Friends of Fowler Connector

Many many thanks to Bozeman's Mayors, Commissioners and Transportation Department. We are so thrilled to see your dedication to the long term health of people and planet over hardline policy. This is a new era! Thank you all! 🌱💗

Friendly reminder: Come to City Hall Tuesday pm. Let commissioners know you value trees & trails on the west side!

Did you know this project has the potential to make nature more accessible to more people and to increase bicycle connectivity for our friends and neighbors living in the northwest areas of town all the way to MSU? Incredible, right? This project can be precedent-setting for all future road/trail projects in the city. Be a part of history!

Curious to know what other citizen advocates have to say about the Fowler Avenue Connection? You can check out public comments from 2024 here: https://weblink.bozeman.net/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=289971&dbid=0&repo=BOZEMAN
LOTS of folks also commented in 2022. Those letters are here:
https://weblink.bozeman.net/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=259213&dbid=0&repo=BOZEMAN

Check out this article in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle about the Fowler Corridor!

Fowler Avenue buildout discussion to come before commission in July Plans to build out the Fowler Avenue corridor will be back in front of city commissioners next month, after a delay in the long-discussed project.

The Fowler work session is rescheduled for July 16th-- mark your calendars, folks!

Check out the Comments for Detailed Info to follow the Commission Meeting Tonight

Tuesday (June 18th: Tomorrow) is the last chance to comment on the 30% design. You've got options!

1. You can send the city a quick email so the commissioners get a chance to review it by tomorrow at noon.([email protected])

2. You can attend the Commission Meeting. (Follow the link in the comments for location, time & agenda).
*in person or
*remotely where you can offer oral comment

3. Tip- the Fowler Avenue work session is last on the agenda so if you can't make it at 6:00, please just come when you can.

Here are some great ideas from fellow citizens if you're looking for more information and ideas for what to comment on:

There are good reasons to support designating parks or open space in this area that would benefit people for many, many years to come and is an easy and cheaper way for the city to manage the land. The NW side of town doesn't get to benefit as much from streams and trails such as the Gallaghator, Sourdough, Peets Hill, and Story Mill... This is a great opportunity to create a landmark that preserves trees, wildlife and streamway as well as benefiting 1,000s of residents at little or no additional cost.

Ways we can accomplish this:

1. Follow the template that already exists between Durston and the gravel trail that leads to Babcock:
1. Two Lanes (no median; except where it could save trees)
2. One paved shared use path on West side for cyclists & pedestrians
3. Sidewalk on the East Side using existing width boulevards

2. One shared use path only necessitates one crossing for bike/ped at Babcock & Fowler which:
a) adds value to the existing crosswalk for neighbors
1) flashing light activated by pedestrians/cyclists (like path to the M)
b) increases safety
c) saves money

3. Minimized road width helps preserve adequate buffer for trees & waterway:
a) canopy root ends need to be 30 ft. min. from edge of construction
b) PLIU zoning designation preserves trees for park or natural area
c) abide by SLPP 200 ft. buffer for ditches

4. To make sure this project proceeds thoughtfully, it needs ecology experts on the design team going forward:
a) Connect the Parks Department
b) Connect Sustainability Citizen Advisory Board members
c) Connect all those engaged with the Bozeman Climate Plan

Here are the sample questions you can use to formulate your own questions for the City to submit to their comment email address (in comments) and at Wednesday's open house!