HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-17-21 DURB Agenda and Packet MaterialsA.Call meeting to order
B.Disclosures
C.Changes to the Agenda
D.Public Service Announcements
E.Approval of Minutes
E.1 Approve July Meeting Minutes(Staley)
F.Consent Agenda
G.Public Comment
Please state your name and address in an audible tone of voice for the record. This is the time for
individuals to comment on matters falling within the purview of the Committee. There will also be
an opportunity in conjunction with each action item for comments pertaining to that item. Please
limit your comments to three minutes.
H.Special Presentation
I.Action Items
J.FYI/Discussion
J.1 August Finance Report(Staley)
J.2 Executive Director's Report (Staley)
J.3 UDC Edits Discussion(Staley)
J.4 Streetscape Assistance, Grant Expansion Discussion(Staley)
K.Adjournment
THE DOWNTOWN AREA URBAN RENEWAL DISTRICT BOARD OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
DURD AGENDA
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
For more information please contact Ellie Staley, ellie@downtownbozeman.org
This board generally meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 12:00 to 1:00 PM
Committee meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability and require
assistance, please contact our ADA coordinator, Mike Gray at 582-3232 (TDD 582-2301).
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Downtown Area Urban Renewal District Board
FROM:Ellie Staley, Executive Director, Downtown Bozeman Partnership
SUBJECT:Approve July Meeting Minutes
MEETING DATE:August 17, 2021
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:Approve
STRATEGIC PLAN:7.3 Best Practices, Creativity & Foresight: Utilize best practices, innovative
approaches, and constantly anticipate new directions and changes relevant
to the governance of the City. Be also adaptable and flexible with an
outward focus on the customer and an external understanding of the issues
as others may see them.
BACKGROUND:Minutes from the July 2021 Downtown Urban Renewal District.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:N/A.
ALTERNATIVES:None.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Attachments:
URD Minutes 7-21.pdf
Report compiled on: August 12, 2021
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Downtown Urban Renewal District
Board Meeting Minutes
July 20, 2021
Attending: Bobby Bear, Emily Cope, Cory Lawrence, Jen Madgic, Marley McKenna, Angie
Rutherford, Ellie Staley, Nicholas Wickes, Nick Zelver
Absent: Cory Lawrence, Tony Renslow
Minutes
ACTION: Nicholas Wickes moved to approve the April minutes as presented.
Marley McKenna seconded the motion.
All voted in favor.
Financial Reports
June 2021 finance report is attached below.
Executive Director’s Report
PMC Updates: Updates on DBP Operations:
Office Lease – DBP has signed a 12-month lease with new owners, MVGR Land LLC. Rates are likely to
increase for FY23 so, we will keep eyes open for new spaces opening.
PMC Operating Agreement Update – In touch with David Crowley with updates, I will keep PMC updated
on next steps
DBP Restructuring Update – Emily and Makai-Lynn have fully transitioned into new roles at Economic
Development Director and Program Director. New OM, Gabriella Krevat starts July 19. BID seasonal
maintenance staff positions are full.
Downtown Plan Projects:
Here are some updates regarding other ongoing DBIP projects outlined in the 2019 Downtown Plan.
Transportation & Mobility Analysis—The Phase 1 Transportation plan with the 3-lane concept, bike
sharrows and other traffic calming ideas have been completed and submitted to MDT and the City of
Bozeman. The MDT report has been completed with concerns about much of what was proposed. We
are still waiting for the city to report on the proposed plan due to staff changes. Phase 1 transportation
plan, MDT’s report and additional notes from the current term contract team will be include in July’s
URD board meeting packet. City of Bozeman comments have been delayed due to Shawn Kohtz’s
departure. City response needed to move to Phase 2.
Structured Parking Planning—The parking decks were researched by the term team and most have been
found to be non-starters due to lack of space, retail wrap on ground-level restrictions and high
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costs/space ratios. The US Bank building was added as a one-off to the parking structure studies. This
initial study as well as the full study of possible parking structure will be included in the URD board
meeting packet in July. Bakertilly has been hired by the URD to do an initial analysis of the bonding
capacity of the Downtown URD before sun-setting in 2031, refer to the DRAFT analysis provided by
Baker Tilly. I’m proposing we form a parking structure/bonding sub-committee with 2 URD Board
members and additional stakeholders in order to review the bonding analysis, parking structure
locations and next steps.
UDC Updates – Rob Pertzborn and Susan Riggs have been contracted by the URD to research and update
the URD/BID and downtown stakeholders updated on the City’s UDC Edits, the timeline for changes and
how these updates may impact downtown and why we should care. The City’s UDC update process has
been moved back a few times but, is slated to move forward in fall of 2021 with a focus on building
height and parking requirements. Ellie is scheduled to meet with Rob and Susan to provide a memo for
URD next steps at August board meeting. UDC edits on the fall 2021 revision schedule to include B-3
parking requirements and B-3 height requirements.
North Rouse Lighting Project – This project was originally scheduled to be completed in Summer 2021
but has been delayed due to contractor interest/availability. The bid was revised to have work
completed in fall 2021, one local contractor bid the project in the amount of $128,518.00 (10% increase
from original estimate of $115,000) and has been awarded to Montana Lines Inc. who is set to begin
work by late August. There were assembly line concerns with the large light pole order so, light poles
have been ordered in advance with confirmation they can be stored by City Streets Department for the
contractor to access when needed.
Parking Policy Updates – Two Parking Commission subcommittees; Policy and Capacity have been
formed to develop a more focused work plan for city staff and the Parking Commission. Each
subcommittee has met for initial discussions. DBP staff is staying engaged in discussions. Ellie and Emily
participated in the July 14 Capacity Subcommittee meeting to discuss garage capacity, shared use
agreement opportunities, and additional seasonal bike parking. Many great ideas were discussed
including the possibility of the URD to help fund the “Run DMC” shuttle and future work with property
owners on shared use agreements.
Other Projects Updates:
Here are some general updates for either BID/URD crossover projects or DBP projects
Bozeman Creek Updates – This project began in 2019 and while some items were put on hold during the
DBP staffing transition and covid, there is one large project moving forward rapidly with solidified plans,
funding, vendors and more. Additional grants and projects getting planned and completed with set
timelines and approved funds. Ellie and Emily are working with Mountain Time arts and will provide
graphics and additional details about the project and future plans at URD and BID board meetings.
