HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-23-22 Public Comment - M. Wictor - Public Comment for 3-23 next meeting of Tranasportation BoardFrom:Mary Wictor
To:Agenda
Subject:Public Comment for 3/23/2022+next mtg of Transportation Advisory Board and Parking Commission functions
Date:Wednesday, March 23, 2022 6:00:22 PM
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Dear Transportation Board members and Staff:
This is written input for your meeting tonight & hopefully can be considered and posted for future uses or
reference, re: discussions on...
Work Plan Item Template Descriptions for 2022-2023
Within one or more or of your 1-3 Focus Areas, please address the following topics of concerns (shown
below as Issues A.-F.):
1. Parking
2. Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Traffic Safety
3. Multi-modal Transportation
A. LESS PARKING SPACEs REQUIRED for ADUs
ADUs [Accessory Dwelling Unit(s) either integrated or Detached (aka DADUs)] Code was passed
unanimously these two changes:
+Removed alley-access requirement for ground-floor ADUs
+Removed the one (1) single-space parking requirement or any type of ADU anywhere in the City of
Bozeman
Community Development Manager Saunders in Oct/Nov of 2021 had stated, "ADUs are allowed on any
residential Lot."
City Manager Mihelich per Mayor Andrus prompt clarified 11/16/21, "Duplexes are allowed in every
residential district in the City already"
These changes PLUS communication of City Code support (with existing Models of ADUs and also
MSU/City drafted plans for ADUs) should help add supply of housing units and addressing some housing
affordability and potentially some affordable housing needs.
However, I do hope that this Transportation/Parking Board and the City of Bozeman will look at Parking
Rules/Enforcement to ensure that parking of vehicles occurs within the driveway of each house or unit,
(and garage space should be able to be used by cars vs just storing "stuff"/junk.)
{Perhaps an ADU structure can also be required to have a covenant/deed restriction stating where
parking IS supported?}
Development must always consider and promote public health, general welfare and safety--without
adverse impacts or unintended consequences. [ADUs are being encouraged and likely will be added, but
gradually overtime as people are interested/able to build.]
B. TRAFFIC FROM HIGH DENSITY DEVELOPMENT SHOULD FLOW to adjacent arterials and NOT
into existing neighborhoods
High density development (B-2M/B-3, R5, etc.) will add significant traffic to roads where these zonings or
up-zonings are approved.
For example, B-2M allowed along any arterial(s), should not be designed so resident/visitor traffic flows to
older existing streets. This jeopardizes safety for all ages of long-time residents and even new residents.
Bozeman code/regulations is supposed to require that sufficent parking is designed, planned, and
implemented for each and every type of project. It is at least of equal importance, that the paths and
patterns that are used by the associated growth DO NOT adversely impact adjacent homes,
neighborhood, or streets.
C. BOARDS, COMMISSIONs, and CITY must work together to get TRANSIT and
TRANSPORTATION available for less car uses
Glad to see that at Streamline services are at least part of the Work Plan list--as growth adds people,more transit is truly needed.
D. TRUCK ROUTES AND FREIGHT ROUTE DESIGNATIONS are needed or should at least bereviewedThere are many large trucks often with trailers that use Main Street, N. 7th, and other key roads in theCity of Bozeman. They need a WIDE turning radius to navigate intersections--when they don't curbs andother parts of roads can be damaged. Large truck/trailers are massive and heavy. Their weight stressesand damages roads in much less time that other vehicular traffic. Has this been addressed?
While delivery services must use roads to have access to delivery destinations, freight routes are neededpossibly with enforcement to keep big trucks where they should go out or around the City fortransportation of goods; consider even waste collection services, etc.
E. PARKING GARAGEs ARE NEEDED DOWNTOWNLast night's 3/22/2022 City Commission explained why the Firehouse One location can no longer beconsidered for a Parking Garage. The earlier meeting today at noon, of the Bozeman DowntownBusiness Improvement District Board (BDBIDB) indicated that there are plans to potentially use Countyland(s) near the Gallatin County Courthouse. There are multiple meetings in March for public participationand comment.
It seems quite clear, parking is a key issue to address sooner than later; Structured parking (multi-levelgarage) takes much less space/land than surface parking lots or street parking--with less impervious
surfaces too.
F. SNOW NEEDS A SAFE SPACE to stay & melt
One Neighborhood meeting in late 2021 also discussed how keeping snow of sidewalks is important and
required, but people shovel it to/into the roadways. The snow plows then push the snow back, and thiscycle continues. They noted during their discussion, that one of the good things about boulevards, isthere is a center strip/area where snow can be heaped, that is neither in the travel lanes nor onsidewalks.
I hope that by writing down these points, that the Transportation Advisory Board will take up these issues/ areas of concern in 2022 (or by 2023) ensuring they are included within your Work Plan items asdescribed and to be adopted.
Sincerely, Mary WictorOwner: 1504 Boylan Road, Bozeman, MT