HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-15-23 Public Comment - J. & J. Barsness - Objection to Application 23119 sidewalk waiverFrom:John Barsness
To:Nakeisha Lyon; Agenda
Subject:Objection to Application 23119 sidewalk waiver
Date:Thursday, June 15, 2023 1:35:28 PM
Attachments:Objection to Application 23119.pdf
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Attention:Prior to final approval, please consider the attached pdf objecting to waiver of sidewalk
requirement for southern boundary of property in application 231119.
Please acknowledge receipt.
Thank you,John and Janine Barsness
619 North Montana Ave.Bozeman MT 59715
RE: Notice of Neighborhood Certification of Appropriateness Application 23119
Attention:
Although the comment period for this application has expired, this message requests the City of
Bozeman prior to final approval exercise its discretion and reject this applicant’s plan not to install a
required sidewalk on the southern property line.
First, the application rationale is there is no connecting sidewalk to the west. However, that statement
ignores a connecting sidewalk that was recently added directly east in the 300 block of E. Cottonwood.
But there are no sidewalks in the 200 block of E. Cottonwood, so the owner concludes a sidewalk should
not be required; therefore there will be no adverse effect on public health, safety, or welfare due to this
omission. When we seniors attempt to walk on that block: there are no sidewalks, public right-of way is
blocked at this property, the street often contains many parked vehicles, accessible right-of-way in
winter is covered with snow or in summer compromised with dog defecation, so the only place for
pedestrians is mid-street in traffic with ice in winter. Requiring a sidewalk on this property from North
Montana to the alley will significantly reduce these public hazards in this block.
The application represents the southern property line as undeveloped, yet there is a fence, two small
structures, a metal gate, and a chicken pen--all of which extend nearly to the curb on E. Cottonwood
Street--and certainly give the appearance of being developed (see photo, page 2). With these structures
the property owner also denies access to public right-of-way. However, appropriation of public property
for private use is a separate issue.
Second, the application refers to “old growth, mature trees” on the southern boundary that would have to
be destroyed with sidewalk installation. On this property there is only a single “old growth” ornamental
crabapple tree near the curb. Other Northside city sidewalks accommodate existing old trees. The only
other tree is small, in the corner sight line, and is scheduled to be moved.
Third, what the other property owners on that block of E. Cottonwood will or will not do in the future
with regard to sidewalks is not the issue and is irrelevant. The fact the City nearly 10 years ago granted
a CUP for an ADU, in the middle of the block without a sidewalk requirement, should not be used as
precedent. Although that decision may have made sense at that time, now that the other half of the
property will be demolished and a new structure built that decision should be reconsidered. The
addition of sidewalk along the entire length of the southern property border will be a minimal expense
when compared to demolition and construction cost. The public benefit will be a sidewalk that
pedestrians may use safely and will provide context for any future adjacent construction on this street to
continue. The absence of sidewalks in this block is not an indication of neighborhood character, it is
testament to the City of Bozeman’s lack of attention to this area. The dismissive language in section D
of the application also shows a lack of concern for public safety as well as the City Commission’s
expressed desire for a walkable community. Please require a full sidewalk for this property.
The reason this objection is late is we were out-of-town and upon return the sign was only visible if
approached from the east, not from the south. Furthermore, the application does not appear on the City
Planning Department website map as of June 12, 2023.
Thank you for your consideration,
John and Janine Barsness
619 North Montana Ave.
Bozeman MT 59715
Page 1 of 2
Page 2 of 2
East Cottonwood Street side of 701 North Montana, sidewalk directly east is visible to right of fence.
Application 23119