Document Billings_doc_744e668dec

The Billings Heights Neighborhood Plan
Heights Vision Statement The Heights: promoting growth and opportunities for the neighborhood of a lifetime. Heights Mission Statement The Heights is an extensive suburban Billings neighborhood offering diverse housing and quality schools with high quality of life amenities. To achieve our vision, Heights residents will explore, encourage and foster the planning and coordination of Heights resources through effective transportation routes, encouraging small business development and expanding community facilities with sensible land use planning and infrastructure development to make the Heights a premier community to live, recreate and work. Prepared by the Planning & Community Services Department Adopted by the Billings City Council on January 23, 2006 Adopted by the Yellowstone Board of County Commissioners on February 7, 2006 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 3 INTRODUCTION 4 Purpose 4 Planning Area 4 Community Background 4 EXISTING TRENDS AND CONDITIONS 6 Introduction 6 Land Use 6 Population 6 Age Distribution 7 Race 8 Education 8 Population Projections 9 Housing 9 HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING PROCESS 12 NEIGHBORHOOD ISSUES, GOALS AND ACTION 13 PUBLIC SAFETY 13 TRANSPORTATION 16 LAND USE 19 COMMUNITY FACILITIES & NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER 21 HOUSING 22 PARKS & RECREATION 24 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION 28 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 30 INFRASTRUCTURE 33 APPENDIX 34 APPENDIX A – MAPS 35 Map 1 – Heights Neighborhood Boundary Map 36 Map 2 – Vacant Properties 37 Map 3 – Vacant Properties w/Zoning 38 Map 4 – Year Constructed, Residential & Commercial 39 Map 5 – Parks & Bike Trails 40 Map 6 – Elementary School Districts 41 Map 7 – School 30-minute Walking Radius 42 Map 8 – Heights Commercial Businesses 43 APPENDIX B – SURVEY RESULTS 44 APPENDIX C – CURRENT LANDUSE 56 Current Land Use Map 57 APPENDIX D – PREFERRED FUTURE LAND USE 58 Preferred Future Land Use Map 59 APPENDIX E – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF GOALS 60 ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 Acknowledgments Billings Heights Neighborhood Steering Committee Jolene Rieck – Chair Joe Burst - Member Chris Allard – Co-Chair Judie Mates - Member Chuck Strum – Secretary Denis Pitman - Member Stan Newton – Member Doug Kary – Member Kim Gillan – Member Don Ami – Member Angela Cimmino – Member Dennis Himmelberger – Member Wanda Grinde – Member Pete Hansen – Member Jerry Zitur - Member Billings City Council Mayor Charles “Chuck” F. Tooley Chris “Shoots” Veis Peggie Denney Gaghen Vince Reugamer Shirley Girard McDermott Nancy Boyer Dave Brown Ed Ulledalen Larry Brewster Richard (Dick) Clark Donald W. Jones Yellowstone Board of County Commissioners John Ostlund, Chair Bill Kennedy Jim Reno Yellowstone County Board of Planning Bill Iverson Cary Brown Donna Forbes Mick Ohnstad Carol Gibson Ryan Erickson Sue Tombrink James Coons Doug Clark Al Littler Rich Whitney City Administration Kristoff Bauer – City Administrator Tina Volek – Assistant City Administrator Planning Division Ramona Mattix – Director Candi Beaudry – Planning Division Manager Lora Mattox – Neighborhood Planner Wyeth Friday – Planner I Juliet Spalding – Subdivision Coordinator Nicole Cromwell – Zoning Coordinator Scott Walker – Transportation Planner Aura – Planner II Don Vegge – City Code Enforcement Officer Colleen Schell-Berg – County Code Enforcement Officer Karen Miller – Planning Associate Tammy Deines – Planning Clerk Participating Organizations Skyview High School Key Club Castle Rock Middle School ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 Introduction Purpose The purpose of the neighborhood plan is to assist the governing agencies, planners, developers and residents make the right choices when determining future growth patterns and development in the Heights. The neighborhood plan is not a regulatory document, instead, it is adopted as part of the City of Billings and Yellowstone County Growth Policy as an advisory document. The plan includes general and specific recommendations that reflect the values of the community, encourages sound decision-making, and empowers people to take action. The plan also includes realistic implementation strategies that involve both private and public actions, as well as regulatory decisions. Planning Area Several factors are reviewed when determining planning boundaries. These factors include natural boundaries, design boundaries (streets etc), census tracts, existing plans and planning issues related to the area. The Heights Neighborhood Planning area is shown on Map 1. Community Background The Heights Neighborhood was identified by the Planning Department and the City Council as the first neighborhood to complete a plan per implementation of the 2003 City/County Growth Policy. The Heights area was annexed into the City of Billings in the 1980’s. Prior to the annexation, the Heights was considered part of Yellowstone County and was part of Census Tract 7. During the ten-year period between 1970 and 1980 Billings Heights gained almost 10,000 people. The Heights again had the greatest amount of growth in Yellowstone County between 1980 and 1990. At the time of the 1990 census, Census Tract 7 was divided into four separate census tracts. The total population of the Heights in 1990 was 17,883. In 2000 the population of the Heights was 19,713. Since annexation, the Heights has experienced growth residentially and commercially with numerous businesses along Main Street. The Heights is also home to Lake Elmo, a state park which encompasses 122 acres and is a day-use park. Lake Elmo attracts visitors to swim, sailboat, windsurf, and fish. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 Existing Conditions and Trends Map 1 ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 Introduction The following discussion on physical conditions and census data is vital to understanding how the neighborhood has developed in the past and gives clues on how the neighborhood will develop in the future. Land Use The Heights planning area is unique in its zoning due to the variety of zoning districts. Most of the neighborhood planning area consists of a limited amount of zoning districts (usually residential with some neighborhood commercial); however, almost all of the different zoning districts the city has classified can be identified in the Heights planning area. These zoning districts include low density single family such as Residential 15000 (one unit per 15,000 square feet) to high density multi-family areas. The Heights also contains all three commercial zones, Highway Commercial along Main Street, Community Commercial and Neighborhood Commercial. There are no industrial zonings in the Heights. Appendix A shows a current zoning map of the Heights. Population Demographic information is provided to show trends in population, age distribution, race characteristics, education attainment, and population projections. Prior to its annexation in the 1980’s, the Heights area saw the most population growth in Yellowstone County with a gain of 10,000 people between 1970 and 1980. Chart 1 shows a population comparison between the Heights, Billings, and Yellowstone County. According to the census data, in 1970 prior to annexation, the Heights had a population of 5,496. In 1980, that number increased to 15,276. That is an increase of 177 percent. Between 1980 and 2000 the Heights has seen a 29 percent increase in population. Billings as a whole saw a 34.5 percent increase in population in the same time period. ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 Chart 1: Population Comparison – Billings Heights, Billings and Yellowstone County Age Distribution Age characteristics in Billings Heights shadow a similar trend for Yellowstone County where there has been a shift in the median age. In 1990 the median age of persons in the Heights was 33.7 years. The 2000 Census shows that the median age has risen to 36.8 years. This increase in median age is a reflection of an aging population nation-wide. Table 1 looks at the age characteristics for the Heights. Table 1: Age Characteristics – Billings Heights Age 1990 Percent of Total 2000 Percent of Total Percent Change 1990-2000 Under 5 1,474 8.3% 1,382 7.0% -6.2% 5 to 9 1,707 9.6% 1,372 7.0% -19.6% 10 to 14 1,632 9.1% 1,766 9.0% 8.2% 15 to 19 1,443 8.0% 1,578 8.0% 9.4% 20 to 24 930 5.2% 1,310 6.7% 41% 25 to 34 3,102 17.4% 2,372 12.0% -23.5% 35 to 44 3,368 18.9% 3,230 16.4% -4.0% 45 to 54 1,919 10.8% 3,215 16.3% 68% 55 to 64 1,116 6.3% 1,723 8.7% 54% 65 to 74 747 4.2% 931 4.7% 25% 75+ 402 2.2% 834 4.2% 107% Total 17,840 100% 19,713 100% 10.50% Median Age 33.7 36.8 Source: U.S. Census Bureau of Population, General Social and Economic Characteristics Population Comparison 5496 15276 17840 19713 61581 66798 81151 89847 87367 108035 113419 129097 0 20000 40000 60000 80000 100000 120000 [PHONE REDACTED] 1980 1990 2000 Billings Heights Billings Yellowstone County Source: U.S. Census Bureau of Population, General Social and Economic Characteristics ---PAGE BREAK--- 8 Race The racial diversity of the Heights has not significantly changed over the last ten years. In 1990, 96.4 percent of the Heights population was white and in 2000, the all-white population dropped to 94 percent. Overall, the census data shows that there was not a significant change in racial diversity. Table 2: Racial Characteristics – Billings Heights Race 1990 Percent of Total 2000 Percent of Total White 17,209 96.4% 18,442 94% Black/ African American 37 .02% 75 .03% American Indian Alaska Native 370 2.0% 524 2.7% Asian or Pacific Islander 103 .05% 146 .07% Other Race 121 .07% 526 2.7% Hispanic Origin (of any race) 346 1.9% 555 2.8% Total Population 17,840 19,713 Source: U.S. Census Bureau of Population, General Social and Economic Characteristics Education Since 1990, the median years of education completed among persons 25 years old and older has increased. The percentage of the population in that age group that has completed a four-year college degree and/or graduate or professional degree has continued to increase as well. In 1990, the percentage of people in the Heights who had completed high school was 84.63 percent and the percentage of people who had complete four or more years of college was 22.62 percent. According to the 2000 census, the percentage of those who graduated high school rose to 90.23% and increased to 25.54 percent for those who completed four or more years of college. Table 3: Education Attainment of Persons 25 Years and Older – Billings Heights 1990 2000 Less than 9th Grade 495 462 9th to 12th Grade (No Diploma) 923 739 High School Graduate (including GED) 3,344 3,734 Some College (No degree) 2,804 3,346 A.A. 731 881 B.A. 1,886 2,277 Graduate or Professional Degree 525 866 Total Population 25 Years and Older 10,654 12,305 Percent High School Graduates 84.63% 90.23% ---PAGE BREAK--- 9 Percent Four or More Years of College/Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 22.62% 25.54% Source: U.S. Census Bureau of Population, General Social and Economic Characteristics Population Projections The Census and Economic Information Center (CEIC), a department within the Montana Department of Commerce, released population projections for counties up to the year 2025. Yellowstone County is expected to grow an average of 1 percent per year. At this rate, the County population will reach approximately 137,990 by 2005; 145,880 by 2010; and 162,410 by 2020. The City of Billings is anticipating a growth rate of approximately 1.5 percent to 2.0 percent per year. Using the formula of 1.5 percent, we get the following population estimates for the Heights. Table 4: Population Projections Year Heights Population Projection 1990 17,840 2000 19,713 2005 21,237 2010 22,878 2015 24,646 2020 26,551 2025 28,692 This is only a projection, many factors known and unknown can determine actual population numbers Housing The following section discusses the household composition, or the characteristics of the residents of the Heights. The information in this section describes the number of people living in households, their income and the trends in household distribution. An inventory of existing housing units is presented along with information on the number and type of units and whether they are rented or owner-occupied. Table 5 illustrates a comparison of varying housing characteristics between Billings Heights, City of Billings and Yellowstone County. There are 2 significant statistics to review on this table; the first is the significant decrease in vacant housing units in all 3 areas (Heights, Billings and Yellowstone County). The second is the decrease in average household size. Table 5: Housing Characteristics – Billings Heights, Billings and Yellowstone County Billings Heights % Change Billings % Change Yellowstone County % Change Year 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 Housing Units 6,866 7,646 11.36% 35,964 39,293 9.26% 48,781 54,563 11.85% Median Year Built 1976 1978 1966 1970 1970 1973 Occupied Units 6,391 7,376 15.41% 33,181 37,525 13.12% 44,689 52,084 16.55% Table 3 Continued ---PAGE BREAK--- 10 Chart 2: Single Family Home Price Trends Heights East of Main Vacant Units 475 270 43.16% 2,783 1,768 36.47% 4,092 2,479 65.07% Owner- Occupied 4,341 5,286 21.77% 20,297 24,025 18.37% 29,371 36,026 22.66% Renter Occupied 2,050 2,090 1.95% 12,884 13,500 4.8% 15,318 16,058 4.83% Median Household Income $32,853 $44,970 36.88% $31,906 $35,147 37.08% $25,942 $36,727 41.57% Average Household Size 2.85 2.70 5.26% 2.39 2.32 2.92% 2.49 2.43 2.40% Source: U.S. Census Bureau of Profile of Selected Housing Characteristics The following 3 charts provide information on average and median home sale prices for the Heights. Graph 3 shows a comparison of median sales prices for housing in and around the Billings area. This information was provided by Howard Sumner Real Estate. $20,000.00 $40,000.00 $60,000.00 $80,000.00 $100,000.00 $120,000.00 $140,000.00 $160,000.00 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Average Sales Price Median Sales Price Table 5 Continued ---PAGE BREAK--- 11 Chart 3: Single Family Home Price Trends Heights West of Main Chart 4: Median Sales Price by Area of Town $20,000.00 $40,000.00 $60,000.00 $80,000.00 $100,000.00 $120,000.00 $140,000.00 $160,000.00 $180,000.00 $200,000.00 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Average Sales Price Median Sales Price $20,000.00 $40,000.00 $60,000.00 $80,000.00 $100,000.00 $120,000.00 $140,000.00 $160,000.00 $180,000.00 $200,000.00 Heights West Heights East Lockwood South Billings Downtown Northwest West Billings Laurel Shepherd Year 2004 Year 2003 ---PAGE BREAK--- 12 Planning Process In December 2003, the Billings City Council directed the Planning and Community Services Department to identify areas for the development and implementation of neighborhood plans. The selection process included reviewing natural boundaries, design boundaries (roads, etc.), and planning issues related to the proposed planning area. Census data, existing neighborhood plans, and future development plans were also reviewed. The Heights was the first neighborhood designated by the City Council to complete a neighborhood plan. On May 18, 2004, the Planning and Community Services Department hosted a Heights Neighborhood Planning Kickoff Meeting. Approximately 27 residents attended this meeting. Two days later, residents were invited back to establish a volunteer resident steering committee to work and prepare the plan. At this meeting a Chair, Co-chair, and secretary were appointed. The steering committee began holding meetings to discuss neighborhood planning and the process for completing the neighborhood plan. The steering committee also worked with city staff to develop a Heights web site to provide information on neighborhood planning as well as upcoming events. In the fall of 2004, a resident survey was released to ask residents their opinions on nine focus areas identified by the steering committee. Theses focus areas include: transportation, parks and recreation, public safety, housing, community facilities, economic development, utilities and infrastructure, schools and education, and land use and neighborhood character. The results of that survey can be found in the appendix. On January 18, 2005, the Heights Steering Committee hosted a community meeting to discuss the 9 focus areas at an open meeting. Thirty-four residents attended this meeting which included a presentation on survey results and what planning the steering committee had done to date. After that presentation, residents were asked to visit 9 different areas of the room which was set up to discuss a separate focus area. After about 45-minutes a representative from each group gave a brief presentation on what each group discussed. The information from the survey and the community meeting will directly assist the steering committee and city staff in the development of the neighborhood plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- 13 Neighborhood Issues, Goals and Actions Public Safety The Billings Heights is served by the City of Billings Police and Fire Departments. The Billings Police Department has recently restructured their district in order to better provide public safety services for the community. They have divided the city into two districts commanded by a captain and staffed by twelve sergeants and approximately 60 officers who are assigned for a full year. The district concept is designed to ease the communication and mutual problem solving strategies so often found in community policing philosophy. The Heights is located in the East District. The City of Billings Fire Department is staffed with 97 shift personnel (4 Battalion Chiefs, 27 captains, 27 Engineers, and 39 Firefighters), one Fire Chief, one Assistant Fire Chief, one Fire Marshall, one Assistant Fire Marshall, three Deputy Fire Marshals, one Training Officer, one Fire Maintenance Officer, two administrative personnel, and thirty-three Communications Center personnel. Department fire suppression equipment consists of six engines, one truck, three grass/wild land units, two water tenders, one hazardous materials response vehicle, one rescue vehicle, one breathing air van, one Battalion Chief/Incident Command vehicle and three reserve engines. The Department has a contractual agreement with the Billing Urban Fire Service Area (BUFSA) to provide the services. The Department also contracts equipment and manpower to the State Department of Natural Recourses for wildfire suppression in times of need. The Department also has mutual aid agreements with Cenex Refinery, Conoco Philips Refinery, Exxon Mobile Refinery, Lockwood Fire Department, Billings Logan International Airport Aircraft Rescue Firefighting, and the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department. Fire Station #6 - Heights ---PAGE BREAK--- 14 The Heights is also served by the Yellowstone County Disaster and Emergency Services Department. Disaster and Emergency Services or Emergency Management is an integrated effort to prevent or minimize the seriousness of emergencies and disasters; and to plan and coordinate the community's response to them should they occur. It requires establishing partnerships among professional emergency management personnel to prevent, respond to, and recover from disasters. Coordination is a key factor in establishing an emergency management program, and continual improvement saves lives and reduces losses from disasters. Public safety issues were discussed through steering committee meetings and during the community wide meetings. Issue: Access to new developments for Emergency Service Goal: Provide safety for residents and development as it occurs. To lower emergency response times by providing easy access to emergency vehicles. Objectives: Require through the subdivision process that new developments have sufficient access to and from the development. There is mounting concern as growth continues in the Heights that subdivision developments do not have multiple accesses for emergency purposes. As long cul-de- sacs continue to be a trend for development, multiple emergency accesses need to be required to ensure public safety. These cul-de-sacs and second accesses need to be constructed to accommodate the turning radius of large emergency vehicles. Actions: Update subdivision regulations to require second access. Evaluate the use of green easements to connect cul-de-sacs. Issue: Non-motorized transportation facilities Goal: Provide safe routes for pedestrians to travel between schools, parks, neighborhoods and other community facilities. Objectives: Safe walk-to-school routes. There is a perception that there are inadequate sidewalks and trails to allow for pedestrian walking and biking trails to school, parks and other community facilities. There is a need for trail corridors that allow access to schools, parks and other neighborhood by avoiding primary and secondary streets. These routes should provide a safe connection to schools and parks for children. Actions: Establish and periodically review safe walk-to-school routes. Ensure connectivity between developing subdivisions. Issue: Storm water drainage is inadequate in some locations of the Heights. Goal: Safer streets by preventing large standing puddles or fast moving water. ---PAGE BREAK--- 15 In areas where storm water drainage is unavailable or inadequate, large standing puddles or areas that tend to have fast flowing water need to be addressed to prevent a child from drowning, being injured or causing property damage. This also causes problems for cars, trucks and emergency vehicles and personnel. Objectives: To inventory and develop a list of areas where standing water and runoff is a problem. Develop a storm water plan and a process to mitigate this hazard. Actions: 1. Work with City Engineer’s Office to help develop a process for identifying and working a solution to these problem areas. This may be able to be accomplished through the completion of the Storm Water Drainage Plan that is being completed for the west side of the Heights. 