HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-24-22 Public Comment - C. Gappmayer - Proposed Fowler ExpansionFrom:charley gappmayer
To:Agenda
Subject:Proposed Fowler Expansion
Date:Sunday, July 24, 2022 3:34:37 PM
Attachments:Proposed Fowler Expansion .msg
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To whom it may concern,
Our family has lived in Valley Unit Subdivision, specifically Sweetgrass Avenue since 2006. We
purchased our home from a family who were moving due to a belief a roadway was going in
right behind the back fence. We learned the master plan to put a road in at Fowler Lane
through Babcock and Durston had been in place for decades.
Since that time, the walking trail has been used by thousands of residents, bird watchers and
others enjoying the wide variety of wildlife that has gone undisturbed for decades. A number
of years ago, a single-family housing development took shape at Fowler and Durston. A paved
pathway that the residents pay to maintain, connects to the existing trail and has allowed
residents to further enjoy the natural surroundings without having to have crowded foot traffic
on the sidewalks in front of the new homes.
In 2001 an impact study was done by Montana State University. It conveyed the further
development of Fowler would adversely affect the wildlife, specifically 28 varieties of birds that
nest in the trees along the walking trail.
With the development of Ferguson and Cottonwood, great care was taken by the planners to
ensure the negative effect of vehicular traffic flow would be reduced with the implementation
of large setbacks from the roadway. None of the primary entrances of homes along Ferguson
or Cottonwood face the roadways. The pedestrian pathways are far enough from residential
property lines as to give homeowners a sense of privacy.
A large natural elevated buffer runs along between the homes and roadway on Cottonwood.
This allows for a significant reduction of traffic noise.
There has been no evidence presented that shows the same approach has been taken by the
city for the anticipated Fowler expansion. There is a contention the new roadway would reduce
traffic congestion; however, I have seen no evidence the current streets have been
overburdened from traffic congestion. Any traffic collisions involving Fowler Avenue are
attributed directly with Huffine Lane, not the residential streets to the north.
A park is located along Fowler Lane that requires drivers to observe a 15-mph zone. This is
critical especially during baseball season. Families rely on street parking due to the lack of
space in the elementary school lot. Widening or adding more lanes will not allow that to be
option anymore.
We have been presented with various roadway designs that include 3 and 5 lane roads. None
of them seem appropriate because planners have not considered reducing the impact on the
homeowners. None of the plans have similar setbacks as Ferguson or Cottonwood Road. None
of them offer Noise abatement buffer options as well.
It is unfortunate the City of Bozeman has taken decades for this plan to be implemented. A
majority of the property between Babcock and Durston is designated for single family homes.
Homes which will unfortunately lose value with a roadway being installed with no consideration
to the peace and privacy of its residents.
There are numerous walking trails and habitats that residents and visitors utilize on the east
side of Bozeman. From the Story Mill habitat to Pete’s Hill there are acres of unchanged
ecosystems that the public can enjoy. A long walking trail (Galligator Trail) runs from the base
of Pete’s Hill to Mason Street. There are little to none one the west end of Bozeman.
Removing the current habitats and inserting a roadway will ensure that will continue. The city
leaders have long espoused to safeguard a green Bozeman and ensure our future has its beauty
to enjoy for generations. Failure to keep the current walking trail and habitat in place makes
those promises only relevant to one side of town.
The City of Bozeman must take ownership in its failure to plan accordingly. I’m sure if any of
the current commissioners resided in our subdivision, they would be gravely concerned as to
the negative impact this will have on the quality of life for the residents and wildlife.
Respectfully,
Charles Gappmayer
102 Sweetgrass Avenue
Bozeman, MT