HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-19 Public Comment - R. Beland - Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan COMMENTS ON FINAL DRAFT BOZEMAN DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT PLAN
R. Dale Beland AICP, 3141 Spring Ridge Drive, Bozeman, MT 59715 4112119
montanaplanner@gmail.com
There is an elephant in the room...in the Draft Plan.A large and growing problem needs to be
addressed: truck traffic on Main Street.
The Draft Plan briefly describes current through truck traffic (about 39%) on Main Street, and
notes a future truck pass. "... the preferred alternative truck route for through truck traffic is an
I-90 and Jack Rabbit Lane bypass. ..As Main Street is converted from four lanes to three lanes,
this preferred alternative route should be advanced." But no clear action is proposed.
Over the past 24 years, the City has adopted a series of four plans which identified the issue of
removal of through-truck traffic. These include the 1995 Downtown Urban Renewal Plan , the
1998 Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan , the 2009 Downtown Bozeman Improvement
Plan, and the 2015 Downtown Bozeman Truck Study. All of these plans conclude that through
truck traffic is a concern for Downtown which should be resolved.
The 1995 Plan implementation stated that Bozeman should "Take control of Main Street;
eliminate through truck traffic and restore as a pedestrian friendly "Main Street" (page 10).
Twenty-four years later, it is even more appropriate and necessary.
In my opinion, this action would be the single greatest improvement to Downtown, and should
be clearly and explicit/y stated in the current Draft Plan. (City control of Main Street right-of-way
should precede implementation of any proposed lane changes.)
If you agree, please incorporate this change as an edit identified by the Commission.
Thank you for this opportunity to be heard.
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