HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 NURB Annual Work Plan and Budget Proposal
NORTHEAST URBAN RENEWAL BOARD BUDGET FY10 (PROPOSED)
The Bozeman City Commission with Mayor Jeff Kraus presiding adopted ordinance 1655 which
formally enacted the Northeast Urban Renewal Plan. The stated mission of the plan and general goals
are as follows:
MISSION VISION:
This Plan is the city s response to remedy the conditions of blight found in the August 2005 report The
Plan also addresses other issues important to the District The plans purpose is to ensure the vitality of
the Northeast Urban Renewal District (NURD) the vitality of the NURD for generations to come and to
make the NURD an area in which its citizens can take exceptional pride The Plan envisions a mixed
use neighborhood that is user friendly safe secure and healthy. While this plan envisions a District with
diversity of housing businesses and amenities it intends to maintain the unique ambiance and historic
character of the District.
Nine principals were developed for the plan for the plan. Each of the principals has one or more goals
associated with the plan some of which specifically relate to this work plan others represent general
objectives and directives. The Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) goals are as follows:
GENERAL GOALS:
?Outdated or insufficient infrastructure should be repaired, replaced, or otherwise
improved.
?Provide public utilities to the area efficiently in ways that are not visually or physically
obtrusive.
?Encourage a land use pattern that facilitates all modes of transportation – vehicular,
bicycle, pedestrian, mass transit, and commercial – for safe, efficient and convenient
access for residential, commercial, and industrial uses.
?Provide the necessary land use elements for successful commercial and industrial
development in a way that is harmonious with other adopted community goals and
residential quality of life concerns.
?Encourage commercial development that provides basic needs, ala “the corner grocery,”
that also encourages less motorized commuting and less traffic.
?New structures should be designed and built keeping in mind the public values of
durability, flexibility, and simplicity. Thoughtful consideration of design, materials, and
massing in the construction of new private buildings will add strength and character to
the built environment. To the degree that the private sector can be influenced by a
public partner in development, the community ought to strongly encourage excellence in
urban design as a basis of partnership.
?Promote sustainable building practices in the district
?Encourage the City to help ensure the success of the Northeast Urban Renewal Plan by
giving a high priority to the Northeast District in its capital improvements plan.
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?Work with neighborhoods and businesses to ensure actions taken in the district are
compatible with adjacent developed areas.
?Neither the City of Bozeman nor any of its subdivisions shall use eminent domain to
take private property for private use in the implementation of an urban renewal project
or similar redevelopment plan.
?Procure new land for park and open space
?Improve landscaping in existing public spaces
Current Balance $ 73,253.51
Anticipated FY10 TIF $ 44,000
Parks improvement Grant (50/50 matching grant) $ 20,000
Total Funding $137,253.51
Over the last year the Northeast Urban Renewal Board has identified three funding priorities: 1) Parks,
Trails and Greenspace; 2) Infrastructure and 3) Neighborhood Development Plan
I. PARKS, TRAILS AND GREENSPACE
Depot Park $ 46,126.75
The Board began implementing the previously approved plan for the Depot Park located on Front
Street near the old, abandoned passenger depot. Phase I of the Depot Park plan was approved for
a matching Park Improvement Grant of $20,000. Phase I includes landscape construction
including fine grading, irrigation system, seeding of turf, tree plantings, and installation of trails
and curb to protect the proposed grass and define the edge of the park. The Board hoped to see
Phase I completed in 2009; but, due to emergency repairs to the City Pool, disbursement of PIG
funds became questionable, so implementation was put on hold. The Board has learned that the
PIG funds should be made available in 2010. In preparation, the Board began collecting cost
estimates for the work to be completed next year. An additional $6,126.75 of TIF funding has
been allocated for future Phase II implementation.
Depot Trail Area $ 12,500
The original trail, landscaping and bench installation were completed in 2002. An irrigation
system was never installed. To ensure survival of the trees and shrubs until they become
established, water is provided from an adjacent property. The Board wishes to assist with funding
the temporary irrigation of the trees and shrubs. The area is inundated with Canada thistle and
Common tansy, so weed control must also be implemented. The Board proposes investigating the
feasibility of an agreement with Montana Rail Link (MRL) to utilize railroad property between
the Front Street right-of-way and the tracks. Per previous conversations with MRL, this may
require the construction of six foot tall fence to separate visitors from the tracks. The proposed
funding includes continuing the operation of the temporary irrigation system, weed control and
fence construction.
Front Street Shared Use Path $ 5,000
The 2007 Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails (PROST) plan calls for a shared use path on
the north side of Front Street. Board members support the construction of this path within the
District as an improvement for pedestrian connectivity. NURB staff met with Parks Assistant
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Superintendent Thom White on site to discuss trail requirements. It was determined that a six foot
wide natural fines tread mix path (Class II) will be sufficient to connect users to adjacent trails
and future sidewalks. In FY 2010, the Board plans to investigate the cost feasibility of the Front
Street Trail construction including the surveying of the Front Street Right-of-Way as a potential
location for the trail.
Aspen Street Right-of-Way Open Space Improvements$ 9,000
The Board has identified a section of the Aspen Street right-of-way between N. Ida and N.
Wallace as a potential open space location. The location’s close proximity to the Depot Park
provides a nice amenity for residents in the District. In FY 2010, the Board plans to investigate
the feasibility of enhancing this portion of the public right-of-way for the use of the residents.
Ideas include the creation of a community garden, trail connections, or general greenway
enhancements. The intention here is to preserve the right-of-way for future street needs however
in the interim provide a use or improvements that will enhance the overall neighborhood.
North Church Avenue Trail Improvements (Aspen to Tamarack) $ 2,000
Board members identified a section of trail in need of widening and signage within the N. Church
Avenue right-of-way between Aspen and Tamarack Streets. The existing trail extends from Aspen
to Tamarack Streets with a bridge crossing over Bozeman Creek. The Board plans to contact
GVLT and the City Parks Department to gather information on the trail's history, possible
improvement of the deficient trail section and the addition of signage. The Board is hopeful that
coupling these trail improvements with sidewalk improvements on Tamarack Street will greatly
improve pedestrian connectivity in the District. The Board also wishes to research cost, feasibility
and design of a bridge over Bozeman Creek in the Aspen Street right-of-way. Proposed funding at
this time is for improvements to the existing trail only.
Priority 1 Total $ 74,626.75
The park, trail and green space improvements meet Guiding Principle 4 and Goals A & B
under Principle 4 of the adopted Northeast Urban Renewal District Plan:
?
Guiding Principle
, “Public open space is essential to a healthy and appealing urban
environment”
?
Goal A
, “Procure new land for parks and public open space”
?
Goal B
, “Improve landscaping in existing public spaces.”
The spending of TIF funds on park and open space improvements is allowed under 7-15-
4255, Authority to provide or contract for services related to urban renewal, of the Montana
Code Annotated. Specifically, item (1b) states that “Every municipality shall have power to
install, construct, and reconstruct streets, utilities, parks, playgrounds, and other public
improvements”
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II. INFRASTRUCTURE
Poor pedestrian connectivity within the District is well documented. Lack of street improvements
including missing curb, gutter, pavement and sidewalks creates an unwelcoming and potentially
unsafe environment for pedestrians and bicyclists. A lack of storm water drainage facilities leads
to the ponding of water in public right-of-ways encouraging pedestrians to walk in the street
emphasizing the need for street improvements. The District has a historic mix of light
manufacturing and residential uses creating a more urban environment on the streets, especially
during business hours. Modest improvements to pedestrian facilities to create safer more
welcoming routes for pedestrians will reduce conflict between users. The lack of street
delineation/improvements and storm water facilities has caused an unknown number of
individuals to use some sections of the District as dumping grounds for unwanted appliances and
furniture. Street improvements coupled with improvements to trails and parks and the
landscaping of public spaces will improve conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists and reduce, if
not eliminate, dumping in the public right-of-way.
Making improvements to sidewalks on unimproved streets comes with some difficulty especially
if elevation differences are present across the width of the right-of-way and if a need to improve
storm water drainage is warranted as well. What seems like a rather simple project turns into a
large scale street improvement project. Without additional information, moving forward on these
improvements is difficult, so survey and design is the next step. Regarding design, the Board
recognizes that creative solutions are needed to enhance the public right-of-way for two very
different user types in the District. In support of improvements to these streets, the Board has
created funds allocating a portion of the FY10 budget to the following deficient street sections in
the District:
Tamarack Street – Rouse Avenue to Front Street $ 15,708.92
Tamarack Street from Rouse Avenue to Front Street lacks curb, gutter and sidewalk. Storm water
drainage issues are present. The Board views this street as an important connector to existing
trails, future parks and open space areas in the District as well as the future sidewalk on Rouse
Avenue. Initial survey and design needs to be completed to see what improvements are feasible.
