HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-23 Public Comment - M. Harrison - Comment re_ Fowler Ave. Extension - Missed Opportunities_DC-1From:Maggee Harrison (via Google Docs)
To:Agenda
Subject:Comment re: Fowler Ave. Extension - Missed Opportunities_DC-1
Date:Monday, March 6, 2023 7:04:19 PM
Attachments:Missed Opportunities_DC-1.pdf
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Missed Opportunities_DC-1
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Missed Opportunities
I grew up in a small New England town where the “main event” for our community was most often the
monthly Town Halls. To that end I thank you for providing our community the opportunity to participate
in the running of our beloved City.
I am an avid supporter of maintaining the values and culture that the Bozeman community and our
elected officials purport to want to sustain.
My involvement in the Save the Fowler Trail initiative made me feel like the “community viewpoint” was
not being taken seriously and at times ridiculed by the leaders we employ and vote for. The
Transportation Department in particular made me feel like the Fowler Avenue Extension was a done deal
because it has been on the “books”/plans for decades. I felt totally shut down and certainly was
dismayed by how our group was made to feel marginalized every step of the way,despite being given
“token” opportunities to be part of the process. Why,for instance,take a group of us to the roundabout
off of Graf instead of walking the Fowler nature trail?
Things change and so should we – especially when it involves protecting the environment, our valued
green spaces,and the horrific shortage of affordable housing. I was so grateful to attend the recent
Bozeman Tenants United forum held at Pilgrim UCC. It occurred to me during that “Town Hall” that we
are missing the opportunities sitting right in front of us. Wouldn’t it have been wonderful if one of the
Commissioners would have stood up and said I agree with you,and let’s go to Helena to petition the
legislators and governor to amend their decisions regarding how municipalities treat short-term rentals?
Instead they seemed to defer to each other verses taking a real stand and being the elected officials we
had hoped they were.
You have the opportunity—and the power—to stop planning to tear up the Fowler Avenue corridor and
instead help us preserve this last remaining piece of nature on the Northwest side of our town. Let’s not
miss this opportunity to be the leaders for which future generations will thank you.