Outreach Bozeman
The Outreach Bozeman pilot program has been funded for summer of 2021. HRDC has hired an
individual to oversee the business outreach aspects of the program. An existing HRDC employee has also
begun to work with Marek (Bozeman Police Department) to shadow and assist in developing strategies
for the program. A De-escalating training was sent to engaged parties with additional trainings being
held in the future for additional property and business owners. The DBP will oversee all marketing and
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business outreach over the next several months and will continue to work with HRDC, the city and the
police department to assist in getting information out to downtown property owners, business owners
and patrons.
Building Projects
• Merin Condos (on North Bozeman across from Dave’s Sushi) 28 units of owner-occupied housing.
Under construction.
• Village Downtown 30 new residential condo units and 9 single-family lots are under review by
the City.
• AC Hotel (5 East Mendenhall) 6 story 140 room full-service hotel. Under construction.
• East End Flats (240 East Mendenhall) 6-story mixed use project. Development review completed
and final site plan approved.
• Carin Townhomes (northwest corner of W Beall & N Grand)—5 townhome condos currently
under construction.
• North Central (20 North Tracy)—Mountain View & Medical Arts buildings, phased master site
plan development proposing a total of 9 new mixed-use buildings, associated parking, open
space and infrastructure. Application submitted.
• South Central – delayed due to city upgrade costs
New Businesses
• Stretch Lab, 23 South Willson - OPEN
• Main Street Market/Brigade/Happy Box, 233 East Main - OPEN
• Cool Beans (next door to Main Street Over Easy), 9 East Main - OPEN
• Vienne (French bakery), 101 South Wallace - OPEN
• Tanoshii, 113 East Main - OPEN
• Sotheby’s International Realty, 424 E Main – OPEN
• Engel & Volkers Real Estate, 106 E Babcock – OPEN
• Sweet Peaks, 411 East Main – OPENING SOON
• Alara (by appt only space), 424 East Main – OPEN
• Residence Inn, 815 East Main Street - OPEN
• Sun Dial (Lark food truck), 122 West Main - opening summer 2021
• Last Call (modern Mexican restaurant), 19 S Willson, – OPENING SOON
• 27 East Main (formerly Crossroads) - to be redeveloped as a steak house
• TBD - 137 East Babcock—formerly Gallatin Laundry
• TBD - 544 East Main—formerly Heeb’s – building improvements underway
• TBD - 402 E Main St Suite 3— formerly The Montana Scene
• TBD – 14 N Church- formerly 14 North
Upcoming DBA Events: more info at www.downtownbozeman.org
• Art Walks – 2nd Fridays: July 9, August 13, Sept. 10, 4-8pm
• Crazy Days July 16-18, 9am-6pm
• Music on Main – 4 Thursdays: July 22- August 12, 6-9pm
• “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show – Saturday, August 14 from 3-5pm (packet pick-up) & Sunday,
August 15 from 6am-4pm
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Discussion and Decision Items
Transportation Plans-discuss Phase II scope
Ellie provided an update on the comments received from MDT on Part One of the transportation
analysis. The City of Bozeman is short staffed and has not had an opportunity to provide
comments on Part One yet. One suggestion from the board was to separate out the concepts
studied into who has jurisdiction over the matters, COB and MDT. The board suggested staff to
research if more funding will be made available for maintenance of Main Street with the change
from Bozeman becoming a metropolitan city from a micropolitan city.
Parking Structure Plans/Bonding Analysis
Ellie suggested forming a working group to focus on structured parking and funding. The
proposed group would consist of two URD board members, David Fine (COB Economic
Development Dept), a representative from Sanderson Stewart (term contract team), a
representative from Walker Consultants (term contract team), and potentially other individuals.
The group discussed the upcoming UDC edits to parking requirements, Jen Madgic provided an
update that these would be updated in 2022 after further discussion at the City Commission
meetings.
Sewer Line Projects
The board discussed that this line item in the budget should have a formal process or possibly
be a grant program for developers to apply. Ellie and Emily will research further and have more
information at the next board meeting for potential options.
“Run DMC” Shuttle
Ellie provided a brief update that the discussions surrounding the circulator shuttle route
between Downtown, Midtown, and the Cannery Districts “Run DMC” shuttle have progressed at
the parking commission subcommittee meetings. The DBP has been involved with the
discussion and may be a funding source for this project as it progresses.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:40 pm
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Downtown URD June 2021 Finance Report
Category
Board & CC
Approved
Budget FY2021 YTD
Income
Starting Cash Balance 3,100,000 2,506,000 final from FY20
Income from TIF 335,000 -
COB Interlocal Share 1,400,000 -
Entitlement Share State of Montana 56,050 -
Interest Income 20,000 -
Other Income - -
Total Income 4,911,050$ 2,506,000$
Expenses
Operations
DBP Management Fee 175,000 175,000
Total Operations 175,000$ 175,000$
Infrastructure Improvements
Street Furniture and Park Maintenance 15,000 14,675 1267.84 christie electric/ Duff's/ sunshine lighting
Streetscape--new purchases 30,000 29,997 20916.57 neenah foundry
North Rouse Streetscape Project
Streetlamps (26 qty)85,000
Phase 1 Construction: Conduit 60,000 40,540 5,057 TD&H
Phase 2 Construction: Lamps 80,000
North Willson Streetscape Project 75,000
Streetscape Assistance Grant Program 50,000
Streetlamp Power Reconfiguration Project 250,000
Alley Improvements 50,000
FY20 Encumbered 19,000
DBIP: Bozeman Creek Improvements 50,000
Library Pedestrian Safety Improvements 15,000 15,000
Life-Safety Grant Program 50,000 5,464
Fiber Infrastructure 100,000
Fiber-Broadband Infrastructure--Grants 10,000 3,125
Alternative Transportation Projects 25,000
Total Improvements 964,000$ 108,801$
Planning
City Economic Development Specialist 21,740
Technical Assistance Grants 50,000 3,000 3000 Intrique ink
FY20 Encumbered Funds 15,000 15,536
Residential Incentive Program 200,000
Armory Hotel Incentive Encumbered Funds 100,000 100,000
DBIP: Transportation Planning
Encumbered Part One--Concepts 31,710 31,392
Part Two--Data, Analysis, Cost Est 90,590
DBIP: Alley Planning 25,000 10,521
DBIP: Bozeman Creek Planning 30,000 15,000
DBIP: Soroptomist Park Planning 6,000 2,597
DBIP: Code Amendments 10,000 2,503
DBIP: Design Guidelines-Historic Inventories 38,750 38,750
DBIP: General Implementation 100,000 14,755
FY20 Encumbered Truck Study 15,000 6,155
SILD & Streetscape Engineering 25,000
Structured Parking Feasibility Analysis 25,000 26,308 5545 SS
Structured Parking Informal, Site Plan, Bids 750,000
South Wallace Asbestos Project 75,000 75,000
Professional Services Term Contract 75,000 528
Streetscape Preliminary Engineering 25,000
Total Planning 1,708,790$ 342,045$ 35785.91
Parking Structure
Garage Bond Payment 335,000
Total Parking Garage Payments 335,000$ -$
Total Expenses 3,182,790$ 625,846$
Balance 1,728,260$ 1,880,155$
The FY2021 Budget was approved by the URD Board on 6-16-20
and approved by the City Commission on 7-13-20
recent activity
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Downtown Area Urban Renewal District Board
FROM:Ellie Staley, Executive Director, Downtown Bozeman Partnership
SUBJECT:August Finance Report
MEETING DATE:August 17, 2021
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Finance
RECOMMENDATION:Discussion
STRATEGIC PLAN:7.3 Best Practices, Creativity & Foresight: Utilize best practices, innovative
approaches, and constantly anticipate new directions and changes relevant
to the governance of the City. Be also adaptable and flexible with an
outward focus on the customer and an external understanding of the issues
as others may see them.
