HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-26-24 Public Comment - L. Schulz - Public Comment for Gran Cielo IIFrom:Lara SchulzTo:Agenda; Terry Cunningham; Jennifer Madgic; Christopher Coburn; Douglas Fischer; Joey MorrisonCc:Chris McQuearySubject:[EXTERNAL][WARNING: ATTACHMENT UNSCANNED]Public Comment for Gran Cielo IIDate:Sunday, February 25, 2024 1:23:59 PMAttachments:Bozeman City Commissioners.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.
Please find the attached letter for public comment regarding the Gran Cielo II agenda item for Tuesday February 27th.Lara Schulz
Bozeman City Commissioners, 2/25/2024
I am submi�ng public comment in staunch support of the preserva�on of the urban
forest and seasonal stream that exists on the Gran Cielo II site. The 3-acre urban forest is a
tremendous ecological asset that not only provides habitat for resident and migratory birds but
also plays a crucial role in Bozeman’s resiliency to climate change, via carbon sequestra�on and
canopy that provides shade and cooling for the ground beneath. The mature and na�ve trees
along with the the micro-climate they create, serve as a cri�cal ecological service with endless
environmental educa�on opportuni�es.
The protec�on and preserva�on of the trees that comprise the Gran Cielo II urban forest
are coun�ng on the human’s that benefit from their existence to save them. This can be
achieved in perpetuity by ensuring their protec�on with the Bozeman heritage tree program
that is in its infancy, as well as, crea�vity and variance from burdensome codes that inhibit
crea�ve street design that allows for integra�on of ecological assets like this urban forest.
An example of a current code that exists, which creates greater ease for the destruc�on of
exis�ng mature and na�ve vegeta�on is:
Sec. 38.400.030. - Intersections. A. The following requirements apply to street intersections:
1. Streets must intersect at 90-degree angles except when topography prohibits
this alignment.
https://library.municode.com/mt/bozeman/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH
38UNDECO_ART4CODE_DIV38.400TRFAAC_S38.400.030IN
It is imperative that variances are made for such codes, as well as, clear and emphatic
attitudes from commissioners, city planners and developers alike which prioritize preservation
and creativity over destruction and profit.
I am hopeful that the city of Bozeman can demonstrate a progressive and thoughtful
approach to an environmentally responsible way of developing the place that we all love and
call home.
Sincerely,
Lara Schulz