2. Encourage the city to complete an updated Storm Water Plan for the east Heights. 3. Working through the Capital Improvement Plan process, identify time line to program improvements. 4. Promote the use of new technology to address storm water runoff and retention. Issue: Some areas in the Heights do not have adequate street lighting. Goal: Safer streets by providing adequate lighting. Objectives: To ensure proper street lighting in areas where lighting is deficient. Actions: 1. Review codes that pertain to street lighting. Work with the appropriate city departments to evaluate the current street lighting situation at key intersections or trouble areas of the Heights. 2. Through the establishment of a subcommittee of the Heights Task Force or Planning Steering Committee, complete a lighting survey through assistance from the city. 3. Promote architectural lighting and cut off lighting. ---PAGE BREAK--- 16 Transportation Transportation in the Heights can be a challenging experience for residents and visitors. Traffic issues are a large concern of the residents that live in the Heights and according to the survey completed by the steering committee, the two main traffic concerns in the Heights is traveling to and from the Heights, and local traffic and congestion within the Heights. A review of the City of Billings Capital Improvement Plan for year 2006 to 2011 includes several important transportation elements that will significantly address Heights congestion. Below is a chart that explains each transportation element. Project Description Estimate Year Amount Bench Blvd Connection (6th/Main to Lake Elmo Road) Estimated increase in construction and administration of project 2008 $12,000,000 Bench Boulevard Corridor (Lake Elmo Road to Hilltop) Project also includes $410,000 of sanitary sewer funding 2008 $17,000,000 Alkali Creek Road Improvements Additional Storm Sewer Funding 2006 $892,500 W. Wicks Lane and Governors/Gleneagles Intersection Improvements Design and Construction of intersection based on recommended intersection control 2006 $325,500 Lake Elmo Improvements Hansen Lane to Wicks Lane 2006 2007 2008 $228,375 $210,000 $2,264,050 Yellowstone River Road/Hawthorne Improvements 2006 $310,215 Aronson Avenue Extension Estimated increase in construction and administration of project and moved to 2006 with MDT’s reconstruction of Highway 312 2010 2011 $570,000 $3,499,500 Sierra Grande Blvd. Gleneagles to Amigo Dr. New street construction and new utility improvements 2010 2011 $63,000 $393,750 Alkali Creek Multi Use Trail – Metra to Senator 2011 $336,250 Lake Elmo Improvements Construct curb, gutter, sidewalks, bike lanes and storm drain features and street reconstruction between Hansen Lane and Wicks Lane 2006 2008 $210,000 $2,264,050 Annadale Road River Oak to Gleneagle 2007 $500,000 Airport Road Reconstruction 2006/2007 $18,000,000 Highway 312 Reconstruction – Hwy 87 to Dover Road 2005 $4,000,000 Inner Belt Loop Study Feasibility Study 2005 $35,000 North By-Pass Location/Environmental Study Ongoing $3,500,000 Swords Park Bike/Pedestrian Path 2005 $900,000 Total $67,502,190 Source: City Of Billings Capital Improvement Plan – FY 2006 to FY 2011 ---PAGE BREAK--- 17 Issue: Congestion Goal: Efficient, free-flowing arterial streets to improve mobility in the Heights. Objectives: Improved operating conditions (level of service) through efficient traffic signal operations. Reduced travel times on arterial facilities. Reduced fuel consumption, fuel omissions and pollution. Improve safety. Actions: Review signal operations, stripping, bicycle path stripping and parking and adjust where needed to ensure efficient flow of traffic. Issue: Route Connectivity Goal: Improve continuity of arterial routes within the Heights and between the Heights and other areas of the city. Objectives: Pursue implementation of arterial routes to connect the Heights to the remainder of the city. Plan to ensure connecting routes are not precluded by poorly planned development. Actions: Implement the Billings Urban Area Transportation Plan. Complete planning studies and other necessary studies prior to construction on the Inner Belt Loop, North Bypass, Aronson Avenue and Bench Boulevard. Issue: Non-motorized transportation facilities Goal: Increase extent and quality of non-motorized transportation facilities. Objectives: Pursue implementation of Heritage Trail in developed areas. Ensure development of Heritage Trail facilities in developing areas. Require adequate non- motorized circulation facilities with all new development and redevelopment. Establish and periodically review safe walk-to-school routes. Ensure public and impacted residents involvement during trail planning. Actions: Implement projects identified in the Heritage Trail Plan. Update subdivision regulations that encourage development of trails for connectivity. Issue: Safety Goal: Improve safety for motorized and non-motorized transportation facilities. Objectives: Identify existing safety concerns and review on a regular basis. Develop solution alternatives for safety problems. Prioritize implementation solutions. Actions: Complete transportation projects planned for the Heights. Implement the Heritage Trail Plan. Update subdivision regulations to include neighborhood connectivity through trails and pedestrian walk ways. ---PAGE BREAK--- 18 Issue: Planning for the future Goal: Employ sufficient development oversight to ensure feasibility of future transportation facility plans. Objectives: Reservation of necessary rights of way for future transportation facilities. Control access to ensure functionality and capacity of future arterial and collector streets. Actions: Implement long-range projects identified in the Billings Urban Area Transportation Plan. Issue: Traffic Planning Goal: To encourage traffic analysis as high density housing or large commercial development occurs. Employ sufficient development oversight to ensure feasibility of future transportation facility plans. Objectives: To ensure that development does not add to the existing traffic and transportation problems that the Heights experiences. Actions: Require Traffic Accessibility Studies for major subdivision developments (more than fifty lots). Airport Road/Main Street Intersection Main Street - Heights ---PAGE BREAK--- 19 Land Use As discussed earlier, the Heights include many of the city zoning classifications. From low density single family to high density multi-family, and commercial development, the Heights provides a variety of housing and shopping options. As part of the land use discussion, residents were asked at the community meeting to identify what they felt was the appropriate type of development, whether it be residential or commercial and at what intensity. They were also asked at meetings and through the survey what was their idea of appropriate land use. The majority of these residents answered that they would prefer a balanced community that offers a mix of housing, jobs, commerce, recreation, culture, and open space. A current land use and a preferred future land use map are included in Appendices C and D. Issue: Heights Commercial Nodes Goal: Prohibit high intensity commercial development in residential areas. Provide less intensive commercial development on arterial intersections within residential neighborhoods. Objectives: Maintain residential neighborhoods without the increased traffic associated with intense commercial development. Encourage light commercial development to provide services such as residential professional and neighborhood commercial at arterial intersections. Actions: Implement the preferred future land use map for the Heights Neighborhood Plan to guide development through zoning requests. Issue: Planning for the future Goal: To develop a land use plan along the main existing and future transportation corridors. Identify, prior to construction, the appropriate land use pattern for properties adjoining these routes. Objectives: To plan for the appropriate land use along main transportation routes. Establish development guidelines for potential residential, commercial and industrial developments. Actions: Complete a long range land use plan in conjunction with the development of future main transportation routes. Issue: Residential Development Goal: To provide safe, good quality and affordable housing in the Heights. Develop housing patterns that are compatible with existing neighborhoods. Encourage high density multi-family development along arterial routes. Maintain similar housing in established neighborhoods. ---PAGE BREAK--- 20 Objectives: To encourage infill development and housing development that meets residents’ desire to have similar housing within their neighborhood. Actions: Develop an incentive program to developers that will encourage infill development consistent with the surrounding neighborhood. Work with the Community Development Division to identify grants to develop a housing infill program. Issue: Main Street Corridor Revitalization Goal: To revitalize Main Street to increase and retain the commercial core of the Heights. Encourage improvements such as access redesign, signage, and landscaping to functionally and aesthetically improve Main Street. Incorporate safe pedestrian walkways along Main Street. Objectives: To encourage economic development through improvements to Main Street. Actions: Update the sign code regulations to reduce the size, height, direct lighting and clutter of signage. During future reconstruction plans for Main Street, incorporate safe pedestrian routes and implement landscaping requirements. Issue: County Islands Goal: To annex county property that is wholly surrounded by City services to provide city services to residents. Objectives: To encourage the annexation of county parcels into the City of Billings. Actions: Identify county parcels within the Heights and implement a program and timeline to annex county properties. Manufactured Home Development West Heights Housing Development ---PAGE BREAK--- 21 Community Facilities & Neighborhood Character According to the survey