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www.mmiplanning.com/butte/cb1.htm 1 Central Butte Neighborhood Steering Committee #5 October 25, 2010 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM MEETING NOTES Steering Committee Attendees: Jim Hope Ed Killgore Dan Steele Jim Shive Revonda Stordahl Sandra Johnson Barbara Miller Members not in attendance: Dave Fawcett John Metz Gary Jones Linda Foster Chris duToit Julie Tranmer Staff/Consultant Attendees: Steve Hess (staff) Anne Cossitt Jolene Rieck Guests: Jeff Williams (sub for Captain Doug Conway) Jan Nordlock Anne Cossitt began the steering committee meeting by discussing the project schedule. The meeting in November will be the final meeting of the steering committee. That meeting, the committee will need to provide comments on the draft plan. The group reviewed the revised vision statement. The following is the vision statement that the committee verbally committed to for the neighborhood plan: The Central Butte neighborhood planning area consists of five historic neighborhoods that are functioning in the 21st century. Demographically diverse, the neighborhoods have a sustainable mix of residential, business, educational and medical care uses. The area is the cornerstone of the National Historic Landmark District and gateway to Uptown Butte. Residential properties are safe, affordable and compatible with historic design; commercial properties are rehabilitated and occupied. The planning area’s neighborhoods have complete infrastructure including sidewalks, streets and quality outdoor spaces that contribute to a desirable quality of life for all. Anne reviewed the revised land use map. She revisited the concept of form-based zoning and how it may be more applicable to the Central Butte area than standard zoning. The committee generally commented that the mixed-use of the neighborhood was its historical context, and that it should continue into the future. However, the committee indicated that the heavy industrial uses should be removed from the land use map. Steve Hess commented that in the Butte-Silver Bow Growth Policy, it recommends that industrial is removed from the planning area. ---PAGE BREAK--- www.mmiplanning.com/butte/cb1.htm 2 The current zoning does not support the historical context of the planning area. The lots sizes and parking requirements do not lend themselves to development compatible with the neighborhood areas. The committee encourages the residential use of upper floors of buildings with street level commercial-retail. They also want to encourage the use of houses in commercial areas for residential, instead of converting them to retail establishments. The steering committee reviewed the goals presented at the last meeting. There was a goal that addresses the needs for solid waste containers. They felt that this was too specific to be a goal, and that it should be an objective instead. The committee suggested that the goal should read, “Reduce litter, refuse and hazards on properties.” One objective would be the goal referenced above. Significant discussion was about improving properties and the incentives to do so. The committee suggested that a major home improvement may provide a tax break for five years. One member discussed the need for “Incentivized Urban Homesteading.” The committee discussed the goal about the creation of a downtown business group to promote commercial property and to attract business. It was pointed out that this was the mission of the Main Street Uptown Butte organization, and that yet another group is not needed to fulfill this role. The committee reinforced the need to enforce the weeds and junk ordinances. They also discussed the need for disposal/recycling programs. Many indicated that residents living in this neighborhood do not have the vehicles or ability to haul away items like old appliances, so they end up in the street. The group discussed that need to prioritize street improvements by those streets in poor condition and high use. They indicated to apply for Safe Routes to School funding as an objective to accomplish that goal. Under housing, the committee discussed the acknowledgement of residential subsidence. They also discussed the poor quality in workmanship with compaction of new utilities and patching of asphalt, how this work tends to make the streets in worse condition than before the improvements. The committee also discussed the industrial uses. They indicated to make it a goal to “encourage” the industrial uses to relocate outside the neighborhood, and also indicated that these existing industries bring truck traffic that damages otherwise residential streets. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM.