HomeMy WebLinkAbout26_WestVillardStParkingAccess_06152021
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June 15, 2021
Martin Matsen
Director of Community Development
City of Bozeman
20 E. Olive St
Bozeman, MT, 59771
Re: North Central Block 4
West Villard St Parking Access
Dear Martin,
Please find the following narrative about the North Central Block 4 parking garage entrance onto West Villard St.
The proposed garage entrance onto Villard St provides access to 94 spaces, essentially replacing the existing
parking lot access onto Villard St. The garage entrance is 20’ from the alley access onto Villard measured edge
to edge.
Parking access cannot be limited solely to the abutting alley for the following reasons:
1. As a public garage, access from the alley would create safety concerns and additional traffic on the 16’
wide alley abutting our R-4 neighbors.
2. To comply with BMC 38.510.030.M.2 Structured Parking Facility Development Standards, specifically
lining the parking garage with active uses, Block 4 kept the parking solely to the western half of the site.
This dictated the project must have two separate parking access points and ramps in order to park both
in the basement and level 2 Without the separate ramps and paths of travel on opposite sides of the
building, Block 4 would not be able to maintain the current parking.
3. Block 4 did investigate moving the Villard entrance off the alley and introducing speed ramps. This
study was not carried forward as the team agreed the auto maneuvers required to successfully navigate
were not safe considering this would be a public garage with unique users every day. See below for a
sketch illustrating the tough U shaped and zig-zag maneuvers.
Reference document #13 Access Deviation in this SPR application: a letter addressed to Shawn Kohtz on April
2nd, 2021 outlining how this proposed entrance does not jeopardize the public’s health, safety and welfare, or the
intent of BMC 38.400.090.H.3.
Additionally please reference document #19 Beall’s Third Master Site Plan Concept Review in this SPR
application: noting staff support of parking access on West Villard St.
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(Below) Sketch Illustrating Tough Maneuvers Required for Alley Access
Sincerely,
Solomon Cordwell Buenz
Lindsey Von Seggern, AIA
Designer