HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-17-23 Public Comment - M. Egge - Kagy Blvd Resolution 5526 Letter15 August,2023
Re:Resolution 5526,Confirming the Revised Scope of Work for Kagy Boulevard
Madam Mayor,Mr.Deputy Mayor,and Commissioners:
First,we thank the City Commission and City Staff for conducting an additional round of
public engagement concerning the Kagy Boulevard project.
While we respect the professional judgment of the city staff behind the
recommendation,we do not believe that expanding roadway capacity for motorists is
aligned with the city’s vision for sustainability,mobility,or equity.
All of us have observed and recognize that capacity expansion does not fix congestion.
We do,however,recognize that a significant number of units are under development on
the southern end of town and that,for the foreseeable future,these housing units will
have only limited access to existing services within walking or biking distance.The
coming increase in housing will increase vehicle transportation demand on facilities that
are already nearing capacity.
While we prefer a single-lane option,the proposed configuration for Kagy Boulevard
described in the staff memo and resolution is the best version of a multi-lane
configuration that has yet been presented.
There are several features about the proposed design that mitigate some of the most
salient concerns about this project:
Slower Speeds.The 25 mph design speed is critical.If pedestrians,bicycles,and cars are
going to share the same space,then slowing the cars to less lethal speeds will greatly improve
safety for pedestrians and cyclists.Narrow lanes and tight turn radii will help keep the speeds in
a safer range.Tree canopy,in the median and boulevard,and an undulating path will also be
critical design elements needed to create an environment where speeding is uncomfortable for
the driver.
Outside funding.The city has many competing demands for its scarce transportation dollars.
For example,adding roadway capacity for motorists on a perfectly fine section of Kagy even
while College Street lacks sidewalks seems to mis-represent the City’s priorities at best and a
poor use of scarce transportation funding at worst.Obtaining additional funding,such as from a
Federal grant,which can stretch the city’s dollar further for other priorities makes this project
more palatable.
Quality facilities and crossings for cyclists and pedestrians.A primary concern driving
objections to this project is that Kagy could become a barrier to the ever-increasing number of
pedestrians and cyclists who cross Kagy to reach MSU or downtown.Good pedestrian and
cyclist features (at-grade and separated;broad paths).Grade separated crossings for
pedestrians and cyclists at 7th and 11th.The presence of a raised center median with
pedestrian refuge that reduces crossing distances will make Kagy both actually safer and feel
safer for vulnerable users to cross.
To deserve the support of the City Commission,we believe it is essential that the City
get the design and details right.We urge particular attention to:
The Gallagator.The Gallagator is a proposed anchor route in the draft PRAT plan,and the best
corridor for thousands of future south side residents to reach downtown without a car.The
alignment shown in the final draft PRAT plan follows the original Gallagator alignment across
Kagy,crossing the MOR property.The scope of the Kagy project needs to be explicit about
incorporating the Gallagator and enhancing connectivity across Kagy for Gallgator users.
Safe tunnels.Make grade separated crossings (tunnels)safe and appealing.The tunnels must
be well lit,and we strongly encourage the City to coordinate with the MSU police department to
install and monitor security cameras in the tunnels.It’s important that the tunnels be inviting and
safe for all users.
Make a grand boulevard.We urge the city to construct Kagy to be a grand boulevard,not a
highway (sometimes called a “car sewer”).Elements such as tree canopies and plantings
should be incorporated,and the resulting street should complement and enhance the MSU
campus and neighborhoods through which the street passes.
Finally,we ask for two amendments to the current resolution.
1)Add a stipulation that,in the event that the city fails to obtain additional outside
funding (such as a RAISE grant),that cost saving alternatives be presented to the
Commission to choose among,including an alternative of reducing the limits of
construction to only 11th to 19th Avenues.(This stipulation mitigates a risk that,should
attempts to obtain federal funding fail,that cuts would come from the active
transportation features of the project.)
2)Add a renewed declaration of the city’s commitment to planning a transportation
network and land use plan that prioritizes walking,biking,and transit modes of
transportation.Commit to enhanced continuing education for staff to accomplish the
goal of developing a premier walking,cycling and transit network.Staff should begin
planning immediately and in earnest now to make bicycling and walking the easiest way
to get around Bozeman,and the results of this planning should feature prominently in
the next Transportation Master Plan.
Respectfully,
Mark Egge,219 E Story St,Bozeman,MT 59715
Cathy Costakis,140 Village Crossing Way,Bozeman,MT 59715
Randy Carpenter,1108 S Black,Bozeman MT 59715