HomeMy WebLinkAbout22.1_Park Comment Response
cushingterrell.com
September 16, 2022
Matthew Lee
City of Bozeman Parks Department
121 N Rouse Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715
Dear Matthew,
Please consider the following response to the city criteria for cash in lieu of parkland dedication requests as
required for the Urban Farm Phase 1 Preliminary Plat application #22082 and description od how the
proposed park will meet the needs of residents and is consistent with long range planning for parks.
Urban Farm Phase 1 will include .44 acres of dedicated parkland which is, at the request of the City
Community Development Department, located on the western side of the development. The location of the
park is adjacent to an existing conservation easement to the west. Fallon Street will extend through the park
and terminate at the boundary of the easement property in order to satisfy city engineering requirements.
The primary feature of the park is an extension of the pathway currently constructed within the Norton
Ranch Subdivision to the north. According to city dedication requirements, at a projected density of 15.20
dwelling units per acre, Urban Farm Phase 1 density exceeds the 12 DU per acre maximum resulting in a
parkland obligation of 1.52 acres.
Urban Farm Phase 1 Parkland Table
2
cushingterrell.com
IMPROVEMENTS-IN-LIEU
An equivalent of 1.08 acres of cash-in-lieu is required to meet the city parkland dedication requirement. At
the current rate of $2.07/SF, $97,421.24 is required to offset the dedicated acreage deficit (1.01 acres at 8
DU/acre) and required CIL obligation. This is an estimation, as a final valuation will be determined at the time
of final plat.
It is the preference of Urban Farm Phase 1 to use the cash obligation for investment in improvements to the
proposed parkland. The estimated costs associated with the development of the park to meet city standards
is approximately $85,000. Improvements-in-Lieu will be used to improve the park space with amenities
above and beyond this required baseline design. Cost estimates for improvements will be provided as they
come online.
RESOLUTION 4784
The City of Bozeman passed Commission Resolution No. 4784 to establish criteria for the evaluation of
whether land dedication, cash donation or improvements is most suitable for a development. The park
strategy proposed for Urban Farm Phase 1 maximizes city preferences on location and utility extension while
balancing recreational opportunities for future residents. The improvements will exceed the minimum UDC
Section 38.27.080 requirements and will continue to align with city vision. Further, the improvements will:
Be consistent with the master plan for the park where the improvements are proposed and be consistent
with the city’s approved specifications for park equipment and improvements. All installation with conform
to the City’s adopted standards and specifications.
The location of improvements within the proposed parkland will serve residents of Phase 1 and existing
residents of surrounding neighborhoods with an enhanced recreational experience and improved
connectivity due to the proximity to proposed lots and existing homes.
The location of the improvements also meets the service radii established by the city park master plan.
CONSISTENCY WITH LONG RANGE PARK PLAN
As previously stated, the proposed park is situated and designed in its current configuration in response to
city requests and comments received during initial discussion with Community Development and the
subsequent review of this preliminary plat application. The park design will meet the recreational needs of
residents through creating access to an open space that is adjacent to open space that is protected by a
conservation easement. Direct pedestrian connections from each lot are proposed the route residents
through the small neighborhood and eventually to the proposed trail. Once there, visitors may enjoy the
open space view to the west or hear north towards Norton Ranch.
3
cushingterrell.com
The proposed park aligns with the Guiding Principles outlined in the current Parks, Recreation, Open Space
& Trails Plan:
Use public places to create a sense of community and foster social interaction.
The proposed pathway will connect to the existing Norton Ranch subdivision to the north and encourage
residents to walk, visit and explore existing public spaces.
Provide transportation options and connections.
The park proposed within UR Phase 1 will improve north/south pedestrian connection on the west side of
the city. The extension will create a pedestrian or bike friendly transportation option and an improved
connection for those residents wanting to travel north.
Affirm the community’s commitment to responsible land use and stewardship of the natural environment.
While city regulations require the extension of Fallon Road to terminate at site boundary, the proposed
parkland to the north will provide a buffer between the development and the protected agricultural land to
the west. Agriculture, and open space are valued by Bozeman residents and the distance created between
the existing farm will encourage complementary use.
Thank you for considering this request. Please contact me at 406.922.7128 should you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Nicole Olmstead, AICP
Land Planner