HomeMy WebLinkAboutStory Mill Community Park Public Comment from George Thompson 3-24-14 Story Mill—Trust for Public Lands vs. Bozeman Affordable Housing March 24, 2014
Lack of TPL's Public meetings:To date,there has been only one public meeting that I was invited to attend over a
year ago, despite being on TPL's e-mail list,which only asked that I speak with the Commissioners. The current
park proposal by an out of state organization,TPL has not been open to community participation
This TPL proposal has been a classic bait and switch. The initial meeting with the public at Emerson Auditorium,
discussed a need for higher density affordable housing to replace the trailer park. To support and complement the
housing component,TPL proposed a small trail linkage along the creek corridor and wetlands to link the Story Mill
development with North Side neighborhoods to our Ponds recreation area off Manley Road. At the only public
meeting,TPL noted that Rouse would never be a pleasurable route for pedestrians, runners, cyclist and children
going to school. This trail was the key focus of the Emerson meeting and determined to bean important
component to creating a vibrant Story Mill neighborhood housing district. It should be noted that nearby expensive
homes have their own creek-side parks and open spaces.
The large TPL park does not provide housing or support future commercial development. Rather it neglects the
existing city infrastructure which could support a thriving development project of creek-side trails, with housing
and small commercial venues, such as the Stockyards Kitchen Cafe.
More disappointing is that following the initial Emerson discussion and recognizing the need for affordable
housing,there has been no follow-up response by TPL to those who attended and requested further participation
in the discussion/conceptual planning of the proposed housing parcels on the property. Rather,TPL simply said
the majority of Bozeman taxpayers favor a park over housing development. Which is NOT surprising as no one
wants high density housing in their own back yard. So whose back yard is this?
Here is a prime site for housing, complete with a Boys and Girls club next door and within a mile to a golf course
and mountain trails. More problematic is the proposed TPL park being surrounded on three sides by intensive
industrial/commercial business and employers of potential affordable housing residents.
Rather this project represents yet another example of non-Bozeman national organizations deciding how Bozeman
should spend their own taxpayer money for parks. Story Mansion replay. Similar to the soccer field proposal, no
funds have been allocated for the necessary infrastructure improvements on the adjacent roads to support the
proposed expenditure. This is simply irresponsible project management.
L Economic Impacts:At this time I have not seen the City CQQ;W�ers examine the lifetime cost of losing the tax
revenues from well over the 200-300 housing units which were initially proposed for the former Bridger Trailer
park. Conservative tax estimated value of 300 units x$2,500 annual property tax and school funds = $750,000 loss
per year. Nor are there any funds available for the improvements to the adjacent gravel roads. This loss of tax
revenue+ impact fees to replace adjacent gravel roads should be added to the annual TPL park maintenance cost.
The removal of more land from the tax rolls in lieu of affordable housing sites is not a good decision for the city.
It appears that the City is already giving away millions on non-performing properties (North Park, Story Mansion,
others??) . This TPL proposal is simply the latest addition to fiscal mismanagement.
Fiscally responsible citizens ask that the Commissioners vote NO for approval of the entire park, and support the
use of Trails Bond funds only for the minimal trail linkage property adjacent to the creek. The additional land
can be sold by TPL(no City purchase required)for the residential housing which TPL initially proposed in their
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