and community meetings, residents feel that the Heights does not have adequate community facilities. The residents state that there are not many facilities for community meetings, after school programs, receptions, social clubs, etc. Although residents generally feel that health care and senior services are adequately available in the Heights, there is expressed need for additional activities for seniors in the Heights. These activities included recreation, a centralized senior community center, and travel assistance. Respondents to the survey felt that youth were not adequately served. Residents feel that the youth of the Heights needed more recreational, entertainment and after school program opportunities in the Heights. When reviewing results of the survey, one question asked of residents was what the characteristics of a well-planned neighborhood are, the top 3 answers were that retail and commercial development have well designed architectural styles and landscape enhancements, offer pedestrian walkways and trails, and that housing developments have well designed architectural styles and landscape enhancements. Issue: Library Facilities Goal: Provide a branch of the Parmly Billings Library in the Heights. Objectives: To provide community service facility for residents of the Heights. Actions: Establish a committee to work with the Parmly Billings Library to complete a feasibility study for establishing a branch library in the Heights. Issue: Community Center Goal: Construct or acquire a community facility for activities and events in the Heights. Objectives: To provide all residents a facility to hold special events, activities, and meeting space. Actions: Establish a committee to work with the Billings Community Center and Friendship House to identify organizational and funding mechanisms. Establish communication with the Heights Fraternal Organizations, schools and medical facilities to potentially partner to establish a community center. Look to develop a partnership between public and private agencies. ---PAGE BREAK--- 22 Housing Between 1996 and 2003, there were approximately 942 new houses constructed in the Heights. That averages to approximately 135 per year. Recently, the Community Services Department completed an update to the Housing Needs Analysis for Billings. They identified and discussed 3 areas of housing needs: 1. Homeownership Needs – the prevailing concerns related to homeownership and the current housing stock are: • Affordability and other financial barriers to homeownership • Difficulty of paying for needed repairs • Increasing cost of construction and infrastructure 2. Rental Needs – The critical concerns related to rental housing identified were: • Affordability • Condition • Rental deposits and application fees 3. Special Needs – Special needs populations include the elderly, disabled, and homeless populations. • Mail survey respondents cited the elderly as one of the top four groups of people in the community with the greatest unmet housing need. • Overall community members and respondent indicated that accessible housing for persons with a disability were well met. However, the low income status of these households make affordability a critical issue. • The agency serving persons with HIV/AIDS indicated that quality, affordable housing is not available for this group. Many are low income, have poor credit, and must deal with the stigma of the disease and the resulting discrimination. • According to HRDC (Housing Resource Development Council) case managers, from June 1, 2003 through May 31, 2004, 728 homeless persons were served. This included 157 individuals, and 190 families made up of 264 adults, and 307 children. Finding shelter for the homeless is a growing problem. There are many nights that all the emergency shelter beds are full. In order to find shelter, case managers must often physically visit the shelters and convince them to take another person. It is interesting to note that results from the Billings Heights Survey indicate that 92 percent of respondents strongly or moderately agreed that a variety of housing types, prices and densities should be provided in the Heights. However, 58 percent of respondents indicated that they would prefer to see development of similar housing types, prices and densities in their own neighborhood. ---PAGE BREAK--- 23 Issue: Urban Sprawl Goal: Encourage infill housing. Objectives: To preserve and conserve resources and curb urban sprawl. Actions: Develop an incentive program to developers that will encourage infill development. Work with the Community Development Division to identify grants to develop a housing infill program. Work with the City of Billings Public Utility Department to develop incentives to create affordable infill housing. Issue: Future Housing Planning Goal: To provide housing and commercial development compatible with existing development. To meet residents preferred vision of the Heights. Objectives: Identify areas of vacant areas where infill development could occur. Identify appropriate types and densities of development. Actions: Complete a future land use map. Adopt the Heights Neighborhood Plan as part of the City/County Growth Policy Good new housing development Unattractive housing development ---PAGE BREAK--- 24 Parks & Recreation Billings has 47 developed parks that total 595 acres and another 2001 acres of undeveloped, natural park areas. Many of the parks have facilities such as playgrounds, horseshoe pits, basketball courts, athletic fields, spraygrounds, covered shelter areas and much more. In the Heights there are approximately 13 parks. Below is a list of those parks with their individual amenities. Arrowhead—Crow Lane & Blackfoot Street. Little League field, horseshoe courts, playground, irrigated, picnic sites, shelter, softball and baseball field. A multiple-use park situated in a high density residential area. 3 acres. Castle Rock—Wicks Lane & Nutter Blvd. Multi-use play field area, soccer, football, 3 open ball fields, playground, 4 tennis courts, restrooms, picnic area. 25 acres. Clevenger—Bench Blvd. & Radford Lane. Semi-developed Little League Park. Softball/baseball fields. 8 acres. Edgerton—Norris Court in Kimberly Heights. Basketball Court, playground, picnic shelter, horseshoe pits. 6 acres. Frances Park—Burning Tree Drive. Playground. Hawthorne—Janie St. & Columbine Drive. Picnic sites, shelter, restrooms, playground, soccer/football/rugby field and wading pool. 3.7 acres. High Sierra—West End of Wicks Lane. Softball/baseball fields. 24 acres. Lake Elmo—183.4 acre State Park. Meadowlark Heights Park—Cody & Covert. Natural Wet Lands. Pow Wow Park—Judicial Lane. Natural Park. Primrose—Reece & Galaway Drive. Picnic area, playground, ballfield. 3.5 acres Swords/Black Otter Trail—Airport Road. Natural park Two Moon Park – 150.6 acres. Classified as a regional park The City of Billings prepares a Capital Improvement Plan and program to identify future Capital Improvements and identify future capital improvements. Capital improvements are divided into several categories including Administration/Finance, Airport, Fire, Library, Parking, Parks, Planning, Public Works Engineering, Public Works Solid Waste, Public Works Street Traffic, Public Works Utility, Transit, Equipment Replacement Program, and Technology Replacement Program. ---PAGE BREAK--- 25 A list of the capital improvements identified for parks in the Heights is listed below. Proposed CIP Project Description Estimate Year Amount ADA Compliance – Edgerton & Sacajawea Park Remodel existing building and restrooms to meet ADA accessibility requirements 2006 $50,000 Playground – Primrose Park Year 6 project to renovate the playground to meet all current safety guidelines and ADA accessibility requirements. It will add to the minimal playground equipment in the park and replace unserviceable pieces 2007 $75,000 Playground Safety Surfacing Compliance – Castle Rock Install proper playground safety surfacing to complete the playgrounds 2009 $140,000 (includes 7 parks total) Castle Rock Park 3 Season Picnic Facility Add large group 3 season picnic facility in the ease end adjacent to the parking lot 2009 $205,000 Castle Rock Park Spraypad Install spray pad for Billings Heights 2006 $218,000 Swords Park/Black Otter Trail Development Complete the development and restoration of Swords/Black Otter Trail as outlined in the recently adopted Master Plan 2007 $1,600,000 Heights Aquatic Facility Construction of seasonal family aquatic center 2007 $4,750,000 Total $7,038,000 Undeveloped Park Land Developed Park – Arrowhead Park - Heights ---PAGE BREAK--- 26 Issue: Trail Connections Goal: To create pedestrian/bike trails to link parks and recreational facilities together. Objectives: Identify needed trail links and identify priority and funding mechanisms. Actions: Implement Heritage Trail Plan. Issue: Park Amenities Goal: To provide a picnic shelter for park visitors for activities and events. Objectives: Construct a picnic shelter in Castle Rock prior to 2009. Provide amenities that target a variety of age groups. Actions: Work with Parks, Recreation and Public Lands (PRPL) to identify actions to move the picnic shelter project up in the CIP (Capital Improvement Program) timeline. Issue: Park Safety Goal: To ensure parks are adequately signed for pedestrian safety. Objectives: Identify park areas that are signed to evaluate the need for identification or speed signage. Actions: Review current park signage protocol. Implement a park directional sign system. Issue: Lack of Recreational Facilities Goal: To provide a variety of recreational activities and facilities to Heights residents. Objectives: Develop facilities which could be multi-functional for a variety of sports, i.e. baseball, softball, football, and soccer. Actions: Develop a multi-use recreational complex, i.e. baseball, softball, soccer and football fields. Establish this facility in relationship to an existing school site such as Castle Rock Middle School or Skyview High School. Issue: Pool Additions and Improvements Goals: To provide recreational activities to all Billings residents and visitors. Bike Path - Heights ---PAGE BREAK--- 27 Objectives: Improve existing pool facilities. Construct a family aquatic center in the Heights. Actions: Implement the construction of a Heights Aquatic Center identified in the adopted FY2006 – FY20011 Capital Improvement Plan. Natural Trail ---PAGE BREAK--- 28 Schools & Education The Billings public school district is two separate and distinct school districts operating under a unified board of trustees. The elementary district serves students in grades preschool through eighth grade. It is organized into 24 elementary (K-6) schools and four middle schools In addition, it is organized into three