Intersection of Front-Ida-Aspen Streets $ 15,708.92
The intersection area of these streets has drainage problems and lacks pedestrian connectivity.
With plans to improve the Depot Park and potentially the Aspen Street right-of-way as open
space, painted cross walks and additional street signage are short term needs which are easily
fulfilled once the Depot Park is improved. Over the longer term, the feasibility of upgrading the
street frontages of the Depot Park needs to be determined. Storm water drainage controls should
be integrated into any street improvements around the Depot Park. Initial survey and design needs
to be completed.
Ida Avenue – Peach Street to Front Street $ 15,708.92
This section of N. Ida Avenue has historically functioned more like an alley than a street. The
Board has discussed improving this street section. The Board envisions joint use by bikes
pedestrians and vehicles as seen in other urban environments. Keeping it open to vehicles is must,
but creating a streetscape environment that slows vehicle traffic and is more pleasing for
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bicyclists and pedestrians is also a priority. Improvements to the paving and drainage, possible
spill curb installation and new pavement markings and/or colored pavement will greatly enhance
this section of Ida Avenue while at the same time maintaining its historic function. Initial survey
and design needs to be completed.
N. Church Avenue – Sidewalks$ 4,000
Missing sidewalk sections and curb need to be installed along North Church Avenue extending
from E. Peach Street to the alley between E. Aspen Street and E. Cottonwood Streets. This will
provide pedestrian connectivity to the N. Church Avenue trail. Initial survey and design needs to
be completed.
E. Peach Street – Sidewalks $ 5,000
Missing sidewalk sections and curb on E. Peach Street need to be installed and some existing
sidewalk sections need replacement between N. Rouse and N. Wallace Avenue. Initial survey and
design needs to be completed.
Priority 2 Total $ 56,126.76
The infrastructure improvements meet Guiding Principle 1 and Goals A & B under Principle
1 of the adopted Northeast Urban Renewal District Plan:
?
Guiding Principle
, “Ensure the health, safety, and security of the District”
?
Goal A
, “Outdated or insufficient infrastructure should be repaired, replaced or
otherwise improved.”
?
Goal B
, “Encourage a land use pattern that facilitates all modes of transportation –
vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, mass transit, and commercial – for safe, efficient and
convenient access for residential, commercial, and industrial uses.”
The spending of TIF funds on infrastructure improvements is allowed under 7-15-4288,
Costs that may be paid by tax increment financing, of the Montana Code Annotated.
Specifically, item (4) states that the following may be paid by tax increment financing, “the
acquisition, construction, and improvement of infrastructure…that includes streets, roads,
curbs, gutters, sidewalks, pedestrian malls, alleys, parking lots and off-street parking
facilities, sewers, sewer lines, sewage treatment facilities, storm sewers, waterlines,…
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III. NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN $ 5,000
The priority three budget item is to Contract with the Montana State University School of
Architectures Community Design Center for the creation of a neighborhood vision document.
This document will provide the needed information to begin to develop future projects. The
document provide a necessary supplement to the existing Urban Renewal plan by outlining
specific projects and ideas that will further the goals and objectives of the plan.
Priority 3 Total $ 5,000
Neighborhood Development Plan meets Guiding Principle 2 and the Goal under Principle 2
of the adopted Northeast Urban Renewal District Plan:
?
Guiding Principle
, “Balance commerce and livability in the District within the mixed-
use framework”
?
Goal
, “Harmonize commercial and industrial development with residential quality of
life”
The spending of TIF funds on the design of a Neighborhood Development Plan is allowed
under 7-15-4254, Municipality power in the preparation of various plans, of the Montana
Code Annotated. Specifically, item (1a) states that “Every municipality shall have power,
within the municipality to make or have made all plans necessary to the carrying out of the
purposes of this part and to contract with any person, public or private, in making and
carrying out such plans;”
Priority 1 $ 74,626.75
Priority 2 $ 56,126.76
Priority 3 $ 5,000
Administrative Services $ 1,500
Overall Budget Total $137,253.51
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