HomeMy WebLinkAboutGrowth Policy Public Comment (Aggregated)April 25, 2019
Dear Bozeman Planning Board,
Thank you for your work in guiding our community to grow in an environmentally
sensitive and fiscally responsible manner. In the Bozeman Growth Policy update,
we ask that you please consider the following goals and objectives:
1. Support preserving open space and prioritizing infill and increased density.
2. Support multi-modal transportation, including walkability, bike lanes, and
public transportation. New development should walkable, bikeable, and
accessible by transit.
3. Establish an urban growth boundary—or the equivalent: focus
development on lands within the boundary and preserve open space and
agricultural lands outside the boundary.
4. Ensure that Bozeman’s growth policy prioritizes reducing climate
emissions, and is consistent with the City of Bozeman’s Climate Action
Plan.
5. Emphasize green infrastructure policies and low impact development
plans in our Growth Policy update. We all value healthy landscapes and
waterways and we ask that you emphasize a strategic approach to site-
specific storm water management techniques implemented to reduce the
volume of storm water runoff entering our storm drains, while also
restoring the natural hydrologic cycle. A green infrastructure that manages
the water pollution impacts of development through a variety of small,
cost-effective landscape features located on-site, relative to a project or
site.
Thank you for your time, your hard work, and your consideration.
Betsy Hicks
David Hicks
2111 Love Lane
Bozeman
bbhicks@gmail.com
1
Lacie Kloosterhof
From:Brianne Rogers <briannerogers@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, April 24, 2019 10:33 AM
To:Lacie Kloosterhof
Subject:Growth policy comments
Hi Lacie,
I am unable to attend next week's planning board meeting, but I wanted to voice my support for establishing an
urban growth boundary. It would be a huge success in my opinion if an outcome of the growth policy update
process was establishing some sort of annexation procedure that allows the city to focus on developing within
the existing city boundaries and preserving open space and agricultural lands, with support and coordination
from the county, outside the boundary. In addition, we need a forward-thinking policy in place that prevents
creation of additional county inholdings within the city's boundaries as they currently exist and a process to
annex these appropriately.
As tough as it is to see my hometown change, I think there is benefit to promoting preservation of open space
and prioritizing infill and increased density within the core of the city for longer term sustainability of the
quality of life we've all come to appreciate about this special place.
With appreciation,
Brianne
Brianne Rogers
President, Bird Dog Strategies, LLC 406.579.2921 mobile ~ briannerogers@gmail.com www.birddogstrategies.com
1
Lacie Kloosterhof
From:Sam Blomquist <samblomquist@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, April 25, 2019 9:45 AM
To:Lacie Kloosterhof
Subject:Bozeman Growth Policy
Hi Lacie,
I'm hoping to submit written comments on the Bozeman Growth Plan - (BOZEMAN MT COMMUNITY
PLAN PHASE 4: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 28 March 2019, Preliminary Draft for Internal Discussion,
V2).
I support the stated goals with particular priorities:
o increased pedestrian/multimodal transportation
o utilization of ADU's to promote density
o creating trail / park connectivity
o promoting affordable housing distributed throughout the city, not just in one location
o preservation of ag land/open space
Thanks!
Sam Blomquist - 442 N 10th Ave. 599-0151
--
Sam Blomquist
1
Lacie Kloosterhof
From:Emily Allison <emily.allison13@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, April 27, 2019 8:05 AM
To:Lacie Kloosterhof
Subject:Comments on Bozeman’s Growth Plan
Dear Lacie,
My name is Emily Allison and I was raised here in Bozeman. I am 31 years old and care deeply about the future
of Bozeman. Here are my comments I would like you to pass along regarding Bozeman’s Growth Plan.
1. Support preserving open space and prioritizing infill and increased density.
2. Support multi-modal transportation, including walkability, bike lanes, and public transportation. New
development should walkable, bikeable, and accessible by transit.
3. Establish an urban growth boundary—or the equivalent: focus development on lands within the
boundary and preserve open space and agricultural lands outside the boundary.
