HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-13-19 Public Comment - R. Sisson - Downtown Bozeman ParkingFrom:Agenda
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: Downtown Bozeman
Date:Thursday, June 13, 2019 3:43:34 PM
From: webadmin@bozeman.net [mailto:webadmin@bozeman.net]
Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2019 7:50 AM
To: Andrea Surratt <ASurratt@BOZEMAN.NET>
Subject: Downtown Bozeman
Message submitted from the <City Of Bozeman> website.
Site Visitor Name: Rob SissonSite Visitor Email: robsisson@yahoo.com
Dear Andrea-
Last July, my family moved to Gallatin Gateway. We built a cabin on a lot platted andapproved in the early 1970's. But, as one of the many newcomers, we're part of Bozeman's
growth problem.
I spent 14 years on the Sturgis, MI City Commission and served as mayor for two terms.Sturgis' problem was the opposite of growth, so I have no expertise in the issues you face
daily. But, I do want to comment on downtown Bozeman's parking deficit.
We've been coming to Bozeman for many years and, until this year, have never had any issueswith finding parking near our downtown destination. This year, we've gone downtown
multiple times for the express purpose of making purchases at stores or restaurants downtown,but given up due to the inability to find a parking space. On one occasion, I entered the
parking garage and did not find a single space there (despite reports by City staff it has neverbeen more than 3/4 full).
I'm not a big fan of parking garages, unless they take up floors in a building I'm visiting, or
underground of the building. You, your staff, and the City Commission, I'm sure have reportsand studies coming out your ears and know what options are available.
The only point I want to make, based on frequent news accounts, is developers should be
required to provide new parking spaces at the rate of two spaces per unit (bare minimum). Iknow the fantasy concept is for downtown residents to be 'car free' folks who walk, bike, or
ride share, thus negating the need for parking. Short of banning vehicles from districts, it willalways remain a fantasy.
Thank you and best wishes,
Rob Sisson