HomeMy WebLinkAboutADA TOP APPLICATION 2015.001 EGRA EXTENSION for webpageMEMORANDUM
TO: TOP COMMITTEE
FROM: CAROLYN POISSANT – MANAGER OF TRAIL, OPEN SPACE, AND PARKS DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
MTG. DATE: FEBRUARY 12, 2015
SUBJECT: APPLICATION FOR TOP FUNDING
- East Gallatin Extension Project (Acquisition of Parcel at Entry of East Gallatin Recreation Area) No. 2015.001
Information regarding “Rough Cut” criteria for:
TOP Application No.
2015.001 – East Gallatin Extension Project
Guiding Documents:
(Required) The project aligns with ballot initiative: The project meets calls for “paying the costs of acquiring rights
to or interests in or improving open-space lands in or near the city (such as lands for trails in and around the Bridger Mountain foothills),” as stated in Resolution 4386. Specifically,
the proposal complies with Commission Findings 1.02 (m): “The expenditure of funds on lands and facilities within the City of immediately adjacent to and annexable to the City will be
the highest priority for funding…”
The project is identified in the PROST Plan: The project is not specifically identified in the PROST Plan; however, the project parcel includes two
trail linkages, one on each side of the existing entry drive to facilitate connections to other recreational areas.
The project aligns with the COB Community Plan: The project area
is currently located in the county and is zoned for light industrial. The project parcel is identified in the City of Bozeman Community Plan as “Parks, Open Space, and Recreational Lands.”
Balance:
The project balances types of parks, trails, and open space in and around the City of Bozeman: The project parcel essentially serves as the entryway for the East Gallatin Recreation
Area, currently being leased from the state, which is a regional attraction. The Montana state legislature is currently considering a bill to allow for the transfer of state lands to
local and tribal governmental entities. Discussions have been held with state Fish, Wildlife, and Parks officials with the goal of transferring the East Gallatin Recreation Area parcels
t the City of Bozeman.
Maintenance requirements are feasible: The parcel is comprised of native grasses and is currently being used (possibly leased?) as pastureland. It may be possible
to continue this use. The additional maintenance requirements would include noxious weed control, occasional mowing, and road maintenance, according to Thom White, Operations Supervisor.
Opportunity:
The proposal represents a prudent long-term investment for the City. A proposal was brought to the DRC for high-density housing, which would require an amendment to the Community Plan,
which apparently discouraged the developer. A proposal was then brought to the County for a storage unit development. Such a development could have a variety of negative impacts, including
increased contaminated runoff, loss of wildlife habitat, loss of trail connectivity options, potential blockages of the EGRA entry drive, and substantial visual impacts on the park.
As such, preserving open space at the entry of what is likely soon to be city-owned regional recreational amenity is worth considering.
In terms of timing, the parcel is currently
listed for sale with “back-up offers accepted.” According to Gallatin County’s planner Megan Gibson, the proposed development is an allowable use and is currently under site plan review.
Once approved, the applicant could proceed with obtaining a construction permit. Ms. Gibson said she would keep me updated as to the status of the site plan approval.
The proposal suggests
a feasible partnership opportunity: The application indicates numerous local non-profit organizations (many of whom are current partners with the COB in other projects) are in support
of the project.
The proposal represents an opportunity to leverage bond funds: The applicant has stated a $400,000 commitment toward the purchase price, representing a 66% match, not
including appraisal, title, and closing costs estimated at approximately $25,000.
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EAST GALLATIN RECREATION AREA VICINITY