4. Ensure that Bozeman’s growth policy prioritizes reducing climate emissions, and is consistent with the
City of Bozeman’s Climate Action Plan.
5. I value healthy landscapes and waterways, and want to see our communities’ development plans and
rules prioritize those shared values. I urge you to support the inclusion of Low Impact Development and Green
Infrastructure policies in Bozeman’s Growth Plan.
Best,
Emily
Sent from my iPhone
1
Lacie Kloosterhof
From:Mark Genito <mark.genito@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, April 27, 2019 8:17 PM
To:Lacie Kloosterhof
Subject:Bozeman Growth Policy comments...
Hello Mrs. Kloosterhof,
I just wanted to submit my comments as a citizen of Bozeman for the Growth Policy currently in the works.
I would like to encourage the following:
An emphasis on low-impact development and green infrastructure policies.
Open space and prioritizing infill and increased density.
Multi-modal transportation, including walkability, bike lanes and public transportation. New
development should be walkable, bikeable and accessible by transit.
Establish an urban growth boundary or the equivalent: focus development on lands within the boundary
and preserve open space and agricultural lands outside the boundary
Prioritize the reduction of climate emissions and maintain consistency with the City of Bozeman's
Climate Action Plan.
Thank you for your consideration.
Mark Genito
1
Lacie Kloosterhof
From:Sarah Howell <slh274@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, April 27, 2019 9:19 AM
To:Lacie Kloosterhof
Subject:Bozeman Growth Policy
Hi Lacie,
In relation to the Bozeman Growth Policy, I want to express my support for prioritizing infill and increased
density versus sprawling outward. I know that some people feel that tall buildings are ugly and block people's
views, but I feel the alternative of sprawl is much worse. I feel that open land should be valued and preserved.
Also, I would like to see low impact development (LID) and green infrastructure (GI) included in Bozeman's
development policies as so many other cities already have. As Bozeman continues to grow, stormwater
management will become an even greater issue and implementing LID policies would help us stay on top of this
issue.
The third topic I feel strongly about is that the growth policy supports multi-modal transportation including
walkability, bike lanes, and public transportation. So much of development these days is focused on cars, but
other forms of transportation have many additional benefits including reduced climate emissions, more sense of
community, and improved health from exercise and better air quality. I understand that with Bozeman's winters,
it is not reasonable to expect people to walk and bike year-round, but I would like to see Bozeman move toward
supporting alternate modes of transportation than just cars.
Thank you for your time!
Sincerely,
Sarah Howell
(650) 274-2855
1
Lacie Kloosterhof
From:Allen May <allencmay@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, April 28, 2019 2:55 PM
To:Lacie Kloosterhof
Subject:Comments on City Growth Policy
Dear City Planning Board,
My name is Allen May and I live at 419 Fieldstone Drive in Bozeman. I am writing today in support of growth
polices that would ensure our city's future is one that is clean, fair, and prosperous. Our growth policy must
include goals that optimize open space protection while advancing transit oriented development concepts
including walkable residential and commercial nodes connected to other urban nodes via a city wide multi
modal transit system. Obviously our transit system must be fully developed to support this but as we grow we
must recognize that our neighborhoods, schools, and commercial districts must be planned for holistically with
a goal of limiting vehicle miles travelled. If we are going to reduce the largest greenhouse gas pollution source
in our city fossil fuel based transportation must be minimized via growth and associated transportation
planning.
Additionally, as we seek to maintain the clean air, clean water and open space values that set this city apart we
must ensure that growth policies focus on infill, density and an urban growth boundary that allows for
connected open spaces within and on the perimeter of our city boundary. These values are attracting businesses
and creative small business entrepreneurs from around the country and world and we must ensure that our
amenity based economic advantages are maintained.