comprehensive four year high schools, one career center and one adult education center. The first school opened in Billings on September 17, 1883 with an enrollment of fifty six pupils. Since then, the school system has increased in enrollment many times with current enrollment at more than 16,000 students. In the Heights there are 5 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school. When Beartooth Elementary School closed in 2003, it became home to Young Families Early Head Start. This program offers teen parents an opportunity to stay in school and provides quality daycare for infants and toddlers. Below is a listing of the schools and their location. Elementary Address Alkali Creek 681 Alkali Creek Road Bench 505 Milton Road Bitterroot 1801 Bench Boulevard Eagle Cliffs 1201 Kootenai Sandstone 1440 Nutter Boulevard Independent 2907 Roundup Road Middle School Castle Rock 1441 Governor’s Boulevard High School Skyview High 1775 High Sierra Boulevard Head Start Beartooth 1345 Elaine Residents were asked in the citizen survey what they believe is the number one issue facing schools in the Heights. The respondents felt that the school districts’ inability to respond to the needs of changing demographics was the number one issue. Other issues that received a high response rate by residents included the inadequate funding for new buildings and renovation of existing buildings, and overcrowding. Issue: Communication Goal: To educate and inform Heights residents on projects, future plans and discussions held by School District To inform the School District on concerns, questions and recommendations residents have concerning education in the Heights. Objectives: To keep an open line of communication between Heights residents and School District Actions: The Heights Neighborhood Task Force during their meetings request an update and report from a School Board Representative to inform and educate residents at the Task Force’s regular meetings. ---PAGE BREAK--- 29 Issue: Overcrowding Goal: To ensure adequate facilities meet regulated education standards for students. Objectives: Develop a long range facilities plan for updating and repairing existing educational facilities. This plan should address the additional growth in the Heights and the impact on elementary schools. Actions: Encourage School District #2 hire and maintain a facilities planner. Encourage the school district to actively participate in the planning process. Issue: Education Goal: To offer students smaller learning centers and vocational opportunities. Objectives: Create “School within a School Program”. Develop learning centers similar to the Lincoln Center for freshman. Expand the career center to assist those students who do not have the desire or means to attend college to receive career training in the vocational field. Actions: Develop a Freshman Academy and a Career Center in the Heights. Issue: Un-maintained Vacant School District Property Goal: To maintain vacant school district property. Objectives: To eliminate noxious weeds and insect infestation promoted by un- maintained vacant school district property. Actions: Develop a maintenance program for vacant property. Castle Rock Middle School ---PAGE BREAK--- 30 Economic Development As stated earlier, the Heights includes all classes of commercial zoning. These zoning classification include low intensity Residential Professional to high intensity Highway Commercial. Currently there are no industrial zones in the Heights. According to the citizen survey completed, 51 percent of resident state that they cannot shop for most of their retail purchases in the Heights. Eighty-eight percent of residents state that there are not adequate entertainment or restaurant options in the Heights. When comments were reviewed, most residents expressed a desire for more family restaurant options and a movie theater. When residents were asked if they would like to work in the Heights, 77 percent agreed they would like to work in the Heights. An examination of the types of businesses located in the Heights is represented in the chart below. As shown on the chart, general contractors make up 33 percent of the business classifications. BILLINGS HEIGHTS BUSINESS CLASSIFICATIONS Contractors; 30% Miscellaneous; 19% Retail Sales; 15% Restraunt/Food; 5% Auto Business/Service; 2% Bank/Loan Agencies; 2% Liquor/Casino/Paw n; 2% Wholesale & Distributors; 1% General Business; 1% Mobile Home Courts; 1% Professional & Studios; 1% Manufacturing; 0% Hotels/Motels; 0% Schools; 0% Service; 21% Contractors Service Miscellaneous Retail Sales Restraunt/Food Auto Business/Service Bank/Loan Agencies Liquor/Casino/Pawn Wholesale & Distributors General Business Mobile Home Courts Professional & Studios Manufacturing Hotels/Motels Schools ---PAGE BREAK--- 31 Issue: Lack of Organized Marketing of Business to the Heights Goal: Form a Heights Business Group Objectives: To inform Heights residents on what businesses exist in the Heights. Provide business owners an opportunity to voice concerns in issues affecting their future, i.e. proactive vs. reactive. To lessen the impact on existing businesses by future business development. Actions: Develop a list of businesses in the Heights in order to maintain a contact list or potentially a Business District Directory. Develop a survey of these businesses to gauge interest in developing Heights Business Group. Contact the local business groups located in the Heights to assist in the development of this Heights Business Group. Issue: Fiber Optic/Infrastructure Improvements Goal: Attract new businesses and corporations. Objectives: Provide the necessary technology and infrastructure to new businesses and corporations. Upgrade existing fiber optic, communications and infrastructure. Actions: Contact the existing companies that oversee current fiber optic, communications and infrastructure and promote future upgrades or plans for new lines. Issue: Lack of Financial Incentives to Attract New Business Goal: Attract new businesses and corporations. Objectives: Provide financial incentives such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to attract new businesses and corporations. The area north of Wicks Lane is a prime development corridor that could provide essential services to the Heights. Increase business opportunities for the Heights as future bypass connections are constructed. Encourage high quality development guidelines to ensure organized growth and development of businesses. Occupy and redevelop vacant buildings. Actions: Request the City Council for a study of the feasibility of developing a TIF district in the Heights. Issue: Access to Business in the Heights Goal: Provide residents/visitors easier physical access to businesses and services in the Heights. Objectives: Provide easier access to existing businesses on Main Street. Provide alternate routes for traffic that will lessen the intensity of the existing traffic on Main Street allowing smoother traffic operations to gain access to businesses. Create jobs and contribute to the economy of the Heights as the North Bypass corridor develops. This corridor will spur new business development looking for access to the bypass. ---PAGE BREAK--- 32 Actions: Review the access study completed by the Montana Department of Transportation for Main Street. Review recommendations and determine if the recommendations are feasible to implement. Issue: Lack of Small and Medium Business Goal: To attract small and medium businesses to the Heights. To promote “life to work” concept where people work close to or within walking distance of their homes. Objectives: To develop an active marketing campaign targeting small and medium businesses to establish or invest in a Heights location. To encourage the construction of attractive office buildings with the infrastructure to support starter businesses and small and medium established businesses. Actions: Inventory vacant commercial buildings or potential commercial lots for infill development. Develop a brochure to distribute to the Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Realtors to market the Heights for business opportunities that gives a variety of information such as economic census data, availability of buildings or lots and site development. Issue: Main Street Aesthetics Goal: To provide aesthetically appealing business and streetscape development in the Heights. Objectives: Create aesthetically appealing business and commercial corridors. Actions: Review and update the city site development code for landscaping. Update the city sign code. Encourage more streetscape design during reconstruction projects on the main transportation routes. Vacant Kmart Site ---PAGE BREAK--- 33 Infrastructure Infrastructure development is a critical piece in determining how and where development can occur. The main source for water in the Heights is through the City of Billings Public Works Department. The Billings Heights Water District purchases water from the city for distribution within areas of the Heights. Heights wastewater is treated through the City of Billings. There are several county islands within the Heights which have onsite water and septic systems. The city also provides storm drainage services to the Heights. Issue: Public Health, Safety and Welfare Goal: To prohibit dead-end water and sewer service lines. Objectives: To promote resident health, safety and welfare. Actions: Where feasible require development to install water main service lines that create connectivity to new and existing developments. Issue: Infill Development Goal: To utilize existing infrastructure services. To market and encourage developers to access City programs that assist with construction fees to encourage infill development. Objectives: Encourage infill development to access existing infrastructure development. Actions: Develop an incentive program to developers to encourage infill development. Heights Water District Office ---PAGE BREAK--- 34 Appendices ---PAGE BREAK--- 35 Appendix A Maps ---PAGE BREAK--- 36 Map 1A ---PAGE BREAK--- 37 Map 2A ---PAGE BREAK--- 38 Map 3A ---PAGE BREAK--- 39 Map 4A ---PAGE BREAK--- 40 Map 5A ---PAGE BREAK--- 41 Map 6A ---PAGE BREAK--- 42 Map 7A ---PAGE BREAK--- 43 Map 8A ---PAGE BREAK--- 44 Appendix B Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 45 BILLINGS HEIGHTS – RESIDENT/BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS LAND USE 1. Select one choice below that would best describe your vision about what the Heights should be in the future: 157 o A balanced community that offers a mix of housing, jobs, commerce, recreation, culture and open space 146 or 93% o A center of employment that offers jobs to local residents and surrounding region 5 or 3% o A center of recreational opportunities 4 or 2% o A center of activities for my family and me 0 o Other (describe in your own words) 4 or 2% See comment sheet 2. What type of growth should be planned for the Heights? 