HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-04-22 Public Comment - A. Keith - Fowler Avenue ConnectionFrom:Amanda Rosa Keith
To:Agenda
Subject:Fowler Avenue Connection
Date:Thursday, August 4, 2022 9:39:35 AM
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Hello,
I am a longtime resident of Bozeman. I graduated from Bozeman High School and Montana
State University. Over the last several decades, long-time residents have seen significantgrowth in the Gallatin Valley. As Bozeman continues to grow, we need to both protect what
makes Bozeman special while planning out an infrastructure that will improve and enhancethe way of life that kept many Bozeman residents here and what has drawn thousands of
people to move here.
It was disappointing when the large cottonwoods were cut down along Flanders Mill Road inorder to build a new high school or sports park to support the growing community.
It was disappointing when hundred-year-old trees were cut down on the Montana State
University campus to make way for a new building to support our growing student population.
I understand the concern and disappointment surrounding the Fowler Avenue Expansion.However, as the city continues to approve new subdivisions in west and north Bozeman, the
need to connect Fowler Avenue is becoming more urgent and has been in the works fordecades.
Every day, the residents of New Holland Drive and other North-South neighborhood roads are
faced with the danger of speeding commuters cutting through neighborhood streets marked at25pmh. These commuters are looking for shortcuts to bypass 19th Avenue and Ferguson
Avenue and the City of Bozeman's SMART Radar has clocked these drivers traveling atspeeds exceeding 40mph on these 25mph residential streets. These are entirely residential
streets populated by young families with small children, pedestrians out walking their dogs,cyclists, runners, and residents trying to enjoy their little slice of heaven.
While change is difficult and I too will be disappointed if the cottonwood trees that I can see
from my house are cut down, I believe the Fowler Avenue extension project must proceed inorder to connect the community and create the infrastructure needed to support the city's
growth into the future.
Sincerely,Amanda Keith