HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-01-22 Public Comment - P. Steinmuller - Fowler Avenue Connection ProjectFrom:Patti Steinmuller
To:Agenda
Subject:Fowler Avenue Connection Project
Date:Monday, August 1, 2022 10:40:55 PM
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City Commissioners:
I have read the 8/01/22 Fowler project staff and support the basic elements of the design including
two travel lanes, turn lanes as needed, traffic signal control at the intersection of Babcock Street,
and roundabout control at the intersection with Durston Road. I support dedicated bicycle lanes and
a walking path on at least one side of the corridor. Although I didn’t find a definition of a shared use
path in the report, I support a path designated for walking and other muscle power traffic, not for
motorized use except by individuals with powered wheelchairs.
I would appreciate further study to protect the natural beauty of the undeveloped areas including
retaining as much as possible of the current presence of trees, bushes, other foliage that provide
cover and habitat features for wildlife including birds. I support including medians with xeriscaping
and streets that included traffic calming elements. With various types of housing already present
along this intended corridor, traffic design needs to favor low speed limits. With proper design,
speed of drivers can be modified to promote adequate traffic flow at a moderate speed.
I advocate for consideration of the environmental issue of climate change. Climate change was not
addressed in the Environment Review section of the report. Increases in asphalt need to be balanced
by increasing vegetation and other means to lower the temperature of cityscapes. Climate change is
having detrimental effects by adding more heat to city environments. Increases in heat absorption
must be counterbalanced by design elements that increase heat reflection, such as trees and other
vegetation. Since this project is in the pre-design phase, addressing the effects of climate change
need to be part of the planning process.
I would also appreciate seeing the report of the wetland delineation and waterbody assessment.
Preserving wetlands has not been given the attention it deserves as wetlands are being destroyed
for development in many areas of the city, Wetlands mitigation far away from Bozeman is
deleterious to the city, its inhabitants, wildlife, and future viability of the city. I advocate for more
visibility and attention given to wetlands preservation in this corridor.
Patti
Patti Steinmuller
(she, her, hers)
952 Knolls Drive
Bozeman, MT 59715-7430