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Outdated or insufficient infrastructure should be repaired,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.
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
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”
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
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,…
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