HomeMy WebLinkAboutLegends at Bridger Creek II from Pam and Mark Meyer, 7-7-14 ATTN: City of Bozeman W_ .]
Department of Community Development D PO Box 1230Bozeman, MT 59771-1230
DEPARTMENT OF
RE: The Legends At Bridger Creek II-Subdivision phase III COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Major Subdivision application P14022
As homeowners that border this subdivision, and after reviewing the preliminary Platt for phase III, we
have the following concerns:
Designated Open Space or Park Space
Legends was initially developed with a strong commitment to open space and trails,which is really what
has made it work with the community. On their website (legendgsbozeman.com),they promote 30
acres of open space by showing a panoramic view of the open field that is now proposed to be
developed with 52 small residential lots.
Under the phase III Platt,few, if any,of the key features that were the original hallmarks of the
development exist. The narrow band of open space along the creek is not a common space that people
use like park spaces. A primary concern is that new residents will overuse the open park space in nearby
areas like Creekwood Subdivision, causing maintenance fees to be unfairly increased. Existing residents
in this area believe it is essential to add more common open space for this amount of housing.
Traffic Congestion and Safety Concerns on Bridger Drive(and other streets)
Traffic on Bridger Drive has increased not only during ski season, (this year topping over 200,000
visitors) but all year around,with outdoor enthusiasts. Adding some 52 additional housing units(in
addition to the 26 just accepted in Phase II),will add much more congestion and will create even more
of a safety issue on this stretch of road.
There is a real need for widening the road, adding turning lanes and possibly adjusting speed limits.
Already noticeably busier, is the turn off from Bridger Drive to Creekwood Drive. This intersection is at a
curve and the speed limit is 45mph (however many cars travel at higher speeds). Oftentimes when
turning onto Creekwood,cars do not realize you are turning and stopped, (or in winter when icy roads
make it difficult to slow down quickly)which is dangerous for both vehicles involved. Adding a turning
lane would help prevent cars from being rear-ended when turning as well as help the high traffic flow
more smoothly. Preventing accidents on this already busy highway should be our first concern before
another subdivision is considered.
52 additional units will also highly tax all nearby road systems. Story mill intersection will be affected
and become more difficult to navigate. Rouse is already unable to handle the amount of traffic it sees
on a regular basis, and Griffin and Oak will also be affected, We must consider the safety and traffic
flow concerns of our community as the city of Bozeman continues to grow. Road improvements should
come before the development is approved to ensure safety and traffic flow.
Wetlands/Creek Protection and Trail Maintenance
Having even more homes adjacent to creek will put further burden on wildlife and habitat of Bridger
Creek. With the creek being completely lined with homes on the south side,there will be little to no
room for the stream channel to migrate naturally,which is an important and healthy function for a
variety of different reasons, with one of the biggest being fish habitat. If and when the creek alignment
does move, properties will be impacted and it will likely be another issue and indirect expense for the
city. There is already evidence of this with recent flooding of the trail where there have been no
improvements made to the eroded part of the trail and damage still exists.
Thank you for consideration of these concerns.
Sincerely,
ak' mv, / M/(- / v4t.--
Pam and Mark Meyer
2485 Creekwood Drive
Bozeman, MT 59715