HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-31-22 Public Comment - T. & H. Beausoleil - Fowler ConnectivityFrom:Tom Beausoleil
To:Agenda
Subject:Fowler Connectivity
Date:Sunday, July 31, 2022 6:29:24 PM
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To whom it concerns:
We are writing in opposition to the Fowler Avenue Connection as the project is not necessary
and the decision process is based on a dated master plan which was created before the rapidgrowth of Bozeman began.
We attended the Transportation Advisory Board Meeting on July 27th and were impressed
both by the 30+ area residents who spoke against the project and the deaf ear given them bythe board.
Pre-design document prepared by Sanderson Stewart is carefully and cleverly worded.
The studies done indicate there is no reason for the state or feds to stop this project. Only thedated master plan give support. Animal habitat and vegetation would be destroyed but none of
the displaced plants and animals is endangered or threatened.
There is one study lacking in the presentation. There was no economic impact study for theresidents of Sweetgrass and area property values.
Another area of concern is the report was written five (5) days before the Transportation
Advisory Board Meeting. How does that speak to the city’s “Community Engagement” policy.
In the meeting on the 27th Nick Ross, transportation director, stated that there is noconnectivity on Fowler as it exists today. He is correct in stating this. But do you have
connectivity on 7th Ave. or Rouse Ave.?
19th Street is 1 mile east of Fowler, it runs from Hyalite to Springhill Road. Ferguson Ave. is1/2 mile west of Fowler and runs from Huffine Lane to Cattail. Cottonwood Road is 1 mile
west of Fowler and runs from 19th to Oak Street with an extension to Baxter Lane then ontoHarper Puckett Road.
A resident pointed out that traffic in the affected area is at less than 20 percent of road
capacity. An earlier report from Danielle Scarf indicated from 29 to 57 percent of the trafficon Ferguson could be transferred to Fowler. There are currently three parks and a school in the
Babcock to Huffine Lane section. This increase in traffic would have a detrimental effect onpedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic in the area.
It was stated by a former law enforcement officer that emergency vehicles prefer multiple lane
traffic each direction. The two lane plan with turning lanes does not meet this standard and ismoot.
In summary the connection of Fowler is not needed and not justified by a 30-year old planning
document and deaf city government ears.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Tom and Helen Beausoleil411 Teton Ave.