A little consideration

Although I understand the desire for increased connectivity which the proposed Fowler Ave extension may provide, it's also essential that the design respect the lives and quality of life of those that live on the proposed extension. There seems to be ample space to include a four lane road from Oak to Durston, although I suspect those that live in this area would disagree. There appears to be a wide swath of undeveloped land between Oak and Durston that would allow for a four-lane road AND a significant buffer between the road and those that live on this corridor.

My principle objection to the proposed project is the section from Durston to Babcock. Should a four-lane road be constructed in this area, the houses in this section of the proposed extension would be VERY close to the road. For those on the east side of the existing one-lane Fowler Ave, this project would result in a four-lane road steps from their front doors. For those on Sweetgrass, the proposed extension would result in a four-lane road steps from their back doors. Being a resident of this area, there simply isn't the space to construct a four-lane extension without significantly disrupting all residents' quality of life. The walking path and trees, currently a quiet and safe corridor for residents and wildlife alike, would be eliminated and replaced with a four-lane road.

Will the proposed project make any attempt to mitigate the impact on those that live on the proposed corridor? Will any attempt be made to assess the safety of residents who must now live within steps of a four lane arterial? Will any attempt be made to assess the noise levels that would result from a four-lane arterial being placed within steps of a quiet residential neighborhood? Will any attempt be made to assess the impact on the wildlife that currently live in this ecosystem? Will any attempt be made to assess the impact on the property values of those that live in the area or fairly compensate them for the tangible impact on the value of their homes? To fail to adequately address all of these claims would be a callous disregard for the lives, livelihoods, and quality of life of area residents.

While a four-lane extension may be the ideal of traffic engineers who have little vested interest in the affected neighborhoods between Huffine and Oak, I believe this project should proceed cautiously and with respect. Bozeman boasts that it is a place that cares about its residents. This project provides a major test of the truthfulness of that boast. Should any extension of Fowler Ave be constructed, the considerate, respectful course of action would be to minimize any impact on those that live on the proposed corridor.