Smart growth strategies that focus on infill density and multi modal transportation offer the possibility of
significantly increasing the supply of housing, decreasing the cost of development while reducing the cost of
vehicle ownership. A growth policy that recognizes a need for housing supply at various financial points of
entry could have a significant impact on affordability for a labor market that is increasingly forced away from
our city to live resulting in unfettered sprawl and excessive commuter miles travelled. Both are costly
financially and environmentally.
Fortunately it has been proven over and again that smart growth policies are also the most fiscally
responsible growth strategies for taxpayers. Optimizing our current infrastructure is much less costly than
expanding and servicing unfettered suburban development. Furthermore, the public revenue return from dense
commercial development on a square foot basis far outstrips that of vehicle dependent ex-urban commercial
development.
Thank you for the opportunity to offer comments in support of smart growth polices that will ensure our city's
future is clean, fair, and prosperous.
Sincerely,
Allen C. May
2
1
Lacie Kloosterhof
From:Jeremy Aaron <jeremysaaron@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, April 28, 2019 2:10 PM
To:Lacie Kloosterhof
Subject:Bozeman Growth Policy Comments
Hi,
I would like to offer my feedback to the Bozeman Community Growth Plan as a current resident of Bozeman
(Four Corners area).
Improve public trainsit options (more bus lines to connect outlying neighborhoods to central Bozeman).
Currently there is not a bus stop south of 4 corners on 191 that could make taking a bus a practical option in my
neighborhood.
-Add more dedicated bike paths. Although bike lanes are nice too, dedicated bike paths will greatly increase
the amount people choose to bike over driving. Right now I am not comfortable biking along the highway so
biking is not a viable option for me to commute to town. There is a path in Gallatin Gateway that could be
continued on to 4 corners, on to Belgrade and potentially to Bozeman too. I know this plan is specifically for
Bozeman but laying down the infrastructure to connect more communities and neighborhoods throughout the
Gallatin Valley would greatly increase bike transportation, minimize bike/automobile conflicts, and help
decrease our #1 cause of air pollution, vehicle traffic.
-Increase energy efficiency standards in new homes and commercial buildings. For the amount of wealth
and environmentally minded individuals in this community it is disappointing to see where this town currently
is in terms of sustainability. I know the city is working on encouraging this and there are many reasons for why
we are lagging behind on this issue but if the city can help improve efficiency in building codes and help
promote rebate and incentive options for efficiency upgrades and renewables on the residential and commercial
level we might have a chance at meeting the goals of our cities climate action plan while our population is still
growing.
-Offer a city wide recycling program. I have heard that only 5% of Gallatin county residents recycle. This is a
culture that needs to be changed in order to truly become an environmentally conscious city. Recycling needs to
be shifted from an added burden that residents need to take on their own shoulders to local drop sites or a
private company to a common sense service offered by the city that helps save on landfill costs, save on energy
use, and keep trash from overflowing dumpsters out of our natural areas. Organics recycling also could be
added as a city wide service. Where I grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis (Saint Louis Park) single stream
recycling and composting are now provided city-wide and the amount of waste generated and landfill costs have
been slashed significantly.
-Impose higher standards on construction companies that impact our water and air quality. I work in the
construction industry and regularly see diesel fuel spilled onto the ground, trash being blown off job sites into
our national forests, and immense quantities of runoff from disturbed soils flowing into waterways with no
holding ponds to decrease sediment. No one is there to enforce any standards and very few workers are aware of
ones that may exist. If we ramped up our cities enforcement, the money from fines could be used to help
cleanup the impacts the construction boom is having on our natural environment and help lead to higher
standards with the industry.
2
Concentrate growth within the city and minimize sprawl while retaining affordable housing options. I know
this is a tough ask but whatever mechanisms can help push toward this goal I would support. Affordable
housing options are being created but not nearly at the pace required to provide options for all of those in need.
Whatever it takes to discourage more millionaires from coming in and planting mcmansions across our foothills
would be a good thing, but maybe since this is somewhat inevitable we could place a higher tax burden on these
sorts of properties to help fund the positive growth outcomes the rest of our community would like to see.
