Fowler Avenue Connection

What matters most for the future Fowler Ave?

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  Fowler Avenue Connection

  by MMK, about 4 years ago
  I am most interested in a narrow connector that still allows for a shared use, off-street, bike/pedestrian path. Equally important to me is the preservation of all mature trees possible.

  I am most interested in a narrow connector that still allows for a shared use, off-street, bike/pedestrian path. Equally important to me is the preservation of all mature trees possible.
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  Please don't do this project

  by jallibunn, about 4 years ago
  Please don't make this into a street. We have plenty of north-south connectivity for cars and need to preserve the safe bike-bed corridor that Fowler provides.

  Please don't make this into a street. We have plenty of north-south connectivity for cars and need to preserve the safe bike-bed corridor that Fowler provides.
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  A variety of transportation options

  by Mara, about 4 years ago

  Building more through streets allows the vehicular traffic to spread out, making it more inviting to drive more frequently. Hence the construction or widening of roads does NOT lead to less congestion - instead it acutually has the opposite effect because more people drive.

  This is a well-known phenomenon (refer to the text Suburban Nation by Duany, et al) and we’ve watched it happen in other metropolitain areas around the country. Some of the great qualities those places once had have been spoiled. I hope Bozeman doesn’t aim to spoil the remaining qualities that made it attractive in the first... Continue reading

  Building more through streets allows the vehicular traffic to spread out, making it more inviting to drive more frequently. Hence the construction or widening of roads does NOT lead to less congestion - instead it acutually has the opposite effect because more people drive.

  This is a well-known phenomenon (refer to the text Suburban Nation by Duany, et al) and we’ve watched it happen in other metropolitain areas around the country. Some of the great qualities those places once had have been spoiled. I hope Bozeman doesn’t aim to spoil the remaining qualities that made it attractive in the first place.

  We all know that we should be making every effort to drive LESS, less frequently, and to choose other means of transportation. A forward-thinking community like Bozeman should be working on a more sustainable transportation and planning model. We need to have the courage and foresight to be doing this differently. People’s transportation habits will not change if they have no choices.

  We need routes that allow us to chose other modes of travel - walking, bike riding, bus, XC skiing, etc. Bozeman could instead be spending those design and construction dollars on extending the wonderful Streamline bus system, and by building bike routes and walking paths that are separated from vehicular traffic, so they are safe for kids.

  If the large budget for road construction were poured into Streamline and the trail network, INSTEAD OF vehicular roads, think of the phenomenal, and far more sustainable transportation system we could have. We would also be contributing to a healthier population. This is what people want in the Gallatin Valley. I know many people like myself, who would be delighted to have a Streamline bus route reach in their direction to allow them to commute to town or campus without a car.

  I have lived on Fowler for 21 years. As it has been extended and paved it has become an increasingly unsafe place to be. More drivers use it as a thoroughfare to get somewhere else, and they are usually in a hurry. They have no vested interest in the safety of our children, our pets, our livestock, or those of us who wish to ride a bike.

  The remaining “green fingers” that we currently have interrupting segments of Fowler contribute to a quality of life that we all enjoy. They provide quiet open space that is important habitat, it is a space to relax the eye, with birds and wildlife, mature trees, a few open irrigation ditches, pasture, and seasonally changing landscape.

  I presume eminent domain would be exercised to claim the properties of the private dwellings in the path of the proposed road. This in itself would seem an unnecessarily aggressive approach, and still does not consider the impact on the families whose dwellings remain in the neighborhood. If traffic engineers in this century are trained only to think about vehicular traffic, there is something profoundly wrong with the discipline.

  The community design firm that has been engaged in this process aspires to developing “enduring communities” - an aspiration which I hope they would live up to, given the opportunity. Bozeman City Planning Office needs to make decisions in keeping with our 2020 Climate Action Plan and Community Plan and be 100% committed to developing and encouraging walking and biking as an ALTERNATIVE, not just as a sideline. If we are brave in this endeavor, our city will look different than others designed on the primacy of the automobile.

  I have watched the Gallatin Valley’s growing network of footpaths and trails become one of its huge planning triumphs over the last 32 years. It is excellent. I believe we should continue to extend those trails through to connect all of Fowler, but should not introduce all the increased vehicular traffic to the neighborhoods.

  Please consider investing differently in the future of the beautiful Gallatin Valley.
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  Preserve Our Path

  by Windy Esperti, about 4 years ago

  For years we have walked our dog, met neighbors, viewed wildlife, and enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the Cascade Neighborhood Walking Path. Our family has walked the dog to the ponds, taken trips to the mall and grocery store, as well as the ball fields. We've had pheasant, owls, deer, bear, and multitudes of other wildlife in our backyard and on the path.

  The city's 2020 Climate Action Plan shows that vehicles are the largest single-source contributor of carbon emissions in Bozeman (38%) and calls for an increase in walking and biking.

  Also, the 2020 Community Plan's N-1 goal... Continue reading

  For years we have walked our dog, met neighbors, viewed wildlife, and enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the Cascade Neighborhood Walking Path. Our family has walked the dog to the ponds, taken trips to the mall and grocery store, as well as the ball fields. We've had pheasant, owls, deer, bear, and multitudes of other wildlife in our backyard and on the path.

