HomeMy WebLinkAboutCowdrey TowersBozeman Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
P.O. Box 1230 · Bozeman, MT · 59771
Park Master Plan Review
PLANNER: Brian Krueger
FROM: Subdivision Review Committee
SUBJECT: Cowdre
y Towers
REVIEWED ON: 10/31/2008
COMMENTS:
Cowdrey Towers is a large mixed-use project comprised of 8 seven-story buildings. The usage is expected to break down
to 60% commercial - 40% residential, containing 214 dwelling units. There is a large plaza area, which will provide attractive surroundings for the commercial tenants, and possible
al fresco overflow for restaurants. Rooftop open space will be available to residential tenants. Developer proposes that all parkland dedication requirements be satisfied with cash
in lieu.
It is unknown at this time what the projected parkland requirement will be as the density cap will cause it to be less than the 6.42 acres normally generated by 214 dwelling
units. The accepted requirement for phase I is .9 acres.
RECOMMENDATION:
Some type of playground area, a tot-lot/latte park, would provide a place for resident children to recreate
and parents to relax without crossing the surrounding busy streets. We think this could be designed and located without adversely affecting the commercial surroundings.
The North 19th
Street area has seen a great increase in residential population but has very little parkland available. State law prevents the City from requiring a cash-in-lieu payment that reflects
the true value of the parkland that is lost. We would therefore encourage the developer to look into alternatives such as offsite dedication.
Granting cash-in-lieu to certain projects
gives an unfair financial advantage over those projects that not only give up land but also must bear the expense of developing the parks to city standards.
FISCAL EFFECTS:
Until
cash-in-lieu payments reflect an equitable representation of the lost parkland the City will suffer.
Until cash-in-lieu amounts are determined in advance of accepting this alternative
the City will not know how much they are to suffer.
ALTERNATIVES:
We see offsite dedication in the North 19th area as an attractive alternative.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandy Dodge, Chairman, RPAB