HOA Completes Agreement for North 27th Ave Extension at Baxter Lane

December 2025

The West Winds Master Homeowners' Association Board of Directors has successfully completed negotiations and executed easement agreements with the City of Bozeman for the North 27th Avenue Extension project. A portion of the HOA's common open space at the Baxter Lane and North 27th Avenue intersection will accommodate new road infrastructure and a traffic signal, enhancing traffic flow and safety in our community.

NEW Traffic Signal Planned for Baxter Ln and N27th Ave

Example of Traffic Signal - Baxter Ln and Davis Ln Intersection

About the Project

The North 27th Avenue Extension (City Project No. 21231.10) is a significant road improvement initiative that will extend North 27th Avenue northward from Baxter Lane to Cattail Street (historically also called Thomas Drive). The 2026 project, designed by Morrison Maierle, will feature:

• A divided roadway with dedicated travel lanes in each direction

• A landscaped center median

• Shared-use paths (10 feet wide) on both sides of the N 27th Ave street (between Baxter and Cattail Street) for pedestrians and cyclists

• New street lighting and drainage improvements

• A new traffic signal at the North 27th Ave and Baxter Ln intersection

• A new 3-legged roundabout at the Cattail Street and North 27th Ave intersection

HOA's Role in the Project

West Winds HOA owns the Public Common Open Space Lot located at the corner of Baxter Lane and North 27th Avenue in Phases 2A & 2B (Plat J-445). This property is directly adjacent to where the new road extension and intersection improvements will be constructed, making our cooperation essential to the project's success.

The City of Bozeman, through Clear Route Real Estate, contacted the HOA to negotiate easements needed to accommodate sidewalk adjustments and associated infrastructure improvements at this intersection.

After careful review and deliberation, the Board of Directors formally approved the agreement through Resolution No. 20250623, adopted on June 23, 2025. The resolution authorized President Dodd Kitchener Walker Jr. to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the Association.

Easements Granted

The HOA granted two easements to facilitate the project:

Perpetual Public Street and Utility Easement

This permanent easement covers approximately 123 square feet (0.003 acres) of HOA common area property, allowing for public street and utility infrastructure.

Temporary Construction Easement

This two-year easement covers approximately 350 square feet (0.008 acres), providing the City and its contractors temporary access for construction activities. Upon project completion, the City is obligated to restore the affected areas, including any underground irrigation systems, to their original condition as nearly as practical.

Compensation and Terms

The City of Bozeman will compensate the Association $850.00 for the easements, as determined by an independent waiver valuation conducted by Clear Route Real Estate. The valuation was based on comparable property sales and industry-standard practices for easement compensation.

Key protections included in the agreements:

• The City will coordinate construction activities around existing underground irrigation on HOA property

• Any impacted irrigation systems will be restored upon project completion

• The temporary construction easement automatically expires two years after construction begins

• The Association will receive recorded copies of all easements for our permanent records

Board Diligence

Throughout this process, the Board ensured proper governance procedures were followed:

1. Initial Review: The Board reviewed project documentation, including pre-design plans, property valuations, and proposed easement terms

2. Legal Review: HOA legal counsel at Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry & Hoven (BKBH) reviewed all documents and confirmed they were acceptable for execution

3. Board Resolution: A formal resolution was adopted authorizing execution of the agreements

4. Document Execution: On November 12, 2025, President Dodd Kitchener Walker Jr. and Secretary Amanda J. Arnold executed the Right-of-Way Agreement, Public Street and Utility Easement, and Temporary Construction Easement

5. Notarization: All documents were properly notarized by Anthony J. Gaddo

6. City Processing: Documents have been submitted to the City of Bozeman for final approval and recording

Looking Ahead

The new traffic signal and road improvements at Baxter Lane and North 27th Avenue will provide safer, more efficient traffic management at this busy intersection, benefiting West Winds residents and the broader community. The North 27th Avenue Extension represents continued growth and infrastructure investment in our area of Bozeman.

The Board will continue to monitor the project and communicate any updates that may affect residents, particularly those living near the Baxter Lane/N 27th Avenue intersection during construction. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our homeowners as this important infrastructure project moves forward.

If you have questions about the project, please contact the HOA Board of Directors.

Directors & Officers

Kitch Walker, President (3YR Term - elected in Jan 2023)

Linda Racicot, Treasurer (3YR Term - elected in Feb 2024)

Mandee Arnold, Secretary (3YR Term - elected in Feb 2024)

Officers

John Stelly, Vice President

Dillon Fatouros, Assistant Secretary

The Board of Directors & Officers

West Winds Master Homeowners’ Association, Inc.