153 o Residential (housing) 8 or 5% o Commercial (business and retail services) 23 or 15% o Industrial (technology/business centers and manufacturing) 2 or 1% o Combination of all of the above 120 or 78% 3. Where should growth occur in the Heights area? 157 o Anywhere without consideration of infrastructure or environmental impacts 7 or 4% o Anywhere with consideration of infrastructure or environmental impacts 126 or 80% o Directly adjacent or within existing development (infill) 23 or 15% o No growth should occur 1 or 1% INFRASTRUCTURE 1. Describe your perceptions about the City/County’s ability to provide the following infrastructure systems to the Heights: (one answer for each system) Water: 162 o Good, reliable, adequate 105 or 65% o Needs some improvement 36 or 22% o Major deficiencies 11 or 7% o No opinion 10 or 6% Sewer: 159 o Good, reliable, adequate 102 or 64% o Needs some improvement 36 or 23% o Major deficiencies 7 or 4% o No opinion 14 or 9% Storm Drainage: 162 o Good, reliable, adequate 38 or 23% o Needs some improvement 86 or 53% o Major deficiencies 27 or 17% o No opinion 11 or 7% ---PAGE BREAK--- 46 COMMUNITY FACILITIES 1. Would you use a branch library in the Heights? 158 o Yes 102 or 65% o No 56 or 35% 2. Would you use a community center in the Heights? 157 o Yes 102 or 65% o No 55 or 35% 3. I believe that the Heights has adequate health care facilities. 161 o Strongly agree 56 or 35% o Moderately agree 88 or 55% o Moderately disagree 12 or 7% o Strongly disagree 2 or 1% o No opinion 3 or 2% 4. Are senior services adequate in the Heights? 161 o Yes, senior services are adequate 25 or 15% o No. If not, what are the programs and facilities most needed by Heights’ seniors? 64 or 40% 112 choices made, percentages based on number of choices made o Activities and recreation 22 or 20% o A centralized senior community center 41 or 36% o Assisted resident care 25 or 22% o Travel assistance 22 or 20% o Other (please name) 2 or 2% See comment sheet o No opinion 72 or 45% 5. Are the Heights’ youth adequately served? 161 o Yes, youth are adequately served 12 or 7% o No. If not, what programs and facilities are most needed by Heights’ youth? 123 or 76% 322 choices made, percentages based on number of choices made o Entertainment 91 or 28% o Recreation 94 or 29% o Day-care 19 or 6% o Before/After school programs 59 or 18% o Service/volunteer 27 or 8% o Substance abuse resistance education 23 or 7% o Other (please name) 9 or 3% See comment sheet o No opinion 26 or 16% NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER 1. What are the characteristics of a well-planned development? Select all that apply. 158 551 choices made, percentages based on the number of choices made o Housing design (architectural styles and landscape enhancements) 101 or 18% o Retail/commercial design (architectural styles and landscape enhancements) 113 or 20% o Pedestrian-oriented commercial centers 71 or 13% o Mixes of housing types and densities 70 or 13% ---PAGE BREAK--- 47 o Pedestrian walkways and trails 107 or 19% o Availability of schools 80 or 15% o Other (please describe) 9 or 2% See comment sheet 2. I believe that the Heights should have consistent standards and development policies. 158 o Strongly agree 80 or 51% o Moderately agree 66 or 42% o Moderately disagree 5 or 3% o Strongly disagree 1 or o No opinion 6 or 4% 3. I believe that those standards and development policies should be set: 152 o Higher than what is currently in use 86 or 57% o Same as what is currently in use 56 or 37% o Lower than what is currently in use 10 or 6% ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 1. I can shop for most retail purchases in the Heights. 159 o Strongly agree 11 or 7% o Moderately agree 65 or 41% o Moderately disagree 45 or 28% o Strongly disagree 37 or 23% o No opinion 1 or 1% 2. I believe that there are adequate entertainment/restaurant options for the Heights. 160 o Strongly agree 2 or 1% o Moderately agree 17 or 11% o Moderately disagree 57 or 36% o Strongly disagree 83 or 52% o No opinion 1 or 3. I would like to work in the Heights. 160 o Strongly agree 76 or 48% o Moderately agree 46 or 29% o Moderately disagree 6 or 4% o Strongly disagree 4 or 2% o No opinion 28 or 17% SCHOOLS/EDUCATION 1. I believe the number one issue facing schools in the Heights is: 157 o Overcrowding 32 or 20% o Inability to respond to needs of changing demographics 42 or 27% o Busing 8 or 5% o Inadequate funding for new buildings and renovation 37 or 23% o Inadequate funding for educational programs 6 or 4% ---PAGE BREAK--- 48 o Location of elementary schools 6 or 4% o Other (please name) 26 or 17% See comment sheet HOUSING 1. I believe that a variety of housing types should be provided in the Heights as a whole, offering opportunities for families, singles, and the young and old at a range of housing prices and densities. 159 o Strongly agree 93 or 58% o Moderately agree 54 or 34% o Moderately disagree 8 or 5% o Strongly disagree 2 or 1% o No opinion 2 or 1% 2. Within my immediate neighborhood, I prefer to see: 158 o Development of similar housing types, sizes and price ranges 91 or 58% o Development of different housing types, sizes and price ranges 13 or 8% o Development of mixed housing types, sizes and price ranges 31 or 19% o No opinion 23 or 15% PUBLIC SAFETY 1. I believe that the Heights is adequately served by its Law Enforcement Departments. 159 o Agree 74 or 47% o Disagree, improvements are needed 61 or 38% o Don’t know 24 or 15% 2. I believe that the Heights is adequately served by its Fire Department. 154 o Agree 103 or 67% o Disagree, improvements are needed 24 or 16% o Don’t know 27 or 17% PARKS & RECREATION 1. I would like to see multi-purpose parks developed and integrated with public school facilities for both students and the surrounding neighborhood. 159 o Strongly agree 79 or 50% o Moderately agree 63 or 40% o Moderately disagree 9 or 6% o Strongly disagree 4 or 2% o No opinion 4 or 2% 2. The three most important facilities needed at parks in the Heights are: 158 442 choices made, percentages based on the number of choices made o Passive green areas 62 or 14% o Athletic fields and courts 50 or 11% o Swimming pools 100 or 23% o Sprayground/wading pools 57 or 13% o Playground equipment 19 or 4% o Multi-purpose indoor facilities 65 or 15% o Picnic facilities 46 or 10% o Golf facilities 1 or ---PAGE BREAK--- 49 o Nature observation 19 or 4% o Equestrian facilities 7 or 2% o Outdoor gathering spaces (i.e. Amphitheater) 16 or 4% 3. I would prefer: 153 o More small neighborhood parks 30 or 20% o Larger community parks 29 or 19% o Both 78 or 51% o No opinion 16 or 10% TRANSPORTATION 1. The two most significant transportation issues in the Heights are: 156 277 choices made, percentages based on the number of choices made o Local traffic and congestion for travel within the Heights 97 or 35% o Traveling to and from the Heights 132 or 48% o Inner Heights connections 17 or 6% o Lack of public transit options 11 or 4% o Lack of non-motorized access areas 13 or 4% o Other (please specify) 7 or 3% See comment sheet 2. Do you use MET Transit? 157 o Yes, I use it regularly 5 or 3% o Yes, I use it but it needs improvement 2 or 1% o No, I use other transportation 150 or 96% 3. Rank your priorities for the following transportation projects. a. Aronson Avenue extension (to Alkali Creek Road) 149 o High Priority 54 or 36% o Low Priority 95 or 64% b. Bench Boulevard extension to 4th/6th Avenues North 149 o High Priority 108 or 72% o Low Priority 41 or 28% c. Inner Belt Loop (Wicks Lane extension to Montana Highway 3) 160 o High Priority 96 or 60% o Low Priority 64 or 40% d. North Bypass (Main Street to Montana Highway 3 connection) 155 o High Priority 81 or 52% o Low Priority 74 or 48% e. Northeast Bypass (Main Street to I-90 connection) 148 o High Priority 114 or 77% o Low Priority 34 or 23% f. Annadale Road and Sierra Granda Boulevard extensions (alternate access to Sky View High School) 148 o High Priority 80 or 54% ---PAGE BREAK--- 50 o Low Priority 68 or 46% g. Other 8 or 5% See comment sheet MISCELLANEOUS 1. What kind of neighborhood do you live in? 161 o Single-family 128 or 80% o Condo/duplex/town home 9 or 6% o Apartment 6 or 3% o Mobile Home 3 or 2% o Other (please identify) 15 or 9% See comment sheet 2. Please tell us about yourself. (Select all that apply) 157 206 choices made, percentages based on the number of choices made o I am a resident of the Heights and own my home 121 or 59% o I am a resident of the Heights and rent my home 10 or 5% o I own a business in the Heights 29 or 14% o I work in the Heights area, but do not live here 9 or 4% o I work and live in the Heights 37 or 18% 3. Please tell us how long you have lived in the Heights area: 162 o Less than one year 9 or 5% o 1 – 5 years 30 or 19% o 6 – 10 years 32 or 20% o More than 10 years 91 or 56% 4. What age group do you belong to? 160 o 18 – 29 14 or 9% o 30 – 39 31 or 19% o 40 – 49 43 or 27% o 50 – 59 43 or 27% o 60+ 29 or 18% ---PAGE BREAK--- 51 Heights Neighborhood Survey Comments Land Use: Land Use: Vision – all of the above Land Use Mostly retail – restaurants Land Use Residential and commercial areas separated – no gas stations on every corner Land Use Need more retail (clothing/grocery) Land Use You let Wal Mart in Land Use Other – all of the above, more family style restaurants and a movie theater Infrastructure Community Facilities Community Services: Youth/other – Movie Theater, Bowling Alley Community Facilities Need same day or out patient surgery center Community Facilities Other – Community Center Community Facilities No/Other – Swimming Pool Community Facilities Other – Movie theaters that does not show R-rated movies. Public pool Community Facilities Other – need more R-rated movies at Skyview Community Facilities Other – senior housing facilities (like on West end) Community Facilities Other – no opinion, what do the seniors say? Community Facilities Other – movie theater, bowling alley Community Facilities Other – so many of our youth are into computers. Lets do something to curb vandalism Community Facilities Other – Movie Theater Community Facilities Other – a pool facility is BADLY needed in the Heights Community Facilities Other - Library, shopping Community Facility Other – Need a YMCA branch and a movie theater Neighborhood Character Neighborhood Character: Easy access medical facilities/clinics and a restaurant offering breakfast for those of us who enjoy going out for breakfast after church or on other occasions. ---PAGE BREAK--- 52 Neighborhood Character: Do no like mailbox post in the middle of the sidewalk (on Lake Elmo