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Residents urge pause on parks master plan and downtown bulb outs; town hall feedback cited
Summary
Numerous residents used the public-comment period to press the commission for more outreach and time on the parks master plan and downtown 'bulb outs,' citing safety, loss of character, parking impacts and requests for signage in parks.
During the general public-comment portion of the Livingston City Commission meeting, several residents urged commissioners to slow proposals in the parks master plan and reconsider temporary downtown 'bulb outs' that have prompted strong local reaction.
Leslie Feigl of the Livingston Area Chamber and Visitor Center said the Chamber "is not against the city" and delivered petitions and written notes collected at a town hall and in-person outreach to help residents without digital access participate. She said petitioners asked that votes be held until survey and petition feedback could be fully considered.
Other speakers expressed concerns about bulb outs creating turning and parking difficulties for delivery vehicles and older drivers; Bob Skillen, an 87-year-old lifelong resident, warned that narrow downtown streets and the current temporary bulb-outs make some turns impractical for long vehicles. Several speakers asked for signage at the Nelson McNair skate park and urged the city to prioritize fixing residential sidewalks rather than adding more concrete in parks.
Multiple residents asked for more time to review the parks survey and for improved survey mechanics (comment fields and printed copies for those without internet). A town-hall attendee recounted a strong turnout and said many long-time residents felt surprised by some design concepts. Commissioners and staff reiterated that the parks master plan is a draft, that concepts will be refined with additional feedback, and that any specific construction projects will come back with public comment opportunities before final decisions.
Quote: "Please don't cut our trees down. Please don't put the bulb out," one resident said, summarizing the heartfelt appeals from several speakers.
The commission heard these comments alongside other agenda business and did not take immediate action to change the parks master plan at this meeting; staff encouraged residents to use publiccomments@livingstonmontana.org and the contact form on the city website to submit detailed feedback.