Thank you for taking my comments into consideration and for all the hard work the city is doing to help
improve the impacts of our rapid growth!
Sincerely,
-Jeremy Aaron
1
BOZEMANMT COMMUNITY PLAN
PHASE 4: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
28 March 2019, Preliminary Draft for Internal Discussion, V2
THE SHAPE OF THE CITY | The urban character of our well-planned City is defined by urban edges, varied skyline, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, and integration with the natural landscape that surrounds us.
A CITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS | Our City is made up of a series of diverse and inclusive neighborhoods, defined by our commercial nodes, a variety of quality housing, walkable centers, schools, and parks.
Goal: Support well-planned, walkable neighborhoods that are designed to retain and enhance character while also promoting increased pedestrian activity
1. Maintain block and lot configuration design standards throughout City neighborhoods 2. Promote the development of accessory dwelling units as a means of addressing goals surrounding affordability and density 3. Support commercial-node development in appropriate neighborhood locations 4. Replace and maintain missing or damaged sidewalk elements
Goal: Encourage identifiable neighborhoods through the creation of unique amenities and focal points
1. Increase connectivity between parks and neighborhoods through continued trail and sidewalk development with prioritization of closing gaps in the trail and sidewalk network 2. Encourage neighborhood focal point development with functional and sustainable activities and equipment to promote activity and social interaction
Goal: Promote an adequate supply of diverse, safe, and well-designed affordable housing units
1. Encourage distribution of affordable housing units throughout the City and located near commercial, recreational, and transit opportunities
2. Incentivize affordable housing development through coordination of infrastructure and funding
Goal: Promote land preservation and affordable housing through increased development intensity in key areas
2
1. Support higher density development along main corridors to accommodate population growth and support businesses 2. Encourage that affordable housing developments are accessible via public transit routes 3. Identify and zone appropriate locations for neighborhood-scale commercial development 4. Evaluate revisions to building height limits 5. Evaluate and where appropriate, pursue coordinated improvements and facilities to address development impacts rather than requiring each site to be fully self-supporting
A CITY BOLSTERED BY DOWNTOWN AND COMPLEMENTARY DISTRICTS | Our City is bolstered by our Downtown, Midtown, and University and other commercial districts and neighborhood centers that include characterized by higher densities and intensification of use in these key areas.
Goal: Ensure multimodal connectivity within and between districts
1. Expand multimodal accessibility throughout districts as a means of promoting personal and environmental health, as well as reducing automobile dependency 2. Support implementation and monitoring of the Bozeman Transportation Master Plan strategies 3. Encourage development intensity along key district corridors
Goal: Promote districts through diverse housing, goods and services, and employment opportunities
1. Promote mixed-use developments with access to parks, open space, and transit options 2. Support University efforts to attract commercial development near campus
Goal: Support urban development within the City to reduce development pressure on viable agricultural areas and support reduced consumption of land 1. Support infrastructure maintenance and include coordinated upgrades with maintenance activities to support appropriate infill development 2. Prioritize the acquisition and preservation of open space that supports community values and addresses gaps in functionality and needs 3. Develop area-specific building height guidelines 4. Evaluate alternatives for more intensive residential development styles in proximity to high visibility corners, services, and parks.
3
A CITY INFLUENCED BY OUR MOUNTAINS, PARKS, AND OPEN SPACE | Our City is home to an outdoor-conscious population that celebrates and protects our natural environment and immediate access to a well-managed open space and parks system.
Goal: Prioritize the continued maintenance and strategic acquisition of parks in Bozeman
1. Collaborate with partner agencies to establish sustainable funding sources for City green space 2. Ensure consistently high levels of safety and maintenance in City parks and open space 3. Coordinate between developments to locate larger parks that are cooperatively developed.
Goal: Provide a variety of recreational opportunities throughout City parks and open space
1. Incorporate unique recreational and artistic elements into existing parks 2. Research and implement multi-use features within parks to promote use and visitation
A CITY THAT PRIORITIZES ACCESSIBILITY AND MOBILITY CHOICES| Our City fosters the close proximity of housing, services, and jobs, and provides safe, efficient mobility for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and drivers.