Road – Stupid!) Neighborhood Character: Recreation facilities (something besides casinos). Neighborhood Character: Billings does not have consistent policies Neighborhood Character: Not familiar with current policies Neighborhood Character More eating establishments Neighborhood Character We need to clean up lots that are full of junk all over the Heights. Neighborhood Character No apartments and trailers Neighborhood Character Other – Affordability Neighborhood Character Other – Limits of speed in areas (need to review on regular basis), lower limits and enforce. Example: Main Street, 35 mph, everyone drives 45-50, plus 1 death, how many OWI’s etc. Neighborhood Character Other – Clear community development with clear housing districts Neighborhood Character Other – Easy access medical facilities/clinics and restaurants Neighborhood Character Other – Traffic management Neighborhood Character Other – Bike trails Neighborhood Character Other – Bicycle or light rail Neighborhood Character Other – Plenty of schools, lets keep them open!! Economic Development Economic Development Need family type restaurant Economic Development: We need restaurants, other than casinos and fast food Economic Development Wal Mart killed our local business Economic Development No clothing places Economic Development Quality buffet with meeting rooms needed Economic Development Need family restaurant, IHOP/Perkins Schools/Education Schools: Don’t know. Schools: We have good schools. Schools: Very dissatisfied with trustees in School District Schools: Why travel to Daylis Stadium when Skyview has a football field already? ---PAGE BREAK--- 53 Education: I think the Heights needs its own district Education: Should re-open Beartooth school School: Internal bureaucracy Schools: To top heavy for schools Education: Other – nothing Education: Other – Transportation (i.e. Roads and public transportation in and out of the Heights) Education: Other – Traffic Education: Other – Are we thinking ahead so problems facing other area now, won’t affect us in the future? Schools: Need morals/conduct code for all educators. Educator accountability/parental notification/written permission for any R-rated material shown in class. Always offer alternatives – no penalty Schools: Other – Lack of moral leadership on school board and administration School: Other – Skyview staff is an unhealthy system (a closed system) that is harmful to the students Education: Other – X-rated movies, nudity movies, immoral teachers in High School Schools: Other – Safety, have you ever stood at the corner of Governors? Schools: Other – Future expansion plans. Boards lack of sensible funding, not enough on schools, too much on administration. We need to return to the neighborhood school program, no bussing, a waste of tax payers money. Schools: Other – Combination of the above Schools: Other – No comment Schools: Other – No opinion Schools: Other – closing elementary schools was a big mistake Housing Housing Other – We need more high quality patio housing (single-level). Smaller lots/condo style grounds care, for older couples down sizing from large family homes Public Safety Parks and Recreation Parks: Develop existing parks (x2) Parks Have enough parks, do better job of maintaining them, more picnic tables and kids swings, etc. Parks And just develop them, there are designated areas set up for parks already but not followed up on. Parks Conflicts arise during hours of school operation ---PAGE BREAK--- 54 Parks 1 major park in the Heights that is fully developed Parks Other – Integrated multi-purpose trail network adequately take care of whatever. Parks Other – Dog Park Parks Other – Allow dogs Parks Other – Playgrounds which include more than swings, paved walkway for stroller, disabled etc. Transportation Transportation: Need better roads to enter and exit the Heights. Transportation Lake Elmo to Wicks to Main Transportation: Connection, Hilltop, Yellowstone River Road to I-90 near old Wongs Café. (x2) Transportation Need Main Street to tie into I-90 at the south end. New interchange between Lockwood and 27th Street Transportation By-pass so as through north traffic doesn’t enter Heights Transportation In 10 years Heights traffic problems will be a disaster – if the current traffic routes are not addressed and changed. It will take serious thought and superb planning with lots of money to solve this problem. Transportation: #3 Other – Metra to Main Street to Wicks to Nutter to Governors to Wicks to Main to Metra Transportation Other – Yellowstone River Road to Lockwood Transportation Other – Main Street speeds at this rate is just going to get more people killed Transportation Need alternate route for Main Transportation Other – stop light at intersection of 312 and Roundup Road Transportation Other – Wicks connection to Zimmerman Trail Transportation Other – improve/widen Bench from Wicks to extension to 4th/6th Avenue North Transportation Other – Increase in and ease of transportation for seniors Transportation Other – No bike trails on Main Transportation Other – The traffic to and from is HORRIBLE! Transportation Other – MET needs to meet the hours of work Transportation Other – Airport Road, widen to 4 lanes and intersection improvements at Airport Road and 27th Transportation Other – Bypass loop has been put on hold since May, this needs to be addressed ---PAGE BREAK--- 55 Transportation Other – Castle Rock school congestion, stop light at Wicks and Governors for Skyview kids Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Mixed, single-family, apartments, trailers. Miscellaneous Rural setting (x2) Miscellaneous: I think the Heights needs some nice restaurants, more retail (technology or lumber yards) and traffic relief on Main Street Miscellaneous Live in single-family but have all in neighborhood Miscellaneous Single-family with some duplexes mixed in Miscellaneous Other – Mixed commercial/residential, established quiet single-family units Miscellaneous Other – Don’t’ live in Heights Miscellaneous Moved from west end where we lived 23 years Miscellaneous Other – Single family and duplex Miscellaneous Other – mixed Miscellaneous Other – Rural subdivision Miscellaneous Other – Please do not call, email or contact me ---PAGE BREAK--- 56 Appendix C Present Land Use Map ---PAGE BREAK--- 57 58 ---PAGE BREAK--- 58 Appendix D Future Preferred Land Use Map ---PAGE BREAK--- 59 ---PAGE BREAK--- 60 Appendix E Executive Summary of Goals ---PAGE BREAK--- BILLINGS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN ISSUES AND GOALS 61 Public Safety Goal Actions Responsible Party Contact Time Frame 1. Access to new developments for Emergency Service Provide resident safety, lower emergency response time 1. Update subdivision regulations 2. Evaluate the use of green easements to connect cul-de-sacs 1. Planning & Community Services Department 1. Aura Subdivision Coordinator [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 2. Non-motorized transportation facilities Provide safe routes for pedestrians to travel between schools, parks, neighborhoods and other community facilities 1. Establish and periodically review and update safe walk-to school routes. Ensure connectivity between developing subdivisions 1.City Engineering Division 1. Vern Heisler, City Engineer [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 3. Some areas in the Heights do not have adequate street lighting To ensure proper street lighting in areas where lighting is deficient. 1. Review codes that pertain to street lighting 2. Identify key intersections to evaluate current lighting 3. Promote architectural lighting and cut off lighting where it meets residential areas 1. Heights Task Force 2. City Engineering Division 3. City Police Department 1. Chair, Heights Task Force [PHONE REDACTED] 2. Terry Smith, Traffic Engineer [PHONE REDACTED] 3. Rich St. John, Police Chief [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 4. Storm water drainage is inadequate in some locations of the Heights Safer streets by preventing large standing puddles or fast moving water. 1. Through collaboration with the City Engineering Division, identify those areas of inadequate storm drainage 2. Update the storm water master plan for the east Heights 3. Through CIP process, identify timeline to implement storm water master plan 4. Promote the use of new technology to address runoff and retention 1.City Engineering Division 1. Vern Heisler, City Engineer [PHONE REDACTED] 3 – 8 years ---PAGE BREAK--- BILLINGS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN ISSUES AND GOALS 61 Transportation Goal Actions Responsible Party Contact Time Frame 1. Congestion Efficient and improved mobility 1. Review signal operations 2. Review road and bicycle striping 3. Review parking striping 1. City Engineering Division 2. Montana Department of Transportation 1. Terry Smith, Traffic Engineer [PHONE REDACTED] 2. Bruce Barrett, MDT Billings District Manager [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 2. Route Connectivity Improved route continuity 1. Implement Transportation Plan 2. Complete planning studies 1. Planning & Community Services Department 2. City Engineering Division 1. Scott Walker, Transportation Planner [PHONE REDACTED] 2. Vern Heisler, City Engineer [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 3. Traffic Planning Ensure sufficient future traffic routes 1. Require Traffic Accessibility Studies for major developments 1. City Engineering Division 2. Montana Department of Transportation 1.Terry Smith, Traffic Engineer [PHONE REDACTED] 2. Bruce Barrett, MDT Billings District Manager [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 4. Non-motorized Transportation Facilities Increase the amount and quality of non- motorized transportation facilities 1. Implement projects identified in the Heritage Trail Plan 2. Update subdivision regulations to address trail connectivity 1. Planning & Community Services Department 2. City Engineering Division 1. Darlene Tussing, Alternative Modes Coordinator [PHONE REDACTED] 2. Vern Heisler, City Engineer [PHONE REDACTED] 3 – 8 years 5. Safety Improved safety for motorized and non- motorized transportation facilities 1. Complete scheduled transportation projects 2. Update subdivision regulations to connect neighborhoods through trails and pedestrian walk ways 1. City Engineering Division 2. Montana Department of Transportation 1. Vern Heisler, City Engineer [PHONE REDACTED] 2. Bruce Barrett, MDT Billings District Manager [PHONE REDACTED] 3 – 8 years 6. Future Planning Ensure future transportation routes for increased development 1. Implement long range projects identified in the Transportation Plan 1. Planning & Community Services Department 1. Scott Walker, Transportation Planner [PHONE REDACTED] 3 – 8 years 62 ---PAGE BREAK--- BILLINGS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN ISSUES AND GOALS 61 Land Use Goal Actions Responsible Party Contact Time Frame 1. Commercial Nodes Reduce high intensity commercial development in residential areas 1. Develop a preferred future land use map 1. Planning & Community Services Department 1. Lora Mattox, Neighborhood Planner [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 2. Future Planning The development of preferred and appropriate land use 1. Complete Heights Neighborhood Plan 1. Planning & Community Services Department 1. Lora Mattox, Neighborhood Planner [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 3. Residential Development Encourage infill housing development 1. Develop a program of incentives to encourage infill 2. Identify programs through Community Development 1. Planning & Community Services Department 2. Public Works Department 3. Public Works Department 4. Community Services Department 1. Lora Mattox, Neighborhood Planner [PHONE REDACTED] 2. Al Towlerton, Deputy Public Works Director-Utilities Manager 406- 657-8310 3. Dave Mumford, Public Works Director [PHONE REDACTED] 4. Brenda Becket, Community Services Division Manager [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 4. County Islands To annex wholly surrounded county islands and provide city services 1. Identify county parcels 2. Develop program to annex these properties 3. Develop program to ensure theses properties are tied into city infrastructure 1. Planning & Community Services Department 2. Public Works Department 1. Candi Beaudry, Planning Division Manager [PHONE REDACTED] 2. Dave Mumford, Public Works Director [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 63 ---PAGE BREAK--- BILLINGS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN ISSUES AND GOALS 61 Community Facilities & Neighborhood Character Goal Actions Responsible Party Contact Time Frame 1. Library Facilities Provide library services to Heights residents 1. Develop a feasibility study for establishing a branch library in the Heights 1. Parmly Billings Library 2. Planning & Community Services Department 1. Bill Cochran, Parmly Library Director [PHONE REDACTED] 2. Lora Mattox, Neighborhood Planner [PHONE REDACTED] 3 – 8 years 2. Community Center Provide a community center facility to Heights residents 1. Develop communication network with local organizations 2. Develop a strategic plan to partner public and private organizations to provide a community facility 1. Billings Community Center 2. Fraternal and service organizations 3. Deaconess Billings Clinic 4. St. Vincent Healthcare 1. Gene Blackwell, Interim Parks, Recreation and Pubic Lands Director [PHONE REDACTED] 2. Fraternal and service organizations 3. Deaconess Billings Clinic [PHONE REDACTED] 4. St. Vincent Healthcare [PHONE REDACTED] 3 – 8 years 64 ---PAGE BREAK--- BILLINGS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN ISSUES AND GOALS 61 Housing Goal Actions Responsible Party Contact Time Frame 1. Urban Sprawl Encourage infill housing. Preserve and conserve resources. 1. Develop a program of incentives to encourage infill 2. Identify programs through Community Development 1. Planning & Community Services Department 2. Public Works Department 3. Public Works Department 4. Community Services Department 1. Lora Mattox, Neighborhood Planner [PHONE REDACTED] 2.Al Towlerton, Deputy Public Works Director-Utilities [PHONE REDACTED] 3. Dave Mumford, Public Works Director [PHONE REDACTED] 4. Brenda Becket, Community Services Division Manager [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 2. Future Planning Provide compatible development within existing residential neighborhoods 1. Implement preferred future land use map to guide future development and guide land use decisions 1. Planning & Community Services Department 1. Lora Mattox, Neighborhood Planner [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 65 ---PAGE BREAK--- BILLINGS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN ISSUES AND GOALS 61 Parks & Recreation Goal Actions Responsible Party Contact Time Frame 1. Park Amenities Provide a picnic shelter for park visitors for activities and events 1. Advance construction date of a picnic shelter in Castle Rock Park prior to 2009 1. City Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department 1. Gene Blackwell, City Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Interim Director [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 2. Park Safety To provide adequate signage for parks for pedestrian safety 1. Review current park signage 2. Develop a park directional sign system 1. City Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department 2. City Engineering Division 1. Gene Blackwell, City Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Interim Director [PHONE REDACTED] 2. Terry Smith, City Traffic Engineer [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 3. Trail Connections Create pedestrian/bike trail to link parks and recreation facilities together with neighborhoods 1. Implement the Heritage Trail Plan 1. Planning & Community Services Department 1. Darlene Tussing, Alternative Modes Coordinator [PHONE REDACTED] 3 – 8 years 4. Pool Additions and Improvements Provide pool recreational facilities to Heights residents and visitors 1. Improve existing pool facilities 2. Construct a family aquatic center 1. City Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department 1.Gene Blackwell, City Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Interim Director [PHONE REDACTED] 3 – 8 years 5. Lack of Recreational Facilities Provide a variety of recreational activities and facilities to Heights residents near an existing school site 1. Develop a multi-use recreational complex for baseball, softball, soccer and football 1. School District #2 2. City Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department 1. Rod Svee, Superintendent, School District #2 [PHONE REDACTED] 2.Gene Blackwell, City Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Interim Director [PHONE REDACTED] > 8 years 66 ---PAGE BREAK--- BILLINGS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN ISSUES AND GOALS 61 Schools and Education Goal Actions Responsible Party Contact Time Frame 1. Communication Increase communication between residents and School District #2 1. Request a representative from the School Board to attend the Heights Neighborhood Task Force Meetings 1. School District #2 Board Members 1.Rod Svee, Superintendent, School District #2 [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 2. School District Property Maintenance Maintain vacant school district property 1. Develop a maintenance program for vacant property 1. School District #2 1. Rod Svee, Superintendent, School District #2 [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 3. Overcrowding Provide adequate facilities to meet regulated education standards for students 1. Encourage School District #2 to hire and maintain a school facilities planner 2. Encourage the school district to actively participate in the planning process 1. School District #2 1. Rod Svee, Superintendent, School District #2 [PHONE REDACTED] 3 – 8 years 4. Education Offer students smaller learning centers and vocational opportunities 1. Develop a Freshman Academy in the Heights 2. Develop a Career Center in the Heights 1. School District #2 2. Montana State University College of Technology 1. Rod Svee, Superintendent, School District #2 [PHONE REDACTED] 2. John Cech, Dean, College of Technology >8 years 67 ---PAGE BREAK--- BILLINGS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN ISSUES AND GOALS 61 Economic Development Goal Actions Responsible Party Contact Time Frame 1. Lack of Organized Marketing of Business To form a Heights Business Group 1. Develop a current list of businesses in the Heights. 2. Develop a Heights Business District Directory 1. The Billings Area Chamber of Commerce 2. Heights Business Owners 1. Director, Billings Area Chamber of Commerce [PHONE REDACTED] 2. Heights Business Owners 1 – 3 years 2. Infrastructure/Fiber Optic Improvements Attract new businesses and corporations 1. Contact existing companies to ascertain future plans 1. The Billings Area Chamber of Commerce 2. Big Sky Economic Development Administration 1.Director, Billings Area Chamber of Commerce [PHONE REDACTED] 2. Executive Director, Big Sky Economic Development Administration [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 3. Access to Business in the Heights Provide easier physical access to businesses and services 1. Review access study completed by MT Dept of Transportation 1. Planning & Community Services Department 1. Scott Walker, Transportation Planner [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 4. Lack of Small and Medium Businesses Attract small and medium businesses to the Heights 1. Inventory vacant commercial buildings/lots and developing marketing brochure 1. The Billings Area Chamber of Commerce 2. Big Sky Economic Development Administration 1.Director, Billings Area Chamber of Commerce [PHONE REDACTED] 2. Executive Director, Big Sky Economic Development Administration [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 5. Main Street Aesthetics Provide aesthetically appealing business and streetscape development 1. Review and update the City site development code for landscaping. Update City sign code. Encourage more streetscape design into reconstruction projects 1. Planning & Community Services Department 2. Montana Department of Transportation 1.Nicole Cromwell, Zoning Coordinator [PHONE REDACTED] 2.Bruce Barrett, MDT Billings District Manager [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 6. Lack of Financial Incentives to Attract New Business Attract new businesses and corporation 1. Request the City to conduct a TIF feasibility study 1. City of Billings 1. City Administration [PHONE REDACTED] 3 – 8 years 68 ---PAGE BREAK--- BILLINGS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN ISSUES AND GOALS 61 Infrastructure Goal Actions Responsible Party Contact Time Frame 1. Public Health, Safety and Welfare To encourage water main service connectivity 1. Where feasible, require development to install water main service lines that create connectivity to new and existing development. 1. City Public Works Department 2. Billings Heights Water District 1.Al Towlerton, Deputy Public Works Director-Utilities [PHONE REDACTED] 2.Duke Nieskens, Billings Heights Water District Director [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 2. Infill Development To utilize existing infrastructure services 1. Develop incentive program to encourage infill development 1. Public Works Department 1.Al Towlerton, Deputy Public Works Director-Utilities [PHONE REDACTED] 1 – 3 years 69