HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-20 Public Comment - I. Shaida - Kagy Blvd.From:Isabel Shaida
To:Agenda
Subject:Kagy Blvd.
Date:Tuesday, December 8, 2020 1:02:55 PM
Dear City Commissioners,
I am a young Bozeman resident. To say I am deeply concerned about my future and the future
of this planet does not even cut it. With that said, I would like to voice my opposition to theproposed Kagy Expansion project.
I have only recently come to learn about this project and am horrified to find that the traffic
studies for the project forecast expanding to 4 lanes will increase daily vehicle emissions by25% in Bozeman compared to a 3 lane expansion and an amazing 66% compared to today.
It is also shocking to learn that this project has increased its cost from $6 million to $15
million while our annual city budget for improvements to walking and biking is just$100,000.
We have an important draft City Climate Plan on the table. I hope to see it adopted on Dec.
22nd. It outlines how to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 -- one important method is toincrease non extractive methods of transportation.
I do not understand how investing significant money and resources into a project that will
expand vehicle emissions in our city is compatible with addressing the climate crisis.
We have the power to be part of the solution instead of blindly, or worse yet, knowinglycontribute to the problem.
The commission should instead invest in expanding pedestrian and bike safety. The
reconstruction of college street would install sidewalks and bike lanes which will help nonvehicle commuter access to MSU.
The problem is not car traffic or lack of lanes. The problem is carbon emissions.
Bigger is not better.
There is nothing noble in proceeding as planned if that plan will only bring about more longterm havoc. How can our city say we value public lands, community living, and reducing our
emissions when we are incapable of reprioritizing how we spend our money; when we do notinvest more in the very things that will align and preserve those above values?
Isabel Shaida