HomeMy WebLinkAbout010_Parkland cash in lieu
190 NORTHSTAR LANE
BOZEMAN, MT 59718
406‐581‐5730
www.headwatersmt.net
Page 1 of 3
November 5, 2021
The Ridge Lot 6
Cash in Lieu of Parkland Narrative
Per Resolution 4784, the City of Bozeman has set criteria for the evaluation of cash in lieu of parkland.
Factors to consider in review of cash in lieu of parkland:
1. The City’s preference for acquisition of real property for parks.
The low number of proposed residential units only results in 0.10 acres of required park land. This small
area would likely create a small, neglected pocket‐park. The Ferguson Park is just 0.3 miles northwest of
the proposed project, while the Cottonwood Condo Park is 0.2 miles north, and the larger Valley West
Park is 0.4 miles to the north. There is an existing sidewalk and trail system that provides great access to
the existing parks. The Ridge Subdivision also already contains just over 3 acres of open space accessed
by trails and sidewalks throughout the subdivision.
2. The desirability and suitability of land within or proposed by the development for parks and
playgrounds based on size, topography, shape, water supply, location or other circumstances.
The subject property is Zoned R‐O, and is surrounded by businesses within the Ridge Subdivision. Using
roughly ¼ of this site for parkland seems like a significant under‐utilization of the property.
3. Proximity of the development to existing parks and recreational facilities.
As mentioned above, there are three nearby parks that can be accessed using existing trails and
sidewalks.
4. Type, function of, and facilities included within nearby park(s).
The Ferguson Park includes trails, a pavilion & picnic shelters, manicured lawn and playground
equipment. The Park is new and in great condition. The Cottonwood Condo Park is also new and includes
lawn, trails, a creek, and a picnic shelter. Additionally, the Valley West Park located to the north (only 0.4
miles from Lot 6) has a complete trail loop, a pond, picnic shelters, beach volleyball, fishing
opportunities, and a manicured lawn. The Park is well maintained.
5. The level of service (as defined in the adopted city‐wide park master plan) provided by nearby
park(s).
Chapter 7 of the 2007 Bozeman Park Master Plan describes this area as “not being adequately served
with parks.” However, since the publishing of the Park Master Plan, the Ferguson Park and Cottonwood
190 Northstar Lane, Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 581‐5730 www.headwatersmt.net Page 2 of 3
Condo Parks have been constructed, which are both within walking distance of the subject property, and
will serve the residents there.
6. Correspondence with the City’s adopted city‐wide master plan.
One goal of the park plan is to collect cash in lieu of parkland to allow the funds to be amassed to fund
park acquisition and development. Another goal is to create bigger parks. Not creating a small pocket
park, within a mostly commercial subdivision, when a large neighborhood park is nearby seems to align
with the goals of the park plan. The great connectivity to the surrounding parks and existing trail system
in the area also aligns with the park plan.
7. Whether the proposal provides an opportunity for partnerships, or whether grant funds are
currently available.
The collection of cash in lieu of parkland funds for small projects like this will help fund larger projects
and money to help foster partnerships to help the money go farther. This lot is not large enough to
facilitate a joint park.
8. Whether the developer or future property owners are required to participate in the costs of the
maintenance of nearby parks or recreational facilities.
The new park tax that was passed in the City of Bozeman ensures that all property owners within the
City help to share in the cost of park maintenance.
9. Long term availability of city funds for maintenance of the proposed facilities.
The new park tax that was passed in the City of Bozeman helps to ensure that there is long term
availability of funds for facility maintenance.
10. Requirements established pursuant to 38.27.020 and 38.27.030, BMC regarding residential
density.
The project contains 6 residential dwelling units on 0.344 acres. The 3,444 sf of open space on the lot
can be subtracted per Section 38.700.130 of Bozeman’s Unified Development Code (UDC). Also, per UDC
Table 38.420.020.A, the maximum required dedication per acre is 12 dwellings at .03 acres per dwelling.
The required parkland is therefore 0.10 acres.
11. The expressed preference of the developer.
Due to the small nature of the site, the developer desires to utilize cash in lieu of parkland. The addition
of parkland to this site would reduce the number of commercial and residential units below what is
efficient and profitable.
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 406‐570‐3676.
190 Northstar Lane, Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 581‐5730 www.headwatersmt.net Page 3 of 3
Sincerely,
_____________
Garrett Schultz, P.E.
Headwaters Engineering, Inc.
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