BACKGROUND:The Executive Director will provide an update on year-to-date expenses.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:None.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Attachments:
URD Finance Report 8-21.pdf
Report compiled on: August 12, 2021
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Downtown URD August 2021 Finance Report
Downtown Urban Renewal District Finance Report
Category
Approved
FY2022 Budget FY2022 YTD recent activity
Income
Starting Cash Balance 3,295,598$ ** Final FY21 numbers
Income from TIF 335,000$
COB Interlocal Share 1,456,000$
Entitlement Share State of Montana 57,050$
Interest Income 20,000$
Other Income
Total Income 5,163,648$ -$
Expenses
Operations
DBP Management Fee 190,000$ 47,500$ $47500- Q1
Total Operations 190,000$ 47,500$
Infrastructure Improvements
Street Furniture and Park Maintenance 25,000$ 1,050$
Streetscape--new purchases 30,000$
North Rouse Streetscape Project
FY Encumbered- Streetlamps (26 qty)85,000$
Phase 1 Construction: Conduit 17,000$ 1,127$ $1127 TDH&H
Phase 2 Construction: Lamps 80,000$
North Willson Streetscape Project 75,000$
Streetscape Assistance Grant Program 50,000$
Streetlamp Power Reconfiguration Project
Alley Improvements 50,000$
FY20 Encumbered 19,000$
DBIP: Bozeman Creek Improvements 50,000$
DBIP: Wayfinding & Parking Signage 15,000$
Life-Safety Grant Program 50,000$
Fiber Infrastructure 100,000$
Fiber-Broadband Infrastructure--Grants 10,000$ 700$ $700- 3 S Black
Intersection Cable Anchor Repairs 30,000$
DBA Event Stage 50,000$
Parklet 50,000$
Alternative Transportation Projects 75,000$
Total Improvements 861,000$ 2,877$
Planning
City Economic Development Specialist 33,000$
Technical Assistance Grants 50,000$
FY20 & FY21 Encumbered Funds 45,000$
Residential Incentive Program 200,000$
DBIP: Transportation Planning 25,000$
21 Encumbered- Part Two--Data, Analysis, Cost Est 91,000$
DBIP: Alley Planning 45,000$
DBIP: Bozeman Creek Planning 30,000$
DBIP: Soroptomist Park Planning 50,000$
DBIP: Code Amendments 20,000$ 110$ $110 groundprint
DBIP: Design Guidelines 85,000$
DBIP: Downtown Infrastructure & Public Realm 100,000$
DBIP: General Implementation 100,000$
DBIP: Employee Paid Parking Permit System 20,000$
DBIP: Wayfinding Plan & Parking Signage 10,000$
Utility and Infrastructure Improvement 250,000$
Structured Parking Feasibility Analysis 35,000$ 2,117$ $2117-SS
Structured Parking Informal, Site Plan, Bids 750,000$
Professional Services Term Contract 75,000$
Streetscape Preliminary Engineering 50,000$
Total Planning 2,064,000$ 2,227$
Parking Structure
Garage Bond Payment 335,000$
Total Parking Garage Payments 335,000$ -$
Total Expenses 3,450,000$ 52,604$
Balance 1,713,648$ (52,604)$
URD Finance Report 8-21
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Downtown Area Urban Renewal District Board
FROM:Ellie Staley, Executive Director, Downtown Bozeman Partnership
SUBJECT:Executive Director's Report
MEETING DATE:August 17, 2021
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Plan/Report/Study
RECOMMENDATION:Discussion
STRATEGIC PLAN:7.3 Best Practices, Creativity & Foresight: Utilize best practices, innovative
approaches, and constantly anticipate new directions and changes relevant
to the governance of the City. Be also adaptable and flexible with an
outward focus on the customer and an external understanding of the issues
as others may see them.
BACKGROUND:The Executive Director will provide an update to the Downtown Urban
Renewal Board members.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:None.
FISCAL EFFECTS:N/A
Attachments:
DBP Monthly ED Report 8-21.pdf
Report compiled on: August 12, 2021
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Downtown Bozeman Partnership – ED Report
August 2021
PMC Updates:
• PMC Operating Agreement Update – In touch with David Crowley with updates, I will
keep PMC updated on next steps
• DBP Restructuring Update – The DBP has hired Gaby Krevat to fulfill the Operations
Manager position. Gaby’s first day of work was July 19th. Ellie has continued to provide
support and guidance at DBA events to ensure things run smoothly and a confident
transition can take place next year for all summer events.
URD Updates:
• Unified Development Code Edits – Building Height/Parking Requirements: refer to UDC
Edit memo/discussion item on agenda.
• Transportation Plans/Phase II scope: The City of Bozeman is short staffed and has not
had an opportunity to provide comments on Part One yet. One suggestion from the
board was to separate out the concepts studied into who has jurisdiction over the
matters, COB and MDT. The board suggested staff to research if more funding will be
made available for maintenance of Main Street with the change from Bozeman
becoming a metropolitan city from a micropolitan city.
• Parking Structure Plans/Bonding Analysis: Ellie is in the process of forming a working
group to focus on structured parking and funding. The proposed group would consist of
two URD board members, David Fine (COB Economic Development Dept), a
representative from Sanderson Stewart (term contract team), a representative from
Walker Consultants (term contract team), and potentially other individuals.
• Sewer Line Projects: The board discussed that this line item in the budget should have a
formal process or possibly be a grant program for developers to apply. Ellie and Emily
will research further and have more information at the next board meeting for potential
options.
• “Run DMC” Shuttle: There continues to be discussions surrounding the circulator shuttle
“Run DMC”, connecting Downtown, Midtown, and the Cannery Districts at parking
commission, parking subcommittee and at the varied neighborhood advisory board
meetings (ex. DURD, MURD). The DBP has been involved with the discussion and may be
a funding source for this project as it moves forward.
• North Rouse Lighting Project: This project went to bid, was awarded to Montana Lines
and work has begun with intent to finish the ground needed before the Hawthorne
school start date of August 30. Due to supply chain issues, the poles will be delivered
and installed in late Sept. and Montana Lines will be prepared to do this quickly and
with little impact. Ellie and Emily has created a property/business owner list for this
project and will keep them updated constantly on the project’s timelines.
Additional Downtown Updates:
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• Downtown Maintenance Update: The BID board approved spending to purchase a new
Kawasaki Mule for the maintenance team. Due to Supply chains, it will be likely it arrives
in late fall. The Maintenance staff is working harder than ever this summer, THANKS!!!
Mike, Trish, Porter and Kodie
• Outreach Bozeman: The Outreach Bozeman pilot program is in full swing. HRDC hosted
the first de-escalation training for businesses and property owners Friday, July 30th. Two
HRDC employees (Crystal and Jenna) are conducting street outreach, specifically to
businesses every Thursday and Friday. Brian (HRDC) and Marek (BPD) are also doing
street outreach and education in downtown on Wednesdays. The DBP has also helped
with additional marketing and outreach through email, social media and press outlets.
There already seems to be positive outcomes forming. We will continue to work with
our Outreach partners to produce data and feedback through the program and will
present at future board meetings.
• Parking Commission Update: At the May Parking Commission meeting, a resolution was
passed to establish two subcommittees of the parking commission to address the
unfinished strategies in the parking work plan. The two subcommittees are broken into
the categories of “Capacity” and “Policy”. The subcommittees have been meeting a
couple of times throughout the last couple of months outside of the regularly scheduled
parking commission meetings. If you are interested in listening to the recorded
meetings, they can be found on the city website under the parking commission section.
o The Parking Capacity Subcommittee has been meeting bi-monthly and Ellie and
Emily attended the July 14th Capacity Subcommittee meeting to discuss garage
capacity, additional seasonal bike parking and shared use opportunities on
surface lots. One goal of the Capacity Subcommittee is to gauge interest of
downtown property owners and hold discussions of shared-use agreements for
private parking lots to unlock more parking spaces. Staff will continue to stay
engaged and work with this group.
o The Policy Subcommittee proposed parking Resolution 2021-05: A resolution of
the Parking Commission to the City of Bozeman, Montana, About Parking
Requirements in the Unified Development Code to the Parking Commission
meeting on August. 13 This resolution was passed 3-1 by the Parking
Commission at this meeting with an amendment to “eliminate parking
requirements in the B-3” There will be continued avenues for public engagement
on this resolution through the City’s full UDC edit process now and through the
fall. DBP staff will stay very engaged with all 3 boards to engage our property and
business owners throughout this process.
Upcoming DBA Events: more info at www.downtownbozeman.org
• Art Walks – 2nd Fridays: August 13, Sept. 10, 4-8pm & Dec. 10 (winter Art Walk)
• Music on Main –August 12, 6-9pm
• “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show – Saturday, August 14 from 3-5pm (packet pick-up) &
Sunday, August 15 from 6am-4pm
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Building Projects:
• Merin Condos - (on North Bozeman across from Dave’s Sushi) 28 units of owner-
occupied housing. Opening soon.
• Village Downtown - 30 new residential condo units and 9 single-family lots have been
approved by city and are in early phase of construction.
• AC Hotel (5 East Mendenhall) 6 story 140 room full-service hotel. Under construction.
• East End Flats (240 East Mendenhall)- The six-story mixed-use building has been
approved by the city and is expected to include commercial, office, and residential space
with underground parking.
• Cairn Townhomes (northwest corner of W Beall & N Grand)—5 townhome condos
currently under construction.
• North Central (20 North Tracy)—Mountain View & Medical Arts buildings, phased
master site plan development proposing a total of 9 new mixed-use buildings,
associated parking, open space and infrastructure. Application submitted.
• South Central – delayed due to city upgrade costs
New Businesses (since May 2021):
• Stretch Lab, 23 South Willson - OPEN
• Main Street Market/Brigade/Happy Box, 233 East Main - OPEN
• Cool Beans (next door to Main Street Over Easy), 9 East Main - OPEN
• Vienne (French bakery), 101 South Wallace - OPEN
• Tanoshii, 113 East Main - OPEN
• Sotheby’s International Realty, 424 E Main – OPEN
• Engel & Volkers Real Estate, 106 E Babcock – OPEN
• Atelier Alara (‘by appt only’ location), 424 East Main – OPEN
• Residence Inn, 815 East Main Street - OPEN
• Last Call (modern Mexican restaurant), 19 S Willson, – OPEN
• Sun Dial (Lark food truck), 122 West Main - OPEN
• Sweet Peaks, 411 East Main – OPENING SOON
• 27 East Main (formerly Crossroads) - to be redeveloped as a steak house
• TBD - 137 East Babcock—formerly Gallatin Laundry
• TBD - 544 East Main—formerly Heeb’s – building improvements underway
• TBD - 402 E Main St Suite 3— formerly The Montana Scene
• Pakeezah – 14 N Church- formerly 14 North—OPEN
• TBD—121 W Main – formerly Union Hall—TBD
• TBD—127 E Main—formerly A Banks Gallery—TBD
13
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Downtown Area Urban Renewal District Board
FROM:Ellie Staley, Executive Director, Downtown Bozeman Partnership
SUBJECT:UDC Edits Discussion
MEETING DATE:August 17, 2021
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Policy Discussion
RECOMMENDATION:Discussion
STRATEGIC PLAN:4.4 Vibrant Downtown, Districts & Centers: Promote a healthy, vibrant
Downtown, Midtown, and other commercial districts and neighborhood
centers – including higher densities and intensification of use in these key
areas.
BACKGROUND:The Unified Development Code (commonly called the "UDC") is a set of
regulations aimed to protect the public health, safety and general welfare.
These regulations recognize and balance the various rights and
responsibilities relating to land ownership, use and development.
