HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-28-14 Story Street SID Public Comment from Lyle Happel April 16, 2014
To: Mr. Rick Hixson
City Engineer
Stacy Ulmen
City Clerk
Any Others Whom it May Concern
RE: Story Street "Remodel Debacle"
As a 35 year resident of East Story Street, I feel that some of my opinions should
be considered about the future of our street in decay. There are three things that
have come to my mind since I have heard of the re-do of this street.
1) First, if the improvements do occur, I have not read or heard if the water and
sewer lines are also going to be replaced before a brand new street is placed over
top of them. To me that only makes proper planning and good sense.
2) It is my understanding also that the plans for the street is to make parking on
both sides. I feel this is totally wrong for the traffic capacity of this section. As
you are aware and everyone has pointed out, it is a major "thoroughfare" for
east/west non—residential traffic. Tightening the corridor with parked cars on
both sides will create more traffic hazards than the good that it will accomplish.
More on--street parking increases more extended "un-moved" vehicles especially
from the rental type residents. Snow plowing becomes a major factor as snow
can now be plowed to the south "No Parking" side with great ease thus keeping
this street snow/ice rut free. Plowing snow to the curbs on both sides will greatly
tighten the driving lanes as vehicles must park farther away from the curbs. We
have seen this happen on various other "residential" streets as the driving lane
becomes a "single track". The only way to maneuver is to dodge opposing traffic
by weaving in and out of parking spaces. A better option would be to put a
bicycle lane on the current "No Parking" south side. There is a lot of bike traffic to
and from the Pete's Hill and Trails areas. So, in my opinion, it's the old adage: If it
Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It!! Currently all of the residents, home owners, renters &
visitors alike have been conditioned for many, many years not to park on the
south side of the street. Why open up that privilege when all that would be
created is the problems that I have discussed above?
3) The 50/50 split of the costs. I also feel that the home owners are not getting a
fair shake of these SID costs. This street is very much unlike a purely residential
street like in most of "Old Bozeman". It is my estimation that 2/3 of the traffic
that this section of East Story handles is strictly East/West commuter non
residential type traffic. I feel that the city owes the 2/3's to all those commuters
and the rest of the Bozemanites as there is nothing else between Kagy and Curtis.
So a 33/67% would be more in line considering the usage of the street.
In conclusion, I personally would have to protest the overall improvements to East
Story Street. The first reason being #2 above about not wanting to park both
sides. The second reason would be the unfair split of the SID.
Thank you for your honest consideration of my thoughts and ideas. I feel
legitimate ideas and thought out opinions by long time residents of the area
should strongly be considered. After all, I have chosen to live in this old part of
Bozeman for a long, long time!1
I _
Lyle Happel
208 East Story
Ph: 920-1773
E-Mail: hapccm@gmail.com