BOZEMAN – For the first time in history, Bozeman is looking at updating it Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD) and reevaluating its neighborhoods.
In 1991, Bozeman created the NCOD by outlining the city boundaries and historic districts to conserve neighborhood character and protect historic properties. However, the city says because of all of the change the city has seen over the years the NCOD needs to be updated.
"Bozeman was very different in that time period. The boundaries reflect the 1957 Census boundary. So as those things have changed and evolved, we are looking to see where we can make different, make the programs more effective,” said Bozeman Historic Preservation Specialist Phillipe Gonzalez.
The city started to review in 2015 and now has hired BendonAdams and Orion Planning + Design to finish that process. After a two week comprehensive review of the entire city, the consultants will make recommendations for planning, development, and conservation.
"I guess there are kinda two parallel ways. One of them is making actual alterations to the actual physical boundary and also the mechanisms or guidelines that are put into effect within that boundary,” said Gonzalez.
After the review is complete, the consultants will present their findings to commissioners who will have the final say.
"I think the mechanisms to preserve and to allow for development need to change regardless. We have different expectations; we have different growth rates now than we did in 1991. So those programs which we implement within this office need to be reevaluated,” said Gonzalez.
How will Bozeman’s 10 historic districts and 45 contributing properties will be affected? We will just have to see. The review will last from July 13-24. The city says community feedback and participation are crucial to reevaluating the NCOD correctly.
There will be numerous historic tours and group meetings throughout the two weeks that are free and open to the public.