Updates to the B-3 parking requirements are on the fall 2021 UDC revision
schedule. At the August 12th Parking Commission meeting, Resolution 2021-
05 was passed with an amendment to include the entire B-3 District instead
of the downtown core. This resolution is a recommendation to the City
Commission and Planning and Zoning Commissions to adopt the introduced
parking requirement changes to the Unified Development Code this fall.
Resolution and pages from 2019 DBIP pages regarding parking requirements
attached.
B-3 height & zone edge transition updates to the UDC are on the revision
schedule for spring 2022. This amendment will go through a community
engagement process and therefore will not go before City Commission for
adoption until the spring 2022 amendments package. Currently, the only
language provided on the City of Bozeman’s UDC website is “Update the
height requirements for the B-3 district and the zone edge transition
requirements for all effected districts to reflect changing circumstances in
Bozeman and recent height requirement updates.” Pages from the 2019
Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan are attached that reference building
heights.
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Today we will hold a discussion regarding these topics, Susan Riggs and/or
Rob Pertzborn will be on the meeting to answer any technical questions and
provide further industry knowledge. The board has the opportunity to
provide recommendations to the City Commission if they choose to write a
letter with suggested actions.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:Nne.
ALTERNATIVES:None.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Attachments:
Parking Commission Resolution 2021-05.pdf
Parking Requirement Pages from Downtown Plan.pdf
Building Height Pages from Downtown Plan.pdf
Report compiled on: August 12, 2021
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Resolution 2021-05 Parking Requirements in the Unified Development Code Page 1 of 3
BOZEMAN PARKING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2021-05
A RESOLUTION OF THE PARKING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA,
ABOUT PARKING REQUIREMENTS IN THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE.
WHEREAS, the City of Bozeman has granted the Parking Commission authority to manage
parking in the downtown area and any other parking permit areas (MCA7-14-4634); and,
WHEREAS, the Bozeman Parking Commission authorized the creation of subcommittees
in Resolution 2021-03 and the Policy Subcommittee has identified parking minimum reductions
as top priority for their work: and,
WHEREAS, the City of Bozeman Strategic Plan identifies a Well Planned City (Goal 4) as a
key priority for the City and also identifies a vibrant downtown, districts and centers (4.4) and a
high quality urban approach (4.2) as sub goals: and,
WHEREAS, the 2016 Downtown Parking Strategic Management Plan Strategy 7 is for the
Parking Commission and Parking Services to evaluate code-based parking minimums; and,
WHEREAS, the 2019 Downtown Bozeman Strategic Plan’s Goal 3, The Heart of a Thriving
City, calls for simplified parking requirements for the downtown core; and,
WHEREAS, the Parking Commission has the ability to submit comments to the Zoning and
Planning Board as well as the Department of Community Development during the October 2021
Unified Development Code rewrite: and,
WHEREAS, parking space can range from $3,000 for surface lot spaces to more than
$60,000 for underground structure parking and are a main driver of costs for new development;
and,
WHEREAS, unnecessary parking requirements drives up the cost of both residential and
commercial construction which burdens residents and business owners; and,
WHEREAS, reducing parking minimums is an identified strategy for the City of Bozeman
to meet the goals laid out in the 2020 Climate Action Plan: and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Bozeman Parking Commission recommends
the Bozeman City Commission and Planning and Zoning Commissions adopt the below parking
16
Resolution 2021-05 Parking Requirements in the Unified Development Code Page 2 of 3
requirements in the Unified Development Code for residential, commercial, and mixed use
developments:
1. A minimum of one parking space per 1000 SF of conditioned space
2. A maximum of three surface parking spaces per 1000 SF of conditioned space
3. Required parking shall be rounded to the nearest whole parking space (e.g. 1400 SF = 1
parking space; 1600 SF = 2 parking spaces), to the nearest square foot and with halves
rounded up
4. For mixed use developments, requirements for commercial and residential uses shall be
calculated separately, with a reduction of up to 50% of the lesser of the two requirements
allowed
5. Affordable housing developments, developments within one half mile of high frequency
transit stops, and redevelopments of less than 5000 SF are exempted from required
minimums
6. No additional credits or reductionsare given or allowed except for a residential allowance
of one parking space per 24 linear feet of parkable curb frontage (or alternative parking
arrangement approved by the City)
7. Exceptions to these requirements, for qualifying developments, are available through a
Planned Unit Development, subject to City Commission review and approval
Further, the Bozeman Parking Commission recommends the Planning and Community
Development Department and the City Commission use the below definitions for conditioned
space, affordable housing, and High Frequency Transit”
1. Conditioned space: insulated, heated or cooled space, to include livable and leasable
space, exclusive of garages, storage areas, and other spaces not intended for habitation
or commercial use
2. Affordable housing: as defined in Bozeman Municipal Code Sec. 38.700.020.
3. High frequency transit: transit service meeting currently defined standards of “transit
availability” and having headways of 20 minutes or less (acknowledging that Bozeman
currently does not currently have any service that would meet this standard)
Passed and adopted by the Parking Commission of the City of Bozeman, Montana, at a session
held on the 12th day of August 2021.
______________________________________
Jim Ness, Chair
Bozeman Parking Commission
17
Resolution 2021-05 Parking Requirements in the Unified Development Code Page 3 of 3
ATTEST:
___________________________
Mike Veselik, Interim Parking Manager
City of Bozeman
18
Code Requirements
Currently, the base zoning code requires 1
parking stall per 250 net square feet of office
space. While several parking reductions are
offered Downtown, this exceeds the demand of
1 stall per 370 square feet for office buildings
that was assessed in the 2016 Bozeman
Midtown Parking Demand for nearby North
7th Avenue. By requiring more parking than
is demanded by office users, it makes locating
Downtown challenging for new employers. It is
also difficult to achieve this parking ratio in an
urban setting with the building types and design
standards that are required.
Another challenge to high parking ratios
is that parking is expensive to build.
Providing structured parking on site to meet
a code requirement that exceeds demand
is a significant cost that is precluding new
downtown office development.
Parking Strategies
Throughout the planning process, parking
consistently ranked as a top community
concern. Issues of parking management, costs,
location, type and amount all rose to the top.
The recent 2016 Strategic Parking Management
Plan also identified these topics as key factors
TRACY A
V
E
$30,000-
42,000 PER
STRUCTURED PARKING SPACE
$15,000 PER
TUCK-UNDER
PARKING SPACE
$3,000 PER
SURFACE PARKING SPACE
Typical costs for building parking
stalls (not including land costs)
to make parking work better for Downtown.
