HomeMy WebLinkAboutStory Mill Community Park Public Comment from George Thompson 3-6-14From:Thompson and Halligan
To:Agenda
Subject:Story Mill Park and Use of Trails Bond
Date:Thursday, March 06, 2014 10:07:39 AM
Commissioners:
I voted for the Trails Bond issue because it was perceived as a way to create the necessary linkages
to connect our city with both the mountains and expanding city trails to link parks and neighborhoods.
The use of Bond funding to create a 54 acre park in an area which lies in a commercial/industrial area
is not an appropriate use of this limited funding source. The goal of the Bond funding should be “get
the most bang for the buck”. This is not accomplished with large independent parks, whether Story
Mill or soccer field complexes, which can be easily funded as stand alone projects. Rather highest
return of this capital investment would be establishing more connecting linkages through existing land
and linking neighborhoods for alternative form of transportation, biking, walking, jogging.
The Story Mill site is best used for private residential development which actually provides a tax
base and necessary infill housing.
A more appropriate use of Trails Bond funding would be a narrow upgraded public trail and bridges
along the creek from the southern end of the Story Mill site and continuing past Bridger Drive to
connect with the East Gallatin and the Ponds. Also look at a trail connection to East Oak St and Rouse
commercial area as well as the Boys and Girls Club.
And yes, the City’s trail will generate higher prices (tax revenue is good) for properties which would
now be connected to paths linking Bridger Drive residents to the downtown and Northside businesses
and neighborhoods.
This type of connecting trail linkage will generate a great deal of public use as the primary way to
currently access the Ponds is riding a bike down North Rouse, then along Griffin Drive to Manley. Even
with the Rouse upgrades and bike lanes, it is simply not enjoyable to bike, run or walk along a heavy
traffic route.
Similar to the use of Trail Bonds to provide a safe route to the “M”, the connection from North Wallace
to the Ponds could provide safe trails stretching from Kagy & Peets Hill, past the Library and stretching
out past Griffin. Creating a continuous North-South trail system sets in motion the use of Bond funds to
create viable East-West connections. The opportunity to create critical linkages of neighborhoods
across our City will be quickly lost over the next 10+ years.
The Bond funding should be creating viable trail linkages connecting more neighborhoods with
Downtown, Campus, schools and future developments. You set a good idea in motion with the “M”
connection. Don’t lose sight of this vision.
I would urge the commission to be more strategic in expending the Trails Bond funding, and
vote NO to the expenditure for a 54 Acre park serving a small residential area in the midst of
commercial and industrial uses.
Thank you,
George
George Thompson
gighome@bresnan.net
556-1370