist us in moving forward
to create a more age-friendly, livable community. We share many of the same goals and GGUW has some great
resources we hope to tap into.
In addition to expanding our partnerships and stakeholders, we continue to pursue the Story Mill Community
Center Project through MSU's Architecture Department ( Ralph Johnson) and still hope to contract with them to
create several scenarios detailing options for the expansion of the community center with a focus on universal
design to allow for inter-generational use. Professor Johnson has requested money from the University and hopes to
receive the funds and the "go ahead " by June. We will then need to move quickly to initiate this project in the Fall
Semester of this year. There have been some unexpected turns and twists including restructuring of faculty at MSU
in the Architecture Department and the realization that Story Mill Community Center is surrounded by flood plains,
which means we would need to expand vertically, not horizontally with regard to renovations. Professor Johnson
said you are welcome to contact him if you have any questions regarding the process.
Partnering with the Senior Center is still a high priority, but we have been unable to schedule a meeting with the
Executive Director and/or the Board of Directors to date. If the Senior Center building becomes part of the
community center renovation plan, it provides additional space and opportunities for inter-generational wellness and
fitness options. If we want to reduce renovation costs implied in the vertical expansion of Story Mill Community
Center due to flood plain issues, then incorporating additional space in an already established building makes sense.
The most compatible venue would be the Senior Center. The aging baby-boomer population is not attracted to or
interested in the current senior center models of the 1960' s . They are demanding a more purposeful, active center
that is inclusive and engaging. It would be helpful to know what partnership or ties the city has with the Senior
Center. Is the building owned by city? Does it collect rent from the center? We could use some city representation
or assistance with this situation. Can you suggest a contact or provide some insight as to this entity relationship?
Your guidance/ thoughts would be welcome and appreciated.
This project will have far reaching consequences for Bozeman ; it will contribute to a stronger sense of community
in many ways. It will create an all seasons venue appropriate for all ages and abilities, to compliment the healthy,
active lifestyle Bozeman residents embrace, Merging with the Senior Center would provide additional space,
opportunity and benefits for expanding wellness and fitness based programming. A culture of wellness addresses
many of the Livable Community and GGUW goals such as social respect and inclusion, while encouraging all
residents, regardless of age or mobility challenges, to find purpose in life by contributing and engaging in the
community. It also sets the stage for mentorship and volunteer opportunities, while reducing isolation created when
older adults no longer drive or when community resources are inadequate/ ineffective and become a deterent rather
than a support system for those who choose to remain active and socially connected. This new community center
venue will literally be a "lifeline" that will foster family and inter-generational relationships to build a stronger,
healthier Bozeman.
Once again, thank you for your support and for all you are doing to create a more viable community for all.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Bartholomew