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Home My WebLink About11-03-23 Public Comment - D. Egnatz - Truman Flats #23148From:Diane Sheehan Egnatz To:Agenda; Susana Montana; Anna Bentley Subject:[EXTERNAL]Truman Flats #23148 Date:Friday, November 3, 2023 8:41:05 AM Attachments:BCAN Neighborhood characteristics.xlsx BCAN characteristics- summary.docx CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Ms. Bentley and Ms. Montana, I am writing to provide my comments on the Truman Flats Site Plan. Design is so importantto the “livability” of a building and how well a building can blend in with it’s surroundings- regardless of size. Bozeman deserves good design. Sec. 38.230.100. - Plan review criteria. #7a: Compatibility with, and sensitivity to, theimmediate environment of the site and the adjacent neighborhoods and other approved development relative to architectural design, building mass, neighborhood identity,landscaping, historical character, orientation of buildings on the site and visual integration; Attached is a document created by the Bridger Creeklands Neighborhood Association(BCAN) and approved by the association members outlining the “characteristics” of the neighborhood. Although varied in architecture style and size buildings within the BCAN areashare several characteristics. Facades utilize mixed materials and vary in height and depth. Lot layouts as well as built structures are non-uniform with an emphasis on varied heights andsmaller footprints. Overall heights, regardless of building use, are minimal and allow for solar access to ground floor fenestration. Truman Flats as presented is not compatible with the architectural design, building mass, orneighborhood identity of the adjacent neighborhoods. 1. More variation in height, adding stepbacks and/or additional façade articulations would greatly help to make the Truman Flats buildings compatible with the context of thesurrounding neighborhood. Height variations would also help to better blend with the environment of the surrounding mountains. 2. The overall scale and the mass of the buildings do not fit in with the surrounding neighborhood. Breaking the buildings into multiple smaller footprints would allow forpeekaboo views of the Bridger mountains from the surrounding parks and compatibility with the natural environment and adjacent neighborhood. In the applicant’s own narrative, theysupport this point but the final building plans do not align: “Additionally, the team felt strongly that the building should be broken down into smaller masses to enhance thesurrounding multi-family homes and condos in the story mill neighborhood.” Sec. 38.410.010. - General Standards.Pt. B: Natural environment. The design and development of all land uses must be properly related to topography, and must, to the extent possible,preserve the natural terrain, natural drainage, existing topsoil, trees and other existing vegetation.During the preliminary plat approval in front of the Community Development Board for project #22264 Canyon Gate, there was a lot of discussion about saving the old growth treeson the site. During this discussion, (time stamp 2:27), the applicant pointed out ~5-10 old growth trees on the plan that would be retained and committed verbally to relooking at the site plan and “saving as many as possible”. Instead, the applicant clear cut the entire site. I askthat the applicant be required to install larger diameter trees at initial planting and add more trees and overall vegetation to the landscape plan to counter the loss of all this old growthvegetation. Lastly, I am particularly concerned about parking on the site. While I understand the applicant has sufficient parking for the Truman Flats portion, the full site needs to be considered. Partof the parking for Truman Flats is on-street. Will the other areas in this site also use that on- street parking? Where do the extra cars go- especially in winter? I appreciate your time and detailed attention in reviewing these comments. Thank you,Diane Sheehan Egnatz -- Diane Sheehan Egnatz 339-206-4459 The Bridger CreekLands Association of Neighbors consists of interconnected neighborhoods at the base of Bridger Canyons. The area can be characterized by 3 general themes: NATURAL CONNECTION: The BCAN area is at the edge of city limits where it connects to the Bridger foothills and open space beyond. Ample parks, natural open spaces, trails, and access to Bridger Creek allow for wildlife habitat and a connection between residents and the nature. Most developments focused on preserving native plants and utilizing natural contours where possible. Interconnected trail networks promote non-motorized circulation. View sheds of the mountains and surrounding open space is maintained through varied building placements and curvilinear street layouts. Minimal lighting and required down focused lights preserve the dark skies. COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Through intentional layouts, the neighborhoods encourage community connection. Lower speed limits, wide streets, and off-street parking make the local streets safe for residents to recreate. Unique natural areas and play spaces promote spontaneous meetings. Trails promote connectivity between neighborhoods. BUILDING DESIGN: Although varied in architecture style and size buildings within the BCAN area share several characteristics. Facades utilize mixed materials and vary in height and depth. Lot layouts as well as built structures are non-uniform with an emphasis on varied heights and smaller overall footprints. Overall heights, regardless of building use, are minimal and allow for solar access to ground floor fenestration. Buildings have off street parking frequently located in out of sight areas. Word Cloud peaceful & quiet Mountain Views engaged, neighborly, community, friendly connected spacious trails, open space safe streets Families unobtrusive natural contours distinctive design & local character harmony eclectic nature, wildlife habitat dark skies Relevant Code/building standard lower speed limits, reduced light levels, buildings oriented to allow view sheds, maximized building setbacks, facade and height articulations, smaller building footprints, curvlinear streets shared open spaces, unique areas that promote spontaneous meetings, ample walkability, large sidewalks to promote connectivity, human scale buildings, approachable building facades attractive pathway connections between adjacent properties ample greenspace, buildings oriented to allow view sheds, maximized building setbacks, wide streets & sidewalks, trails to promote connectivity, building oriented to provide solar access to ground floor fenestration, off street parking located in out of sight areas in garages and/or behind structures preserve natural terrain through trail systems, promotes non-motorized circulation, pedestrian-oriented focal points, low speed limits, wide sidewalks, gravel pathways, curvilinear streets, minimal long straight street runs ample greenspace, play areas- natural and built play structures and park space, buildings are complimentary to natural contours and surroundings, smaller scale of buildings- façade articulations and small individual building footprint, building heights limited, natural colors and textures, off street parking located in out of sight areas in garages and/or behind structures landscapings, trails, greenspace follows natural contours, minimal cut & fill of existing terrain, preserve native plants/tree variety of archictecture styles- mixed materials on facades, varying façade depths, approachable building scales, non-uniform lot sizes, curvilinear streets community focused commercial nodes variety of archictecture styles- mixed materials on facades, varying façade depths, non-uniform lot sizes minimal cut & fill of existing terrain, preservation of native plants/tree, connected greenspace and natural coridors low light levels, downstreet lighting with minimal light bleeding