![]() “A new park will be a great complement to our programs and benefit youth and their families all across the community. ![]() #STORYMILL 4 REVIEW PROFESSIONAL#“As a neighbor to the Story Mill property, we are very excited by The Trust for Public Land’s efforts to revitalize the site,” said Jeanne Quinn-Bucher, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Montana. The Trust for Public Land is also exploring the potential for private redevelopment on the site of the former Bridger View Trailer Park, including affordable residential housing. The public funds would be matched by private donations for park development and improvements. The city of Bozeman is setting up a process to review applications for acquisitions through the bond, and the Story Mill project could be one of the earlier projects considered for a portion of these funds. ![]() “Not only could it help the water quality and habitat of the East Gallatin River – a blue ribbon fishery – it could provide exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities, help us connect trails for transportation and recreation on the north end of Bozeman, and provide an important nexus in Bozeman’s park system and ‘Main Street to the Mountains’ trail system.”Įarlier this year, Bozeman voters overwhelmingly approved a $15 million Parks and Trails Bond to be used for acquiring land for parks, trails, waterways, and recreation. “This is an incredible opportunity for our community,” said Penelope Pierce, Executive Director of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust. The property includes the Story Mill Spur Trail, which connects downtown Bozeman to north-side destinations like the East Gallatin Recreation Area, and will someday link to the “M” and Drinking Horse Mountain trails. “The Story Mill wetlands will filter pollutants before they get to the East Gallatin and directly reduce the amount of fine sediments in the river.” We have been looking for wetlands projects that would result in real, direct improvements in water quality,” said Patrick Byorth, Vice-Chair, Greater Gallatin Watershed Council. “The Greater Gallatin Watershed Council (GGWC) is excited to be a part of the Story Mill project. This is unlike anything currently offered within the city and has the potential to become a flagship destination for Bozeman.” All of this occurs on 61 acres within city limits. “ When I look at this property, I see enhancement of trail corridors, stream and water quality protection of two major tributaries of the East Gallatin River, protection of a significant urban wetland property, and a great opportunity for environmental education. “I am so impressed with the vision from The Trust for Public Land regarding the Story Mill property,” said Mitch Overton, City Parks and Recreation Director. Two railroad lines ran near it and the land also contained a cattle stockyard and slaughterhouse. The property is just west of the old Story Mill, which was founded in 1885 by Nelson Story and once the city’s largest employer. While the Bank had several opportunities to sell the site to others, in pieces, the plan they presented to us was the only one that maximizes the value of the property for the community.” We are very pleased to have entered into this agreement with The Trust for Public Land. “Over the last two years the Bank has spent a good deal of time and resources cleaning up what had become a blight on the community. “American Bank is excited about this transaction and what it offers the Bozeman community,” said the Bank’s president, Gordon Johnson. ![]() We’re stepping in so the community can have an opportunity to decide its future.” “This is one of the largest and most sensitive pieces of open land in the city. “We are excited to work with the community to protect this wonderful place,” said Deb Love, Northern Rockies Director of The Trust for Public Land. The purchase by the Trust for Public Land offers the opportunity to transform the Story Mill property into a showcase park to the benefit of the community. – The Trust for Public Land announced today they have secured an option from American Bank to purchase a 61-acre property near the old Story Mill in the northeast section of Bozeman and hopes to eventually sell it to the City for the creation of a new park.įive years ago, the land was planned for a large development of 1,200 residences along with commercial development, but those plans collapsed into bankruptcy in the economic recession and American Bank foreclosed on the property. ![]()
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