HomeMy WebLinkAboutStory Mill Community Park Public Comment from Marcia Kaveney 3-24-14From:Marcia Kaveney
To:Agenda
Cc:Dan
Subject:Story Mill Park Proposal
Date:Monday, March 24, 2014 9:42:53 AM
Dear Commissioners-
I apologize for writing this email in the 11th hour, but I do hope you receive it, andhave a chance to read it.
I am very much in favor of Story Mill property becoming a park and naturalpreservation area.
For many reasons, I feel that this would be an incredibly wise and prudent use ofsome of the open space bond money. The northeast section of downtown has beenunderserved in park land and general preservation for many years. To myknowledge, no park land has yet been dedicated in the northeast neighborhood sincethe $272,000 park-in-lieu money from the Village Downtown was transferred to thelibrary several years ago. (Excepting the climbing boulder/triangle park which camefrom the Urban Renewal Board.) Supporting the Story Mill Park Proposal would go along way in making amends for this controversial action and lack of park landdedication. Of the current commissioners, Mayor Jeff Krauss will remember what Iam referring to as he was a commissioner at that time.
I am also greatly in favor of preserving and enhancing the wetland area, not onlyfor educational purposes as an outdoor classroom, but also for the usefulness ofhaving a working wetland doing its job to keep our rivers clean, as well as for thewildlife itself which has seen it's habitat dwindle as Bozeman grows.
In addition, I feel that designating this area as a park will add to the overall goodflavor of this side of town and will enhance it's uniqueness. The Story Mill property isour own gateway to the Bridger Range- what better place for a park, and naturalgreen space to welcome locals as well as visitors? As you will hear tonight, theNortheast Neighborhood came out in strong numbers to voice it's support of thisproposal. We are dedicated neighbors and love this piece of land.
Speaking also as a landowner in Legends subdivision, it would be a greatenhancement to all the new neighborhoods along Bridger Drive and Story Mill Roadas well and would allow even more opportunities for people to enjoy some naturalareas within city limits without having to get in the car to do so.
And although I have children in activities such as the soccer program, and appreciateother possible uses of park money, I think supporting the development of the StoryMill Park is hands down one of the best things that you could do for the health andbeauty of this city, as well as preserving important wetlands for Bozeman's futureresidents. As Bozeman grows, green spaces are going to be more and more rare. This is a gem, please approve the request for funding.
Thank you,
Marcia Kaveney630 E. Davis St.
NENA