HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-26-24 Public Comment - K. VanDeWalle - Resolution 5663-Bozeman Yards tif - Opposition to Annexation of Ida Street for Block 107 ProposalFrom:Kristin VanDeWalle
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Resolution 5663-Bozeman Yards tif - Opposition to Annexation of Ida Street for Block 107 Proposal
Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 8:05:29 AM
Attachments:Resolution 5663-Bozeman Yards tif - Opposition to Annexation of Ida Street for Block 107 Proposal.pdf
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Please find a letter to Bozeman City Commissioners for this evening.
Thank you,Kristin VanDeWalle
406-586-8720
Kristin and Ken VanDeWalle
408 N Plum Ave
Bozeman,MT 59715
November 23,2024
City of Bozeman
Attn:City Commissioners
Subject:Reference Resolution 5663 Bozeman Yards tif -Opposition to Annexation of Ida
Street for Block 107 Proposal
Dear Members of the Bozeman City Commission
We are writing to express our opposition to the proposed annexation of Ida Street as part of the
Block 107 development.While we support the idea of expanding park spaces and improving
public amenities,the specific aspects of this proposal—particularly its impact on traffic flow and
neighborhood safety—make it impractical,unsafe,and harmful to our community.
Traffic and Safety Concerns
While we do acknowledge traffic and safety concerns at the intersection of Ida and Front Street,
the proposal to reroute traffic away from a commercial street and funnel it through Aspen and
Front Streets presents severe and unacceptable challenges:
●Dangerous and Unnavigable Turn:The rerouting requires traffic to negotiate an
unnatural 90-degree turn onto Aspen Street,followed immediately by an even sharper
and hazardous 53-degree turn onto Front Street.Such a configuration is unsafe for all
vehicles,especially larger commercial trucks,and increases the risk of accidents.
●Inadequate Street Width:Both Aspen and Front Streets are just 35 feet wide,leaving
no room for essential parking.This lack of space will worsen the already strained parking
situation due to insufficient developer provisions for the proposed 84 residential units
and commercial space.
●Increased Congestion:Diverting traffic to these narrow residential streets will create
bottlenecks,with vehicles stopping,queuing,and maneuvering dangerously close to
existing homes.This will disrupt the flow of traffic,heighten risks of collisions,and harm
the quality of life for neighborhood residents.
Negative Neighborhood and Citywide Impacts
●Residential Safety and Quality of Life:The proposed rerouting will significantly
increase traffic volume,headlights,and noise in residential areas,compromising the
safety,peace,and well-being of the neighborhood’s families.
●Short-Sighted Urban Planning:This plan sacrifices key transportation corridors for a
poorly designed configuration that fails to account for the city’s long-term growth.It
creates lasting inefficiencies in the traffic network and jeopardizes Bozeman’s future
expansion needs.
●Developer Convenience at Community Expense:The developers of Block 107 are
attempting to resolve their inadequate planning for parking and traffic flow by shifting the
burden onto the community.This sets a dangerous precedent and prioritizes short-term
developer goals over the well-being of Bozeman’s residents.
Proposed Alternatives
Instead of annexing Ida Street and rerouting traffic,we urge the City of Bozeman to:
1.Add a traffic stop or Round-about at Ida and Front Street:A properly designed traffic
stop or roundabout at the intersection of Ida and Front Streets could improve traffic flow
while enhancing safety.
2.Require Adequate On-Site Parking:Ensure that developers include sufficient parking
to accommodate both residential and commercial needs.
3.Consider Alternative Locations for Park Space:Explore other areas,such as the
adjacent Aspen Streets,that would not necessitate disruptive traffic rerouting.
4.Preserve Existing Traffic Corridors:Prioritize maintaining efficient transportation
networks to support both current residents and future city growth.
Conclusion
The annexation of Ida Street and the associated traffic rerouting are fundamentally flawed and
prioritize developer interests over the safety,functionality,and quality of life in Bozeman.We
urge the City Commission and Planning Department to reject this proposal and instead pursue
solutions that balance development with thoughtful urban planning and neighborhood integrity.
Thank you for considering our concerns.We trust that Bozeman will prioritize long-term,
sustainable growth over short-term expediency.
Sincerely,
Kristin and Ken VanDeWalle
Contact Information:
Kristin:(406)586-8720 /408nplum@gmail.com
Ken:(406)581-6149 /archindetail1@gmail.com