Their top recommendation was to incorporate
a parking system management into the City’s
development policy that considered data
management, pricing, signage, and expansion of
multi-modal facilities. Given the emphasis on
management and the need to make the most of
existing spaces, there are three steps to improve
and expand downtown parking:
1. “Unlock” existing spaces,
2. Create more choices beyond driving, and
3. Expand parking capacity.
Step 1: Unlock Existing Spaces
Simplify Parking Code Requirements: A
healthy downtown mix of uses needs alignment
of parking demand with code requirements.
Today, office parking code requirements exceed
demand and incentives that allow reductions
add complexity and uncertainty. The current
code should be simplified to better align with
demand, while parking management strategies
are enhanced.
In Midtown parking code requirements were
recently reduced to zero spaces in certain areas
to reduce barriers and allow the market to guide
supply. Downtown, the recommendation is to
remove parking requirements in the historic
core area and refine the requirements in the rest
of Downtown. Outside the core, commercial
requirements should be revised to 1 space
per 1,000 gross square feet, except for hotel
requirements which should be revised to 0.6
spaces per hotel room. More information on
residential parking can be found in Chapter 4.
Encourage Shared Parking: In addition to
reducing office parking code requirements,
current parking can also be “unlocked” to be
broadly available by making it easier for users
to share parking and for new development to
lease existing underutilized surface parking
lots. Code barriers that preclude the ability
to lease underutilized private stalls, such as
extended lease timelines or expensive physical
improvements to existing lots, should be lifted
or loosened to achieve the desired outcome of
better use and access to the full parking supply.
Step 2: Create More Choices
Urban lifestyles bring with them many
advantages for living and working Downtown
– walkability, a vibrant street life, and access to
unique businesses, arts and culture all help to
attract more residents, employees, and visitors.
However, the downside of these benefits is the
concern that the vibrant environment that some
people love is creating more congestion. How
can we continue to foster a vibrant and safe
Downtown, while also combating congestion
brought on by more activity?
High office parking ratios
require office uses to
“hold” excess parking,
driving down the average
utilization even while
visitors feel that parking
is not available to them.
48 - 2019 Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan 49 - 2019 Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan 19
Across the country, downtowns are focused on
expanding access to multi-modal transportation
options. From bike storage to micro-mobility
options, better, safer options for downtown
commuters and visitors benefit everyone by
reducing traffic, parking demand and the
cost burden of car ownership. See Chapter
3 Walkable and Accessible for more details
on recommendations to enhance Downtown
Bozeman’s transportation options.
Step 3: Expand Parking
At its core, parking is an economic
development issue. Step 1 attempts to unlock
privately owned parking that is unused
during extended times of the day or evening,
making it more available to existing and future
development. Still, meeting current needs
and planning for future growth will require a
proactive approach to adding parking in the
Downtown core. Several initiatives should work
together to expand Downtown parking:
Add on-street parking where possible:
Downtown’s streets already provide low-cost,
front-door parking for visitors. But, more can
be done to make the most of these assets.
Introducing diagonal, back-in parking on Main
Street could bring over 100 more street spaces.
See Chapter 3 Walkable and Accessible for
more details on proposals for Main Street.
It is also important to manage on-street parking
stalls to retain them for retail customers and
locate long-term employee parking off Main
Street in nearby parking lots or a park-and-
ride lot connected by transit. If utilization data
shows ample availability in adjacent residential
areas, there is potential to develop an employee
paid parking permit system. This strategy is
frequently implemented in other communities
as a parking benefit district.
Expand and clarify signage: Downtown
has instituted some branded parking signage
and wayfinding. Consistent rules and signage
can help clarify regulations and make it more
clear what parking is available to visitors. The
consistently branded signage should continue
to be installed across the system. Common
branding and wayfinding for public parking will
also help Downtown businesses thrive.
Expand structured parking: The Bridger
Park Structure added 435 spaces to Downtown
and helped spur redevelopment of key projects.
Looking ahead, a second parking structure will
be an important tool to help offset growth and
leverage high quality downtown development.
A technical feasibility study is currently
underway to evaluate six separate downtown
Eliminate parking requirements in the “Core
Area” and simplify standards for the rest of the
B3 zone by eliminating all parking reductions
in favor of a flat standard and making shared
parking and off-site parking easier. Institute the
following requirements:
• 0.6 spaces per hotel room (including accessory
uses up to 20% of the building area)
• 1 space per 1,000 gross square feet for all
commercial uses to create a simple “blended
rate.”
Explore options to allow more urban design
variations (low seating wall in lieu of internal
landscape islands for example) as a substitute for
internal parking lot landscaping in B3. Refer to
Appendix page 11 for more information.
CODE CORNER
P ROUSEMAIN STWILLSON5TH AVE F
E
A
B
CD
ID Location Near Current Demand Area Leverages Future Development
A Addition to Bridger Park Structure Medium/High High
B Babcock & Bozeman High High
C Wallace @ Library Medium High
D Olive & Black High High
E Babcock & Grand High Low
F Third & Mendenhall High Medium
sites for potential to accommodate a future
parking structure. Beyond site efficiency and
capacity, the future structured parking site
should also be selected based on its ability to
both help meet current demand in pressured
areas today and to anticipate new demand
created by future development in high growth
areas of Downtown. Other qualitative factors
like the potential of the site to be developed
with minimal impact to natural features, in
a way that meets design standards, and/or
promotes multi-modal connections should also
be considered.
To support this evaluation, the six possible
sites were studied for their potential to meet
these objectives. While all six sites meet the
needs in some ways, the parking lots at Olive
and Black and at Babcock and Rouse may
best address both current and future demand.
Another solution for efficient parking is to
explore automated stacked parking, as is being
considered in several proposed projects now.
OBSERVED +85% OCCUPANCY IN 2017 WTI PARKING STUDY
KEY
50 - 2019 Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan 51 - 2019 Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan 20
5
# SECTION QUICK SUMMARY RECOMMENDED
CODE LANGUAGE
EXISTING
CODE LANGUAGE
11 38.540.050.
7
(several
sections
would
need to
be
amended
to
coordinat
e edits)
Exempt the “Core Area” from
parking requirements and
group and simplify the parking
requirements for rest of B3 with
a blended rate factor that has
“built-in” reductions that
recognize shared public
surface and structured parking,
transit availability, bike
infrastructure, walkability, mixed
use, variable hours of operation
for different business types and
overall district capture of
parking demand (park once;
shop twice concept).
