Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Trails topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gallatin approves minor amendment to Windsong plan, reduces paved apron and adds trail signage
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a minor amendment to the Windsong Phases 2A/2F master plan that shortens a proposed trail and replaces a 20-foot paved transition with a 5-foot apron plus trail wayfinding signage; the developer and commissioners discussed ADA limits, maintenance and surfacing choices. The applicant and HOA will coordinate maintenance and signage.
The Gallatin City Planning Commission on Oct. 27 approved a minor amendment to the Windsong residential master development plans that modifies trail surfacing and required transitions. Staff planner Brad Hickman presented the change to the trail alignment and surfaces for about 95.2 acres in the Windsong development; planning staff had asked for a 20-foot paved transition from sidewalk to natural surface trail to prevent mulch tracking onto the city sidewalk.
Developer Michael Natale of Natale Communities told commissioners that fully paving the trail had not been contemplated and that some trail segments run through sloped, stream-buffered areas that will not be ADA accessible. "It won't be ADA," Natale said, describing sloped sections and places where mulch or natural-surface trail is the only feasible option. He proposed signage and selective short aprons to reduce hazards and manage expectations for trail users.
Commissioner CJ and others pressed on how much paved transition would be necessary to keep mulch off sidewalks while protecting users with mobility challenges. "If we're putting 20 foot of sidewalk in to keep mulching, I think you can accomplish that in 5 feet," CJ said, arguing a shorter apron plus signage could meet the goal without inducing users with mobility impairments to attempt steep, non‑accessible sections.
After discussion, the commission moved to approve the amendment as a minor amendment and to modify staff condition language: remove the first sentence of condition 1, change the minimum paved transition from 20 feet to 5 feet, and add a requirement that signage be installed along the trail system for wayfinding and to indicate surface type. The motion passed by voice vote.
Planning staff and the applicant agreed to further coordination on maintenance and signage. Natale said his HOA would ask its landscape contractor to mow trail corridors more frequently and consider short concrete or paved aprons of about 5 to 10 feet at sidewalk connections where appropriate. The commission said the change was intended to balance trail delineation and aesthetics with realistic construction constraints in steep or stream buffer areas.
The commission classified the amendment as a minor modification and approved the resolution with the modified conditions; there was no public comment on this item during the meeting.