Goal: Promote multimodal access throughout Bozeman for all residents and visitors
1. Encourage trail connections throughout new developments 2. Establish east-west trail connections to complement the existing trail system 3. Prioritize connecting Districts with multimodal facilities
Goal: Enhance pedestrian, bicyclist, and vehicular safety measures throughout the City
1. Implement traffic calming measures in areas of high pedestrian activity 2. Develop dedicated bike lanes or separated paths along all principal arterial roads specified in the most current Transportation Master Plan
A CITY POWERED BY ITS CREATIVE, INNOVATIVE, AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ECONOMY | Our City, and all residents benefit from an expanding economy that is powered by education development, strong regional partnerships, job creation, talent retention, and support for local businesses.
4
Goal: Promote the continued development of Bozeman as an innovative and thriving economic center
1. Facilitate live/work opportunities as a way to support small, local businesses 2. Support employee retention and attraction efforts by encouraging continued development of attainable housing 3. Collaborate with economic development entities in local business support efforts
Goal: Support the goals and objectives outlined in the Bozeman Economic Development Strategy
1. Invest in infrastructure projects identified in the capital improvement plan (CIP) that will strengthen the business and higher education communities 2. Ensure an adequate supply of appropriately zoned land in desired employment areas
Goal: Promote and support economic diversification efforts
1. Provide local businesses with resources and communication to help them continue to grow and expand 2. Encourage the attraction and development of sustainability industry businesses and careers
A CITY INFLUENCED BY ENGAGED IN REGIONAL COORDINATION AND DEFINED EDGES | Our City, in partnership with Gallatin County, Montana State University, and other regional authorities, addresses the needs of a rapidly growing and changing population through strategic infrastructure choices, land use planning, and thoughtful decision-making.
Goal: Practice increased communication and coordination with Gallatin County and other regional public entities
1. Consider possible regional impacts when making decisions 2. Coordinate planning activities to promote consistency throughout the region 3. Research infrastructure and transportation improvements that benefit the region
Goal: Continue coordinating with Gallatin County and neighboring municipalities to identify and mitigate potential hazards
1. Identify effective, affordable, and regionally-appropriate hazard mitigation techniques 2. Discourage development in environmentally sensitive, or hazard prone areas
5
Goal: Update annexation policies and collaborate with Gallatin County regarding annexation and development patterns adjacent to the City 1. Establish standard practices for sharing development application information and exchanging comments between the City and County. 2. Develop shared information on development processes. 3. Prioritize annexations that enable the incremental expansion of the City and its utilities
4. Establish interlocal agreements when appropriate to formalize working relationships and procedures
1
Lacie Kloosterhof
From:Ed Tompkins <emtfinan@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, April 29, 2019 12:11 PM
To:Lacie Kloosterhof
Subject:Bzmn Growth Policy
Hello Lacie,
For the upcoming meeting regarding the Bozeman Growth Policy, these are the items that I am in support of:
1. Preserving open space and prioritizing infill and increased density.
2. Multi-modal transportation, including walkability, bike lanes, and public transportation. New
development should walkable, bikeable, and accessible by transit.
3. Establish an urban growth boundary—or the equivalent: focus development on lands within the
boundary a and preserve open space and agricultural lands outside the boundary.
4. Ensure that Bozeman’s growth policy prioritizes reducing climate emissions, and is consistent with the
City of Bozeman’s Climate Action Plan.
Thanks for your consideration.
Ed & Stacey Tompkins
612 N Montana
1
Lacie Kloosterhof
From:Robert Keith <robert@beartoothgroup.com>
Sent:Monday, April 29, 2019 7:17 AM
To:Lacie Kloosterhof
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Smart Growth Policy
Lacie - Thank you for working on the Bozeman Community Plan. I have reviewed the Phase 4 Goals and
Objectives released in March of this year. I would like to emphasize the following points:
1. Open space sets Bozeman apart from so many other communities in the west and nationwide. I strongly
encourage you to continue to prioritize infill and increased density at the urban core in order to preserve
the rapidly diminishing open space in the region. I suggest that we establish an urban growth
boundary—or the equivalent. Let’s focus development on lands within the boundary and preserve open
space and agricultural lands outside the boundary.