Note this recommendation only
works in combination with the
other parking
recommendations to “unlock”
existing spaces, create more
choices beyond driving and
expand parking capacity.
Principles:
More Than Main Street
Heart of a Thriving City
Walkable and Accessible
For Everyone
Eliminate parking
requirements in the “Core
Area.”
Establish new factors:
• 0.6 spaces per
hotel room
(including
accessory uses up
to 20% of the
building area)
• 1 space per 1000
gross square feet
for all other uses.
Eliminate the list of parking
reductions.
[Examples of current
requirements:]
Residential: 1 space per unit
Retail: 1 per 300 SF net
Office: 1 per 250 SF net
Health & Exercise: 1 per 300 net
Hotels: 1.1 per guest room (+
accessory uses)
Restaurants: 1 space per 50
square feet of indoor public
serving area + 1 space per 100
square feet of outdoor area
List of reductions:
More than one adjustment may
apply. Multiple adjustments are
added together to modify the
minimum required parking from
Table 38.540.050-3 in a single
operation. Multiple adjustments
are not applied sequentially.
The first 3,000 gross square feet
of a non-residential building
within the B-3 district or adjacent
to designated storefront block
frontage per section 38.500.010
is not included in the calculation
of required parking.
15% reduction when the site is
within 800 feet of a parking
structure of at least 200 spaces
10% reduction where the
development is within 800 feet of
a developed and serviced
transit stop.
10% reduction for on-site bicycle
facilities
11 - 2019 Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan Appendix 21
ALIGN HEIGHT WITH EXISTING ZONING
AND COMMUNITY PLAN
Currently, building heights Downtown are limited
by the B-3 zoning district to a maximum of 55 feet
in the “Core Area” (defined as Main Street and
one half block north and south to the alleys from
Grand Avenue to Rouse Avenue) and 70 feet in the
rest of the B-3 zone. Recently codified transition
language further limits the height of buildings on
the edge of the B-3 District when they are adjacent
to some residential zoning districts.
The Downtown core area contains a mix of
buildings that range from one-story storefronts
to the seven-story Baxter Hotel and the nine-
story Armory Hotel. The diversity of building
heights across the district adds interest and visual
relief to the street, creating a rhythm of change
and variation that is an important ingredient of
dynamic downtown urban design. While height
or density minimums are not regulated, in a
downtown like Bozeman’s where affordability
and vibrancy are values, it is also important to
avoid underdevelopment. Appropriate scales of
development are essential for future projects so that
the community can meet its goals of sustainable
infill, affordability, and a dynamic street life.
Many Downtown buildings are designated as
“storefront blocks” to promote retail and frequent
entries that also add rhythm and walkability to
a street. This comes with a requirement for a
minimum height of 13 feet for the first floor,
to add flexibility to all buildings in this zone to
accommodate public uses like retail or lobbies.
Improved diagram better illustrating current transition code requirements.
The Community Plan
update proposes that
the Bozeman will have
a diverse skyline with
buildings that range from
three- to seven-stories.
Today’s Downtown height limit of 70 feet does
not allow new buildings to reach seven stories
due to the needed floor-to-floor heights for
urban development, active ground floors, and
contemporary building practices. Some buildings
surpass this limit, like the historic Baxter or the
new hotel and adaptive reuse project at the Armory
which obtained a height deviation. Seven stories
are already permitted by building conventions
in other districts across the city when certain
accommodations are made by the project.
The 2009 DBIP decreed that Downtown should
be home to buildings of the greatest height
across the city. Bozeman has evolved since that
aspiration, with many other districts carrying height
and density as well. Still, to support a lively and
vibrant Downtown for the long-term, buildings in
Downtown should continue to achieve comparable
height to other mixed use districts across the
community.
To accomplish this, the Downtown height
requirements should be considered in context
of the Community Plan’s aspirations and zoning
across the city. Downtown’s height limits should
Excerpted from the UDC; Figure 38-320-060: 45 Degree angle stepback rule for certain zone edge development
be adjusted to enable buildings of seven stories
outside of the historic core, rather than specifying
70 feet which more usually results in five-story
buildings.
For buildings with seven stories, urban design
guidelines could be put in place to shape and
break down the massing while still enabling the
density needed for a vibrant, inclusive Downtown.
For example, the floor plates on levels five
through seven can be designed to step back from
the building edge to break down the form. A
height increase to seven stories could also be an
opportunity to address long-term affordability by
incentivizing smaller units through height bonuses.
Guidelines that are specific to the B-3 zone should
build on ideas in Article 5, tailoring them to
Downtown specific issues.
114 - 2019 Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan 115 - 2019 Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan 22
Encourage a Mix of Scales
SENSITIVE TRANSITIONS
Downtown is in the unique position of needing
to both continue to promote redevelopment and
to ensure that there is a careful balance between
adjacent residential scale neighborhoods and new
Downtown projects. Density is an important
element to these projects in order to foster desired
traits like Downtown vibrancy and broader housing
affordability. Still, there are concerns that future
development will be too tall, bulky or close to
residential single family homes.
Babcock and Mendenhall Streets both have many
surface lots and underutilized sites that are likely
to be developed in the coming years. As the “outer
core” of Downtown, this “halo” around Main
Street is a logical - and important - place to locate
buildings of greater height and mass, up to seven
stories. It is walkable to transit connections and
employment and away from single family housing.
However, adjacent to the surrounding residential
zones, buildings should begin to taper down and
gradually adjust downward. This is the intent of the
transition language today.
Recent revisions to the UDC included the addition
of standards requiring a more gradual transition
between new buildings and existing residential
properties. This transition language applies in
places where B-3 zoning is immediately adjacent
to residential zones. It includes provisions for new
B-3 development that require a setback from the
property line and a stepped back building form
for upper stories, supporting the needs of both
Downtown and nearby neighborhoods.
Although the B-3 zone allows for development up
to the lot line (zero lot line), new buildings within
the transition zone are required to be set back five
to ten feet (depending on the adjacent zone) and
are limited to an initial 38 feet in building height
from the property line adjacent to other zones.
From there, the building form is held to a 45
degree step-back rule for zone edge development,
up to the B-3 building height limit. Going forward
this language will be tested on actual projects
of varied size, each of which will have unique
characteristics of site and design.
The following recommendations build on the
current zoning code and offer additional ways
to balance the density, mass, design and scale of
Downtown and nearby neighborhoods in a variety
of different Downtown conditions.
