HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-26 Public Comment - M. Campanelli - Professional Services Agreement for the Bozeman Creek Vision PlanFrom:Mark Campanelli
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Professional Services Agreement for the Bozeman Creek Vision Plan
Date:Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:39:53 AM
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.
Greetings Commission,
I write regarding the action item on the Commission Agenda dated 27 Jan 2026, with subject
"Authorize the City Manager to Sign a Professional Services Agreement with PORTArchitecture and Urbanism, LLC for the Bozeman Creek Vision Plan".
I note that in addition to this action item's noted strategic plan item:
STRATEGIC PLAN: 6.6 Habitat: Work with partner organizations to identify at-risk,
environmentally sensitive parcels contribute to water quality, wildlife corridors, andwildlife habitat.
it is interesting that the city's strategic plan does not appear to have a "resiliency" line item,
say, in the "Safe, Welcoming Community" or "Well Planned City" sections. In particular,myself, and many neighbors, may be concerned about the current FEMA flood map not
sufficiently representing the true 100- and 500-year flood risks to property. In particular, myneighborhood has several renters in basement apartments in the flood zone who may not even
be aware that they should consider carrying flood insurance. I see this as a housingaffordability issue lying in wait and in disguise.
I also think that we have an early opportunity here to start better practicing urban forest
management along the creek corridor, engaging with neighbors and the scientific communityon ways to find a good balance between urban resilience and a creek's healthy natural state.
Furthermore, past public engagement about Bozeman Creek has suggested that neighborsstrongly prefer the idea of expanding the Bozeman Creek watercourse as a "natural-state"
extension of the Main St to the mountains trail system. I hope we can remain true to thissentiment.
For the remainder of my public comment on this issue, I refer you to my recent Guest
Column in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle for my additional thoughts on how the BozemanCreek Vision Plan plan might evolve for better or
worse: https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/opinions/guest_columnists/mark-campanelli-the-bozeman-creek-vision-plan-a-community-gold-mine/article_5708afa3-c1fa-4d99-b37c-
cf0cb79df956.html
Warmest regards,
Mark CampanelliBogert Park Neighbor