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Residents press City Commission to slow downtown "bulb-outs" and ask for clearer parks plan outreach
Summary
Dozens of residents used public comment to urge the commission to pause or rethink temporary bulb-outs and proposed parks improvements, request more time and clearer materials for the parks master plan survey, and seek clearer impact, parking and tree-protection details.
A large contingent of residents used the general public comment period to press the commission for more time and clearer outreach on the downtown master plan and the draft parks master plan, and to urge changes or removal of temporary bulb-outs in downtown traffic lanes.
Speakers — including Leslie Feigl of the Livingston Area Chamber and a series of long-time residents — described a perception that insufficient notice and poor survey access had left many longtime residents without an opportunity to participate. Multiple commenters said the downtown bulb-outs installed as a pilot were causing confusion, reducing parking and making turns difficult for larger delivery vehicles; several downtown business owners expressed concern that temporary changes could unintentionally harm longtime local businesses. Residents asked for signage, clearer maps, and printed survey copies at City Hall for those without internet access.
Speakers also urged the commission to protect existing park character: commenters asked that trails not be paved with concrete, that certain memorial features and trees be preserved, and that the commission consider prioritized sidewalk repair in residential neighborhoods. Others asked the city to study parking and safety impacts of the new features, and to ensure park improvements do not disproportionately affect seniors and people with mobility issues.
City staff and the city manager responded that the bulb-outs were a temporary pilot arising from the downtown master plan process; staff described extensive prior engagement (surveys, focus groups and a design charrette with more than 600 participants) that informed the concepts. Staff said park-survey comments can be emailed to publiccomments@livingstonmontana.org or submitted at City Hall and that the survey’s final question accepts free-text comments identifying the park in question. Staff also acknowledged that some outreach and printed materials had been limited and pledged to provide more options to ensure long-time residents can be heard.
Ending: Commissioners said they would continue public outreach and refinement of plans based on feedback; several called for more on-the-ground conversations in neighborhoods and for the city to work to minimize unintended consequences to established businesses.