2. I feel that Bozeman could do much better in its transpiration planning. Enabling a walkable core is
absolutely critical for businesses and for peoples’ desire to live here. Bikeability as well - most roads
around town do not feel safe enough for biking. We need to make biking safer with designated bike
lanes, pedestrian/bike areas where vehicles are not allowed, etc. Mass transit via bus needs to also be
encouraged to enable people to get to and from the sprawling suburbs into Bozeman’s core.
3. Let’s also ensure that Bozeman’s growth policy prioritizes reducing climate emissions, and is consistent
with the City of Bozeman’s Climate Action Plan. We all need to be focused on this global problem, but
we have a chance to act locally on it. Let’s do it!
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Robert
------------------------------------------
Robert J. Keith
Beartooth Group
www.beartoothgroup.com
robert@beartoothgroup.com
406-551-4106
P.O. Box 1147
Bozeman, MT 59771
1
Lacie Kloosterhof
From:Craig Groves <craigrgroves1@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, April 30, 2019 8:17 AM
To:Lacie Kloosterhof
Subject:comments on draft community plan
Ms. Lacie Kloosterhof, Administrative Assistant April 30, 2019
Planning Division
City of Bozeman, MT
RE: Comments on Draft Bozeman Community Plan
Dear Ms. Kloosterhof,
I have reviewed the draft Bozeman Community Plan and would like to offer a few comments in support of this
plan.
1. While I am in agreement with the opening statement on a “City of Neighborhoods” I would add that such a
statement should not only emphasize parks but open spaces with natural habitats. Certainly, all the recent
research on the health benefits that people can gain from simply looking at natural habitats as well as being in
them would support doing so. Under the goal of promoting land preservation and affordable housing, I am
supportive of increasing the density of development and promoting infill.
2. I would especially emphasize the need to do more in terms of providing public transportation, biking lanes,
sidewalks, and trails in both new and existing neighborhood developments. Such an emphasis will also help
make Bozeman a city more resilient to climate change impacts.
3. I would encourage the city to add the notion of an urban growth boundary to this draft document,
promoting development inside that boundary and providing for open space and agricultural conservation
outside the boundary.
4. While I realize that the current document doesn’t specify particular areas for development or nature
conservation, it would be really progressive to see the city promote the idea of restoring much of Bozeman
Creek to a more natural state as it flows through town and establish greenspace and trails along a restored
creek. Many communities have done this with enormous success and use (San Luis Obispo, CA; Boise ID, Boulder
CO, Bend OR just to name a few). In many cases, restaurants and stores can also be developed close by making
such a restoration good for nature, our citizens, and economic development.
5. We have a Climate Action Plan. Let’s do everything we can to make this growth plan consistent and
supportive with that plan – resulting in a city that is designed for future resilience to climate change. As you
know, that means we need to do everything possible to reduce emissions. Certainly, many of the transportation
ideas in this draft growth document are a step in the right direction.
6. We need better cooperation between the city and Gallatin County if this community plan is to be successful.
I don’t know what the best ideas are for building that cooperation, but I hope you and your colleagues will
promote this cooperation wherever possible. One area where cooperation is necessary would be to provide a
means for public transportation from Bozeman to the airport. As our airport is already one of the busiest in the
region, we need to be creative about reducing the number of cars (and emissions) going back and forth to the
airport daily.
7. I don’t see any specific mention of water and energy conservation in new and existing housing
developments. I think it would be worthwhile to incorporate this notion into the community plan.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft Community Plan.