  The city's 2020 Climate Action Plan shows that vehicles are the largest single-source contributor of carbon emissions in Bozeman (38%) and calls for an increase in walking and biking.

  Also, the 2020 Community Plan's N-1 goal focuses on walkable neighborhoods and M-1 & M-2 focus on multimodal accessibility and safety.

  If a thoroughfare must be provided using Fowler (even though Ferguson is a mere 5-10 blocks away), finding a way to do so without ripping out trees and paving over the natural beauty of this community must be a paramount consideration.
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  Let's Build a Great Multimodal Corridor

  by Mark Egge, about 4 years ago

  Let's design Fowler to move people—not to maximize throughput for cars. Fowler should form a backbone of a future Bus Rapid Transit route connecting from Billings Clinic to MSU. The buses should operate on dedicated right of way (or a shared bike/bus lane). The road itself should be flanked on both sides with wide shared use paths for walking and rolling. These shared use paths should connect to a grade separated crossing at Huffine, which otherwise is a formidable barrier for active transportation users. In this configuration, Fowler will have far more capacity to help Bozeman residents reach their destinations... Continue reading

  Let's design Fowler to move people—not to maximize throughput for cars. Fowler should form a backbone of a future Bus Rapid Transit route connecting from Billings Clinic to MSU. The buses should operate on dedicated right of way (or a shared bike/bus lane). The road itself should be flanked on both sides with wide shared use paths for walking and rolling. These shared use paths should connect to a grade separated crossing at Huffine, which otherwise is a formidable barrier for active transportation users. In this configuration, Fowler will have far more capacity to help Bozeman residents reach their destinations than a car-centric design, while furthering the city's climate and community health goals and respecting the adjacent neighborhoods.
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  A little consideration

  by Theodore , about 4 years ago

  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... Continue reading

  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.
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  Nature trail, bike path and roundabout.

  by Bill Larson, about 4 years ago
  A walking trail plus bike path would be nice. Keep the creek running along the trail and roadway and put in a roundabout at the intersection of Fowler and Durston.

  A walking trail plus bike path would be nice. Keep the creek running along the trail and roadway and put in a roundabout at the intersection of Fowler and Durston.
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  Save the trees

  by Adrianne W., over 4 years ago

  There are deer, fox, raccoons, pheasants, owls, hawks, and many other animals that rely on the habitat provided by the cottonwoods and exposed waterway. The trees provide a canopy of shade for walkers and habitat for birds. The trail is used by so many people and pets every day and the quiet neighborhood residents enjoy would be sorely disrupted by a traffic corridor here. Please find a way to keep this road small and preserve the trees and the path.

  There are deer, fox, raccoons, pheasants, owls, hawks, and many other animals that rely on the habitat provided by the cottonwoods and exposed waterway. The trees provide a canopy of shade for walkers and habitat for birds. The trail is used by so many people and pets every day and the quiet neighborhood residents enjoy would be sorely disrupted by a traffic corridor here. Please find a way to keep this road small and preserve the trees and the path.
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  Fowler’s future in my backyard.

  by Alissa, over 4 years ago
  Hello, I live on Sweetgrass ave between Babcock and Durston. The future Fowler connection will literally be in my backyard.

  Currently there is a wonderful gravel walking path and the open field, which is obviously ideal. However, I understand the necessary connection of this road and am only hoping it is done in a reasonable and respectful way.

  I would love the walking path / trail to stay. I can certainly attest to the usage this trail gets and it would be a shame for families and eco commuters to not be able to continue down this love-warn path.

  I’ve... Continue reading

  Hello, I live on Sweetgrass ave between Babcock and Durston. The future Fowler connection will literally be in my backyard.

  Currently there is a wonderful gravel walking path and the open field, which is obviously ideal. However, I understand the necessary connection of this road and am only hoping it is done in a reasonable and respectful way.

  I would love the walking path / trail to stay. I can certainly attest to the usage this trail gets and it would be a shame for families and eco commuters to not be able to continue down this love-warn path.

  I’ve heard rumor about a 4 - 5 lane road being in the design for this put-through and that just seems egregious. The two lane stretch from Durston to Cascade is certainly ample and continuing this design would eliminate extraordinary demolition and crowding of this corridor.

  Although the wildlife will be dislocated regardless, which is devastating in itself, as well as loss of very old trees, vegetation, and the creek, to expand the road to occupy the greatest capacity available is unnecessary and irresponsible. Is it not in the best interest and conscious of everyone to keep as much natural and safe through access as possible?

  Even with additional housing and through access this section of road will not get the amount of use 4 -5 lanes would warrant. No way.

  Also, a round-about at Fowler/ Babcock? Gross.

  Thank you.
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  Save the Walking Path!

  by Colymceh, over 4 years ago
  Please consider the impact of a possible 5 lane road through the residential areas! Let's push for a 2 lane road while maintaining the current walking path along Fowler (between Babcock and Durston). As our city grows, we must fight for the residential areas to continue providing paths for runners, dog-walkers, bicyclists, etc. Perhaps the walking path could even be extended farther north of Durston.

  Please consider the impact of a possible 5 lane road through the residential areas! Let's push for a 2 lane road while maintaining the current walking path along Fowler (between Babcock and Durston). As our city grows, we must fight for the residential areas to continue providing paths for runners, dog-walkers, bicyclists, etc. Perhaps the walking path could even be extended farther north of Durston.