HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-09-25 Public Comment - C. Griswold - Fowler Lane Expansion Dear City of Bozeman Commissioners,
My name is Carys Griswold, and I am a senior at Gallatin High School. I am writing this letter in
regards to the Fowler Ln expansion that will be in effect in 2026. 1 have lived in Bozeman my entire life,
and for all but 8 months I have lived in the same house. I grew up in this house and since I was very
little I remember houses popping up like no one's business. I would play around on the dirt hills with my
neighborhood friends, and as the houses were built closer to mine I would go outside and watch the
construction to pass time. I do really enjoy having neighbors, but I can't help but miss the days where
there was nothing but fields by my house. I completely understand that Bozeman is a city with an
immense amount of growth, and who wouldn't want to live in Bozeman? However I do feel like the
expansion of Fowler Ln will not make a big impact on the growth and development of Bozeman. The
Fowler Ln expansion will be put in right behind my house and even closer to my neighbors houses. It
will overtake the nature of a trail that I took every day with my bike for many summers. This same trail
helped me get to my Mom's work safely every day, so I didn't have to ride my bike on the road or on the
broken up sidewalk. I always felt like this trail was a little secret I had, but I have not ridden that trail one
time without seeing someone else there. The trail is a beloved part of our community, and destroying
the nature on and around the trail for a busy road, feels like a contradiction to the reason so many
people come to Montana (for the beautiful outdoors). I understand that the directors of this project feel
as this road is necessary to Bozeman traffic and development. However, as someone who lives very
close to where the road will be built, I do not believe that it is needed at all. I have a driver's license and
I have no problem getting around town, there is simply not a need to put in the road when there are so
many other ways to get from West Oak to Huff ine. This project impacts my neighborhood and mostly
my neighbors who have land up to where the road is going to be built. I feel as though it is invading
their privacy. My neighborhood is filled with young children and I think our small community takes a lot
of pride in the security of knowing that kids can play outside safely in our neighborhood. Every day I
see kids outside, some walking around, some playing basketball, some riding their bikes, some playing
around in the fields. Adding in Fowler Ln will expose our neighborhood to excessive traffic which I
believe will keep kids and parents from feeling that sense of safety in our neighborhood. I believe that
this is a project that will not create a good trade off. I understand that this project is pretty far when it
comes to development and planning. Of course I would like to see the project canceled, however I
understand that may not be possible. I ask that you reconsider your decision on this project. I have a
strong feeling against this project, and it's hard for me to find many benefits, so if you continue with this
project I would love to hear from you about the benefits that this project may also present. I also
understand that the commision downsized the project from a 5 lane road down to a 2 lane road. I would
like to say that I really appreciate that and that makes a difference for the people who live in the area.
As I mentioned I understand this project is pretty far along, but the purpose of me writing this letter is to
maybe provide some perspective and awareness of different sides. I would like the commission to
consider what I have mentioned for future development, and to remember that people move here for
the outdoors. While Bozeman is a growing city, I think it is very important to preserve the reasons that
everyone moves here. I believe that you can make a difference in our city and I hope that you take into
consideration what I have said to you. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Carys Griswold