Explore “Gentle” Residential Infill
North and south of Downtown, additional
scale appropriate infill housing can support the
affordability and compatibility goals of both
Downtown and nearby neighborhoods. This
might include strategic density by enabling more
accessory dwelling units, housing along alleys, small
rowhouses or stacked townhouses. Recent zoning
modifications have already moved in this direction
and should be reinforced and adjusted as needed in
the future.
In the “Core Area,” the maximum height should
be five stories with a requirement that the upper
level be stepped back at least ten feet from the
street-facing facade. Refer to Appendix page 9
for more information.
Outside of the “Core Area,” the maximum height
should be seven stories with the requirement
that the upper levels (5+) be stepped back at
least ten feet from the street-facing facade. Refer
to Appendix page 9 for more information.
The height restrictions should cross-reference
the existing zone edge transition section of the
code which will further limit height and increase
setbacks along the edge of the B3 zone. Refer to
Appendix page 9 for more information.
CODE CORNERConsider Unique Needs of Narrow or
Small Parcels
Many properties in the area are small sites where
it is not feasible to build to the full height allowed
Downtown in B-3. They could be adversely
impacted by restrictions to allowable setbacks. For
projects with overall heights of less than 38 feet
and for narrow sites, it may be beneficial to clarify
that buildings less then 38 feet can have decreased
setbacks in order to support infill on narrow lots.
For buildings on large sites that can be developed
to greater height and density, maintain the existing
five to ten feet setbacks and current step-backs.
116 - 2019 Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan 117 - 2019 Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan 23
3
# SECTION QUICK SUMMARY RECOMMENDED
CODE LANGUAGE
EXISTING
CODE LANGUAGE
6 Table
38.320.050,
Footnote 9
Coordinate with the
Community Plan – “Shape of
Our City” to allow up seven
stories for B3 (outside of the
Core Area) with step back
requirements for upper floors
that face a street.
Additionally, cross-reference
that required zone edge
transitions may further limit
height in certain areas of the
periphery of B3. (Also need to
clarify setback implications of
transitions for small/narrow lots.)
Coordinate with future
Affordable Housing Action Plan
to explore ways to use height to
incentivize smaller units that
have long term affordability
restrictions in place.
Principles:
More than Main Street
For Everyone
Heart of a Thriving City
9. Maximum building height
in the B-3 district is 5 stories in
the “Core Area” and 7
stories outside the “Core
Area.”
[TBD: consider also adding a
height in feet or maximum
story height.]
For buildings with more than
four stories, the floor plates
on levels five through seven
shall step back at least 10
feet from the street-facing
building edge(s) to break
down the form.
Note that zone edge
transitions may further limit
height in accordance with
Section 38.320.060.
9. Maximum building height in
the B-3 district must be 55 feet in
the district core area and 70 feet
outside of the core area.
7 38.400.100.
A
Add flexibility for the
Engineering Department to
look at site-specific details
when evaluating required
street vision triangles.
Use existing code language for
access standards – Section
38.400.090.H “Modifications of
property access standards” as
a template.
[TBD - coordinate with
Engineering Department to
work out exact language
and standards.]
Example language:
Modifications of street vision
triangle standards. 1. Some
of the standards listed in this
section, may be relaxed by
the review authority if it is
shown during the
development review
process that more efficient
design can be
accomplished without
jeopardizing the public's
health, safety and welfare,
the intent of this chapter, or
the intent of the city's
growth policy…
Arterial streets. On corner lots on
arterial streets in all districts, no
fence, wall or planting in excess
of 30 inches… is permitted within
a triangular area defined as
follows: beginning at the
intersection of the projected
curblines … thence 50 feet along
one curbline, thence diagonally
to the point 50 feet from the
point of beginning on the other
curblines, then to the point of
beginning, except when traffic
control signals are installed, in
which case the a local street
vision triangle shall apply.
Nothing in this section prohibits
portions of buildings 12 feet or
more above grade from
encroaching into required vision
triangle setbacks. [40 feet for
Local/Collectors]
9 - 2019 Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan Appendix 24
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Downtown Area Urban Renewal District Board
FROM:Ellie Staley, Executive Director, Downtown Bozeman Partnership
SUBJECT:Streetscape Assistance, Grant Expansion Discussion
MEETING DATE:August 17, 2021
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Policy Discussion
RECOMMENDATION:Discussion
STRATEGIC PLAN:4.4 Vibrant Downtown, Districts & Centers: Promote a healthy, vibrant
Downtown, Midtown, and other commercial districts and neighborhood
centers – including higher densities and intensification of use in these key
areas.
BACKGROUND:
The Downtown Bozeman Streetscape Assistance Program Grant is one of
five Urban Renewal Grants to give financial assistance to development
projects to support the continuation of the Downtown Streetscape Plan. This
grant program began in 2010 and has expanded over the years to include
100% reimbursement of the historic light poles for projects within the URD
district as well as; preliminary engineering work as completed by TD&H
Engineering and technical specifications regarding the streetlamps and other
street hardware components.
As redevelopment of the URD district continues to expand beyond the Main
Street core, there are concerns and questions from developers and property
owners about the added expenses and abilities to expand the Downtown
Streetscape plan. A specific example is the redevelopment project at the old
Gallatin Laundry location at 137 East Babcock, currently under a full and
expansive redevelopment. For this project as well as several others (within
the URD district but outside the “core”), the basic electrical conduit is not in
place to continue the historic light poles without additional installation and
infrastructure costs. See estimated cost of added electrical installation and
infrastructure costs for the 137 East Babcock project with four total light
poles indicated below:
Foundation Bases for Poles - $ 11,000
25
Electrical and Pole Installation - $9,500
Total Light Pole Electrical, Light Pole installation and infrastructure - $20,500
Due to these added costs to the developer or property owner indicated
above as well as the additional costs of tree grates and guards and the cost
of replacing the sidewalk, it is becoming increasingly obvious that if
developers, if given the option of not expanding the Streetscape Plans, may
cut these added expenses out of their project all together. This in-turn
results in areas throughout downtown getting fully redeveloped without
plans to include the beautification standards we would prefer to see
throughout our district.
It is requested that the URD board discuss the possibilities of expanding the
Streetscape Grant Program to include some or all of these added costs. It is
also possible these added costs could be a separate discussion all together in
order to research further where within the URD district we can plan to see
this issue arise and how we plan to financially support these projects moving
forward. Ellie has been in continued discussions about this with TD&H as
well as the property owner at 137 East Babcock and will follow up
accordingly, based on URD board discussion.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None
ALTERNATIVES:N/A
FISCAL EFFECTS:N/A
Report compiled on: August 12, 2021
26