HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-2020 Public Comment - D. Hess RE_ Community Plan - NeighborhoodsFrom: Dani Hess
To: Chris Saunders; Tom Rogers
Subject: RE: Community Plan - Neighborhoods
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 3:43:01 PM
Dear members of the Planning Board,
On behalf of the Neighborhoods Program I would like to offer recommendations for changes to the
language in the current draft of the 2019 Community Plan for the definition of “Neighborhood,” as well
as changes in language for Goals N-4.1 and N-4.2.
To provide some background for the recommendations of the Neighborhoods Program on these items,
there has been ongoing discussion with City Planning Staff, Susan Riggs at Groundprint LLC., as well
members of local Neighborhood Associations on what it means to define “neighborhood character.” Ms.
Riggs offered a definition that included the phrase “distinct character.” The following language seeks to
define character further as being composed of 1. physical elements and 2. identifiable characteristics.
With this in mind, the Neighborhoods Program proposes the following definition for “Neighborhood”:
“Neighborhood. A walkable area of Bozeman with physical elements and identifiable
characteristics that contribute to a unique sense of place and community spirit. Physical
elements may include features that create geographic boundaries, such as major roads,
railroads, trails, watercourses or topography. Within these boundaries, amenities such as
schools, parks, shops, and cultural or community centers serve as additional elements that
facilitate interaction and connection between people. In addition to its physical elements,
auditory and visual characteristics such as traffic noises, streetscapes, building patterns, form,
scale, historical, cultural, or artistic motifs are key factors in defining a neighborhood.”
In order to clarify the following goals pertaining to neighborhood character, the Neighborhoods Program
suggests the following changes in language to Goals N-4.1 and N-4.2:
Goal N-4: Continue to encourage Bozeman’s sense of place.
N-4.1
- Current: Continue to recognize and honor the unique history and buildings that contribute
to Bozeman’s sense of place through civic action.
- Proposed: Continue to recognize and honor the unique history and buildings that contribute
to Bozeman’s sense of place through projects, programs, and policy led by both City and
community efforts.
N-4.2
- Current: Incorporate features, in both public and private projects, to provide organization,
structure, and landmarks as Bozeman grows.
- Proposed: Identify distinct features and unique characteristics in neighborhoods and
encourage their elevation and incorporation into new public and private projects.
Thank you for your consideration of these changes, and your work in guiding the future of our growing
city!
Dani Hess | Neighborhoods Program Coordinator
City of Bozeman | 121 N. Rouse Ave. Bozeman, MT 59715
dhess@bozeman.net | 406.595.6585 | she/her/hers