Sincerely
2
Craig Groves
4434 White Eagle Circle
Bozeman MT 59715
(406) 451-9549
--
Craig Groves
email: craigrgroves1@gmail.com
1
Lacie Kloosterhof
From:Anne Gage <anneschrag@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, April 30, 2019 11:11 AM
To:Lacie Kloosterhof
Subject:Bozeman growth policy comments
Dear Lacie,
I'm writing to comment on the update to Bozeman's growth policy. I applaud the city's recognition that it needs
to update the policy, and I hope that, within the new policy, the following considerations will be prioritized:
Supporting open space through increasing densities where houses already exist and supporting infill;
Supporting the development of walkable/bikeable neighborhoods, which we are sorely lacking currently.
We own a home near the fairgrounds and it is difficult for us to get to swim lessons at Lone Mountain
with our 5 year old biking because there are no bike lanes/sidewalks.
Reducing emissions, including through emissions from new developments.
Prioritizing low-impact development and green infrastructure policies.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
Anne Gage
1
Lacie Kloosterhof
From:Phoebe Higgins <phoeberhiggins@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, April 30, 2019 11:28 AM
To:Lacie Kloosterhof
Subject:Comments on Bozeman growth plan
Dear City of Bozeman Planning Board,
Thank you for taking steps to help accommodate Bozeman's rapid growth while
maintaining an enjoyable, walkable, town with neighborhoods for all, affordable housing
and access to our incredible outdoor amenities. Please consider the following as you
move forward with updates to the growth policy:
1. Preserve open space and prioritize infill development and increased density in
order to maintain a livable and affordable small city that does not give in to sprawl
or promote over-reliance on cars (which bring noise and pollution).
2. All new development must be walkable, bikeable, and accessible by transit. Bike
lanes and sidewalks must be extended and maintained to provide better access to
existing development as well. Increased focus on these modes of transports
lessens the need for cars and parking.
3. Establish an urban growth boundary: focus development on lands within the
boundary and preserve open space and agricultural lands outside the
boundary. Gallatin County has the best soil in the state and our agriculture
industry requires access to it.
4. Ensure that Bozeman’s growth policy prioritizes reducing climate emissions, and is
consistent with the City of Bozeman’s Climate Action Plan.
5. Plan for green infrastructure (rather than grey infrastructure) in order to preserve
clean drinking water, maintain wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities,
reduce flood risk, lessen climate impacts and improve livability (greenery is much
nicer than concrete!).
6. Plan for affordable housing so that locals can afford to stay in their homes and new
residents coming to Bozeman can afford to buy or rent. This is especially
important for folks working at MSU, our schools and local nonprofits.
Thank you for your consideration,
Phoebe and Rich Higgins
317 E. Cleveland St
Bozeman, MT 59715
1
Lacie Kloosterhof
From:Becca Skinner <beccaskinnerphotography@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, April 30, 2019 12:56 PM
To:Lacie Kloosterhof
Subject:Comments on the growth policy for tonights meeting
Hello Lacie and the Bozeman Planning Board,
I got your email from a colleague and I wanted to send an email to include my comments for consideration of
the growth policy being discussed tonight.
As a small business owner and resident invested in this community, I would like to encourage priority on the
following:
1. The preservation of open space and agricultural land.
2. I would like to encourage walkability, bike lanes and public transportation in the development.
3. A plan for an urban growth boundary- concentrating on preserving agricultural and green spaces within the
valley.
4. Planning for new developments under the City of Bozeman's Climate Action Plan and the Low-Impact
Development and Green Infrastructure policy.
5. Lastly, I would like to see the City's continued investment in healthy waterways through recharging and
improving ground and surface water quality, providing natural stormwater management, improving aquatic and
wildlife habitat, increasing recreational opportunities and reducing flood risk.
I truly believe this City can do great things, and can exemplify environmental, social and economic benefits
through supporting these efforts.
Thank you for your consideration in these comments.
Sincerely,
Becca Skinner
--
Becca Skinner
www.beccaskinnerphotography.com
"You cannot lower the mountain, therefore, you must elevate yourself." -Todd Skinner