HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-2020 Public Comment - C. Naumann - E Mendenhgall Mixed Use DeviationFebruary 12, 2020
City of Bozeman
City Commission
Community Development Department
Delivered via E-mail
RE: Modification to East Mendenhall Mixed Use Site Plan (19-128)
I am writing in support of the requested deviation to allow improvements in the watercourse
setback as requested by the applicant back in October 2019.
I encourage the Commission to consider the historic precedent of buildings and improvements
adjacent to Bozeman Creek within the current 35’ setback standard. Equally important is to
recognize that the built environment downtown is unique thus requiring creativity and flexibility to
allow for urban placemaking.
As highlighted in the site plan modification and deviation application, I point to the 2019 Downtown
Bozeman Improvement Plan for rationale supporting the proposed setback improvements.
Nothing builds stewardship for natural resources better than hands-on engagement. Creating
points of access to the water’s edge and the water itself, overlooks and seating areas and
continuous pathways allow the public to experience the waterways, watching them change
and dynamism over the course of a day and throughout the seasons. Public events and art
can creatively leverage waterways as destinations, bringing people to the creek and
delighting them with the potentials.
Bozeman Creek can be revealed in a series of relatively low investment actions, done in
concert with public land or adjacent landowners. A healthy creek system is where the creek’s
natural geometry creates dynamism, ecological variety, and improved flooding mitigation.
Planting is managed to allow for views, seasonal interest and biodiversity.
Engagement includes creative placemaking, like places to linger, seating, shade, artful
crossings and education and interpretation.
[DBIP pages 130-133]
The opportunities downtown to improve engagement with and appreciation of Bozeman Creek are
very limited, thus it is in the community’s best interest to do so when given the chance.
Thank you for considering these comments and the application before you.
Chris Naumann
Executive Director