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HomeMy WebLinkAbout(20) Parkland Outline 03-02-2021 document 4515 Valley Commons Drive #201, Bozeman Montana 59718 P: 406.585.4161 F: 406.585.6919 www.bechtlearchitects.com March 3, 2021 Section 20 – Parkland Narrative Bridger Meadows Neighborhood Development PUD Preliminary Plan Application Subdivision Preliminary Plat Application Section 38.420.030. – Cash Donation In-lieu of Land Dedication. In response to comments on our recently completed Concept Application and Pre-Application submitted December 2019, and per direction provided by the City of Bozeman Planning Department in their letter dated March 3, 2020, the applicant is requesting to provide cash in-lieu of a land dedication. Per the March 3, 2020 letter, “The DRC would be in support of eliminating the requirement for dedicated parkland and receiving cash-in-lieu for parkland. The area that is within the floodway, floodplain, and watercourse could be a combined open space lot. This open space lot would require a deed restriction for wetlands to be associated with it.” After various iterations of the design for Bridger Meadows and having multiple discussions with city planning representatives, per recommendation we have chosen to provide cash in-lieu of parkland dedication. By providing fair market cash value in-lieu of parkland, we maintain the intent to preserve the existing federally protected wetlands for service as a wildlife refuge and create an extension of the natural environment surrounding the East Gallatin River and thus complimenting the natural areas of the Glen Lake Rotary Park. • Dedicated parkland has been removed from the application and the Applicant is requesting a cash in lieu of dedicated parkland per UDC 38.420.030 and per recommendation in the City’s March 3, 2020 memo. o Trails encroaching on the wildlife habitats have been eliminated further protecting the refuge from human intrusion. o The proposed wildlife refuge area has been increased to a total of 7.15 7.20 acres. o A community picnic and play area is proposed to be constructed at the southeast corner of the property at the perimeter of the wildlife refuge area. This area will be adjacent to the emergency access connecting to Commercial Drive and offer community members opportunity to socialize, experience/view the habitat and provide educational opportunity through its use. o The wildlife refuge will be owned and maintained by the Bridger Meadows Neighborhood HOA association and appropriate Deed restrictions will be implemented. References to Commission Resolution No. 4784 and DRC Letter Dated December 22, 2020. The Applicant is submitting a request for Cash in Lieu of dedicated parkland in accordance the above referenced UDC section as per the City Commission Resolution No. 4784. Section I – Review Factors • The Dedication of the Wildlife Refuge along with the Cash in Lieu, is a solution that is of mutual benefit to the City and the Developer. Bridger Meadows Supplemental Application Information March 2, 2021 Page 2 h:\bridger meadows pud\20-0601 pud prelim plan\(20) parkland outline 03-02-2021.docx o The DRC and City have indicated support for eliminating the Parkland requirement in exchange for Cash In Lieu. o the project will create a unique neighborhood amenity through the preservation of approximately 7.15 acres (60.2% of the total site), exclusive of the play area and gathering space, as a prime riparian habitat and wildlife refuge. o The wildlife refuge will protect the wildlife movement areas and the existing federally protected wetlands, water bodies, and wildlife habitat from negative human impacts. o The creation of the wildlife refuge meets or exceeds several objectives with the Bozeman Community Plan, including protection of wildlife habitat and natural areas LU 4.1, creation of well defined neighborhoods LU 4.3, and Protect, restore, and enhance the benefits of wetlands by creation of the wildlife and federally protected wetlands E 1.2. • The desire and suitability of the land within the proposed development is ideally suited for a wetland and wildlife refuge. • The development is in close proximity to existing parks and recreation facilities. o The proposed development is directly adjacent to the Glen Lake Rotary Park. o The Proposed development is approximately .16 miles from Story Mill Park, which will also serve as the Bridger Meadows Neighborhood Center per UDC Section 38.410.020. o The proposed development is approximately .15 miles away from the Bridger Creek Golf Course. • The parks near the proposed development offer numerous and varied functions and facilities in accordance with the City’s Park Master Plan. • The wildlife refuge and other open spaces within the development will be maintained by the Bridger Meadows HOA. • The Cash in Lieu and dedication of the wildlife refuge is an expressed preference of the City Parks and the Developer. Section 2 – Definitions • Not Applicable Section 3 – Guidance for Application Factors • The proposed Cash in lieu is consistent with the density requirements of the BMC • The development will maintain the wildlife refuge along as well as the open space within the development including the gathering area and play area. • Due to wetland and other property constraints, the requirements for frontage and accessibility etc. are difficult and impractical to achieve in a desired or functional manner. • Although the wetlands and wildlife refuge will essentially become an extension of the Glen Lake Park, the city has indicated a preference not to accept the 7.15 acres as parkland. o The proposed development will provide trail connectivity to the adjacent park. • Travel distance to adjacent parks (Story Mill and Glen Lakes) are both within¼ mile. • The proposed development is within an area adequately served by the City Park Master Plan. o The Proposed development will provide a gathering area and play area within the development which will be maintained by the Bridger Meadows HOA. • The City representatives have determined that the wetlands and wildlife refuge are not suitable for parkland due to environmental and natural resources constraints. Bridger Meadows Supplemental Application Information March 2, 2021 Page 3 h:\bridger meadows pud\20-0601 pud prelim plan\(20) parkland outline 03-02-2021.docx • The Cash in Lieu and dedication of the wildlife refuge is an expressed preference of the City Parks Dept. and the Developer. Section 4 – Improvements in Lieu • Not Applicable to this Application, Section 5 – Effective Date April 11, 2017 • Not Applicable to this Application.